Dubai Health Strengthens Strategic Partnerships at WHX Tech

Dubai Health has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the non-profit research and development organization Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) at World Health Expo Dubai (WHX).

The agreement was signed by Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Dr. Luis Pizarro, Executive Director of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), in the presence of His Excellency Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, and Thi Hanh Cao, Director of External Relations at DNDi.

The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration in medical education, research, and clinical training, with a shared goal of improving health outcomes for underserved populations affected by neglected infectious diseases. It brings together DNDi’s global expertise in needs‑driven drug discovery and development and Dubai Health’s integrated academic health system to support research and capacity‑building across priority global health areas.

Under the agreement, students from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health will take part in DNDi‑led programs, including fieldwork and clinical research activities in Africa and Asia. These programs provide hands‑on exposure to patients affected by neglected diseases and to the full spectrum of drug discovery, development and public health delivery. DNDi experts will also contribute to MBRU academic programs, supporting two‑way academic and professional exchange.

The collaboration will begin with joint research scoping to identify priority projects. It will involve active faculty engagement through guest lectures, curriculum development, student co‑supervision, joint grant applications, and collaborative research publications.

The partnership will also encompass collaboration in drug discovery, clinical trials, regulatory science, and public health policy, with a particular focus on viral diseases, pandemic preparedness, and fungal infections. In addition, it will support joint initiatives in the application of artificial intelligence to health research, as well as the co‑organization of scientific conferences and workshops and the dissemination of knowledge on key global health challenges.

Dr. Luis Pizarro, said: “Neglected diseases disproportionately affect the world’s most vulnerable populations and are often overlooked by traditional research models. Through this partnership with Dubai Health, we aim to advance scientific progress while helping train the next generation of global health leaders to deliver more equitable health solutions.”

Dr. Hanan AlSuwaidi, said: “This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in how we prepare our students and researchers to engage with the world’s most pressing and complex health challenges. By partnering with DNDi, we are giving our learners direct access to real-world drug development, clinical research, and global health practice. It reflects our commitment to advancing health for humanity by ensuring that care, learning, discovery, and giving are driven by purpose and real-world impact.”

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, emphasised the importance of partnerships with leading academic health systems driven by scientific research and medical education to advance healthcare, elevate quality of care, strengthen patient safety standards, and build medical talent.
His Highness made these remarks during a meeting held on the sidelines of the World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai 2026, with Dr. Omar Lateef, President and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center, one of the world’s leading academic health systems. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, and His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Rush University System for Health is ranked among the leading healthcare systems in the United States for quality, patient experience, and safety. It has received high ratings from patient safety regulators and is recognised for excellence across several medical specialties, including orthopedics, neurology, and cardiology.
One of the world’s leading healthcare exhibitions, WHX Dubai 2026 is taking place from 9 – 12 February at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC).

Dubai Health has announced its participation in the World Health Expo Tech (WHX Tech 2025), taking place in Dubai from September 8 to 10 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event serves as a global platform to showcase the latest innovations and smart technologies in digital healthcare.

Organized by Informa Markets and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health, Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Health Services, and the Nabidh Platform, the event is also presented in partnership with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and in collaboration with KLAS Research, a company specializing in healthcare information technology.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: “The launch of WHX Tech 2025 in Dubai reinforces the city’s role in the global healthcare landscape. By taking part in the inaugural edition, Dubai Health reaffirms its commitment to supporting international efforts to accelerate the adoption of innovation across the sector.”

He added: “At Dubai Health, we are driving digital transformation through flagship projects and initiatives designed to elevate the patient journey and introduce AI-driven care solutions.”

Atif Albraiki, Chief Digital and AI Officer at Dubai Health, said: “Our participation at WHX Tech 2025 is an opportunity to showcase a diverse portfolio of innovative projects that reflect Dubai Health’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation in healthcare. Among them are initiatives being unveiled for the first time, including the AI-supported virtual reality interventions, generative use of AI in the clinical documentation platform ‘Salama’, a virtual intensive care unit,  an agentic AI use case leveraging UiPath,  Al Jalila Foundation’s Smart Tap & Go donation kiosk, and a remote monitoring system for patients with chronic conditions, ‘Hospital Beyond Walls’.”

He added: “The exhibition will feature panel discussions and workshops, highlighting key digital projects that leverage artificial intelligence and wearable technologies within our healthcare system, supporting our shift toward proactive care that meets the evolving needs of our community.”

Alongside the new projects, Dubai Health will also present ongoing initiatives across its system, including the OBIX Data Systems, Dubai Health’s AI Literacy Program (ALiF), the Patient Journey Mapping Project, and smartwatch testing for blood pressure measurement, all of which have played a key role in enhancing patient experiences and care delivery.

The event will bring together more than 5,000 healthcare leaders and decision-makers, 200 speakers, and 300 brands from 30 countries to highlight AI advancements across the healthcare sector, interoperability, digital transformation and investment in health technology.

Dubai Health announced its participation in World Health Expo Dubai 2026 (WHX), where it will highlight the power of integrating care, learning, discovery, and giving to advance health for humanity. 

Through its participation, Dubai Health will demonstrate its evolution as an integrated academic health system, alongside the role of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, in developing talent and advancing medical education and scientific research. Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, will highlight the role of philanthropy in supporting healthcare.

At the stand, Dubai Health will offer immersive experiences for participants, featuring expert-led discussions and presentations on healthcare innovation, patient safety, digital transformation, and organ donation, among other topics, alongside a selection of research and clinical studies.

Organized by Informa Markets, WHX Dubai 2026 is a leading global platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in healthcare. The exhibition will take place from 9 to 12 February at Expo City Dubai, bringing together more than 4,800 exhibitors from over 180 countries, as well as international experts and thought leaders from across the sector.

Expanding Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health, and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “WHX Dubai 2026 provides a platform for Dubai Health to demonstrate the power of integration, bringing together care, learning, discovery, and giving. The exhibition also offers an opportunity to share global best practices in healthcare, with the participation of Dubai Health scientists and experts, while enabling dialogue and knowledge exchange with leading healthcare leaders from around the world.”
She noted that, during the exhibition, Dubai Health will expand its strategic partnerships with academic, research, and international partners through the signing of several memoranda of understanding. She added that Dubai Health will also highlight its academic and clinical partnerships, along with key international accreditations that reflect its commitment to meeting the highest global standards.

Reimagining the Patient Experience
Khalifa Baqer, Chief Operations Officer at Dubai Health, said: “Our participation in WHX Dubai 2026 highlights Dubai Health’s power of integration and its role in elevating the patient experience. This includes initiatives designed to improve access to care, alongside programs that encourage community involvement in shaping healthcare services and future development plans.”
He added: “As part of our commitment to social responsibility, a blood donation bus will be stationed at the exhibition throughout the event, offering visitors and participants the opportunity to donate blood and contribute to the wider community.”
Gala Dinner
Alongside the exhibition, Dubai Health Authority will host a private gala dinner in partnership with Dubai Health and Informa Markets, celebrating the Year of Family 2026 and recognizing the essential role families play in supporting healthcare professionals throughout their professional journeys.