WHX Tech to debut in Dubai as digital health gains momentum in the Middle East
The global healthcare sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the urgent need for scalable, tech-enabled solutions.
What was once a long-term ambition, the integration of technology across systems and services has become an immediate priority. From policy to practice, digital health is no longer optional. It's here, it's accelerating and the time for implementation is now.
Nowhere is this momentum more visible than in the Middle East and North Africa.
Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are investing heavily in next-generation healthcare infrastructure. From AI-powered diagnostics and smart hospitals to digital patient records and virtual care platforms, the MENA region is fast becoming a key player for healthtech innovation.
In the UAE alone, landmark initiatives such as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, the introduction of Malaffi – the first health information exchange platform in the middle East and the deployment of advanced robotics and telemedicine solutions highlight a clear commitment to building a future-ready healthcare system. Saudi Arabia's Health Sector Transformation Programme, part of Vision 2030, is similarly redefining delivery models at national scale.
This growing ecosystem of investment, policy support and private-sector innovation is precisely why we're launching WHX Tech in Dubai from 8–10 September 2025 a groundbreaking event designed to accelerate digital health adoption, cross-border partnerships and bring the most advanced, transformative technologies to the forefront.
Solenne Singer is senior vice president, Informa Markets.
WHX is no stranger to building world-class events in Dubai, with its flagship, WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health), having welcomed the global healthcare community since 1975. Organised by the same team behind WHX Dubai, WHX Tech is set to follow a similar trajectory bringing together innovators, investors, healthcare leaders and policymakers to shape the future of digital health.
With more than 300 exhibitors and 5,000+ health tech leaders expected to attend, WHX Tech isn't just another trade show. It's a curated platform built to accelerate collaboration among startups, investors, regulators, and global healthcare operators.
Why Dubai?
Building on the legacy of launching world-class healthcare events in Dubai, choosing the city as the launchpad for WHX Tech was a natural decision.
Dubai is already a global crossroads for business and innovation and increasingly for health. With its advanced digital infrastructure, innovation-friendly policies, and unmatched connectivity to global markets; Dubai provides the ideal environment to support new models of care.
Government-led initiatives, such as the Dubai Health Strategy 2026 and Dubai Future Foundation's sandbox for healthcare innovation, further reinforce the city's ambition to lead, not follow.
WHX Tech is here to reflect and amplify that ambition.
Our three core stages, World X, Future X
,
and Xcelerate will showcase everything from real-world smart hospital implementations to the most promising biotech and AI startups shaping the next 20 years of health.
As a platform built for innovation, WHX Tech is committed to accelerating the startups driving healthcare transformation. The Xcelerate Zone, featuring its own dedicated startup stage, will host the region's largest digital health startup competition offering a $50,000 prize fund and the opportunity for early-stage ventures to pitch directly to global investors. Beyond the competition, startups will gain access to curated networking, expert feedback, and connections that can unlock funding, partnerships, and commercial growth.
Hosting Xcelerate in Dubai, a global hub for entrepreneurship, healthcare investment, and cross-border expansion gives startups an unparalleled platform to scale their impact across the Middle East and beyond.
What sets WHX Tech apart isn't just its scale, but its purpose. We've assembled a world-class advisory board featuring industry leaders including Dr David Rhew (Microsoft), Dr James Mault (BioIntelliSense), Dr Myriam Fernandez (AWS), Dr Tamara Sunbul, ReenitaDas (Frost & Sullivan) and Dr Sam Shah (NEOM), to ensure the event stays grounded in outcomes and global best practice.
The time is now
As technologies evolve, so must the ways we connect, collaborate and drive change. WHX Tech emerges at a time when healthcare systems worldwide are grappling with questions of access, ethics, regulation, and data interoperability. Through live demos, immersive content, and expert-led panels, the event will tackle these challenges head-on, while opening doors for meaningful collaboration across borders.
WHX is where innovation comes to life, turning innovation into impact to benefit the healthcare systems that support both the people who deliver care and those who depend on it. It's where policymakers shape the future of regulation, startups bring breakthrough technologies to market, and investors back solutions that will transform health systems. At WHX Tech, global ambition meets regional opportunity and the future of healthcare becomes reality.
The future of healthcare will be defined at WHX Tech and we invite you to be part of the movement.
Join us at WHX Tech and become part of the digital healthcare revolution.
Solenne Singer is senior vice president, Informa Markets.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
27 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi's ADGM sees major Q1 2025 growth as global firms, fund managers flock to UAE
Abu Dhabi's ADGM reported a 43 per cent growth in operational entities and 33 per cent rise in assets under management as the financial centre expands its global footprint. ADGM kicked off 2025 with exceptional momentum — cementing its position as one of the world's fastest-growing and most dynamic financial jurisdictions. It means another quarter of robust growth and increased global recognition, sustaining momentum from a record-breaking 2024. ADGM Abu Dhabi Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said: 'ADGM's Q1 2025 performance marks the beginning of another landmark year. This is not just a reflection of ADGM's capabilities to deliver sustained growth, but also the trust it has gained among global and regional institutions, boosting Abu Dhabi's status as a global financial and innovation hub. 'As the world's safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management, ADGM continues to expand and diversify with purpose, welcoming leading firms, deepening international partnerships, and driving digital and sustainable transformation across sectors. 'ADGM remains committed to contributing towards capital formation and innovation in alignment with the UAE's long-term economic vision.' In Q1 2025, ADGM saw: 43 per cent increase in operational entities (now totalling 2,781) 33 per cent growth in assets under management (AUM) 67 per cent surge in newly issued licences 17 per cent workforce growth on Al Maryah Island 1,100+ businesses established on expanded Al Reem Island jurisdiction The asset management sector was a key indicator of ADGM's growth last year. During Q1 2025, assets under management (AUM) grew 33 per cent compared to Q1 2024. At the end of Q1 2025, 119 asset and fund managers managed a total of 184 funds out of ADGM. As of Q1 2025, the total number of operational entities in ADGM in Abu Dhabi increased 43 per cent to 2,781, from the same period a year earlier, while the number of financial services entities increased to 367, indicating a 26 per cent growth from Q1 2024. ADGM continued to attract a diverse set of global firms seeking to tap Abu Dhabi's unique financial and regulatory infrastructure. The number of new licences grew in Q1 2025, representing an increase of 67 per cent from Q1 2024. Notable firms establishing a presence during this period include: Skadden Investindustrial NewVest Arcapita Polen Capital Seviora Olive Gaea TON Aquila Group One of ADGM's strategic focuses under the 'Capital of Capital' concept has been human capital. Efforts towards this have resulted in the workforce on Al Maryah Island surging to more than 29,000 individuals, a 17 per cent growth compared to the same quarter last year. Furthermore, a total of 3,509 new ADGM work permits have been issued to businesses establishing on Al Reem Island. In line with its focus on human capital, ADGM also introduced new Employment Regulations, aimed at enhancing workplace protections while preserving business agility. The updated regulations strengthen ADGM's appeal as a global talent hub and reinforce its position as a forward-looking jurisdiction committed to inclusive, sustainable economic growth. During Q1 2025, ADGM completed its jurisdictional expansion to Al Reem Island, which delivered strong results. By Q1 2025, over 600 new businesses had set up on Al Reem Island, and more than 500 existing Al Reem-based companies had migrated to an ADGM licence. Currently, a total of 1,100 new entities operate within ADGM's expanded jurisdiction. In January, ADGM introduced a revised fee schedule, reducing commercial licence costs by 50 per cent or more for non-financial and retail businesses, further supporting SME growth and diversification in Abu Dhabi. The new structure simplifies the previous tiered model and sets a flat licence fee of AED1,000 ($272), making it significantly more accessible for entrepreneurs and SMEs to establish and scale their operations within ADGM's jurisdiction. In March, ADGM signed an MoU with Chainlink, the industry standard for onchain finance. The partnership will enable the development of compliant tokenisation frameworks by leveraging Chainlink's infrastructure and expertise. Additionally, ADGM welcomed Stacks Asia and Bitgrit to its ecosystem in Q1 2025, which will leverage ADGM's world-leading Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundations framework. ADGM officially launched its all-in-one mobile application to enhance the digital experience for businesses, employees, and residents in Q1 2025. It also introduced a groundbreaking digital platform for real estate transactions, enabling fully virtual sell-and-purchase workflows involving buyers, sellers, and financial institutions—a regional first that reflects ADGM's commitment to tech-driven transformation. During Q1 2025, ADGM Academy successfully created 800 job placement opportunities for UAE nationals across nine specialised tracks. These efforts were supported by 23 internationally recognised upskilling and reskilling certifications. ADGM Academy signed two strategic agreements, including one with Arab Youth to collaborate on empowering Arab youth and driving innovation in the technology sector. The Academy also partnered with the Federal Tax Authority to deliver targeted training programmes aligned with the national agenda.
Khaleej Times
35 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
'We sleep much better': Why Zayed Sustainability Prize winner lit up remote Africa
Spending the first five years of her life in the turmoil of Lebanon's civil war in the early 1980s, Angela Homsi remembers a world without electricity and basic luxuries. That memory shaped her mission to bring clean, sustainable energy to underserved communities, especially in Africa. Now, over four decades later, Homsi is leading Ignite Power, a renewable energy company she co-founded, from a new global headquarters in Abu Dhabi. 'We cannot be more excited by this latest development,' Homsi, winner of the 2024 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Energy category, told Khaleej Times. 'There's no nation out there in the world more aligned with what we want to do and achieve with our impacts than the UAE.' Ignite Power provides solar-powered electricity and internet to some of Africa's most remote communities. The company currently operates in 15 countries and is aiming to reach 100 million people over the next five years. 'We're on a very high growth path, and the UAE is really at the centre of 2.5 to 3 billion people. It's a very strategic location for logistics, economic power, and influence.' Lighting up lives The impact of Ignite's work is far-reaching. In rural Rwanda, the arrival of solar home systems has transformed daily life for families. 'Now, with the lights, we sleep much better,' said Mukande Qwe, a mother of three in Gisagara. 'We used to sleep with the cows before because it wasn't safe to leave them outside due to the many thefts after dark. Now, thanks to the light, we keep them outside, and everybody has more room to sleep comfortably.' Beneficiaries across the country echoed similar stories of transformation. Nakabonye Daforosa, a 70-year-old resident of Rulindo, said: 'My granddaughter is able to do her homework after dark and is getting higher grades. The radio helps me stay updated… the solar torch allows me to walk outside after dark.' Odetta Musabyimana, 58, lives alone in Gisagara. 'I feel much safer with the lights on… I also save 100 francs a month since I don't have to buy petrol anymore. I have time to make mattresses, giving them to neighbours and friends who cannot afford to buy one.' Other households have seen a boost in agricultural output and income. 'Before we had light, we sold 20kg of beans and 30kg of maize, and now we are selling 40kg of beans and 60kg of maize,' said Tasiana Irikunze, a mother of two from Kabunjwiri village. 'When we didn't have light, we lost crops due to rotting. Now we have more time to process them.' Solar-powered irrigation has also made a difference. 'We used to sell 200kg, and now it is 500kg,' said Mukamparaye Jeanne from Kivomo. 'Before, we used a generator and petrol to fuel it, 5L per day… extremely expensive and not even half as beneficial.' For Nsabimana Deogen, a farmer and mother in Rulindo, the benefits are personal and financial. 'With proper light, I can cook clean food, and my family's health has gotten much better for it. The light has given my children time to study and do their homework, their grades are rising, and they have much higher motivation to succeed.' Homsi, now 44, was born in Lebanon in 1980 and moved to Cairo at age five. She later lived in Europe and pursued a career in investment, working with Goldman Sachs and Generation Investment Management, the sustainability fund chaired by former US Vice President Al Gore. 'I always wanted to make an impact on the wider continent,' she said. 'To do something that will change the direction of Africa and the Middle East.' Ignite began not as a company, but as a white paper. 'Most countries in Africa only had around 20 per cent of their population with access to electricity,' Homsi explained. 'Eighty percent were using kerosene lamps, damaging to health, education, and economic development.' The first project was launched in Rwanda after Homsi and her team presented a vision to the country's president. 'We supported writing a proper socio-economic feasibility study on how Rwanda could become the first fully connected country in Africa.' Growth through Abu Dhabi Since receiving the Zayed Sustainability Prize, Homsi said Ignite has grown eightfold. 'That's huge. Above and beyond our own expectation,' she said. The award helped raise visibility and credibility. 'We've always had our head on the ground, making sure every single dollar goes to the deepest possible impact." "The prize helped us tell our story.' One of the company's most promising initiatives is the solar-plus-internet deployment in schools. 'We deployed the first 30 schools right after the prize,' she said. 'That pilot is now shaping the way for the next 10,000 schools in multiple countries.' Homsi believes Abu Dhabi offers the infrastructure and values to support the firm's ambitious growth. 'We've already incorporated in the UAE, finalised office spaces, and started hiring. The office will host our senior management, R&D, business development, procurement, and public affairs roles — functions that cover multi-country operations.' She also plans to deepen ties with UAE universities. 'I dedicate a large amount of my time to education, advocacy, teaching… we need more youth to be inspired, to take over the flame, and carry on the mission.' For Homsi, impact and scale go hand in hand. 'You cannot scale the amount of people you will impact… if you cannot scale your business. It has to be a strong business that attracts top talent and achieves deep, lasting change,' she concluded.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Shookra Clinics launches in Dubai, ushering in new era of high-tech regenerative aesthetics
Dubai's wellness sector has welcomed a major innovation with the launch of Shookra Clinics, a state-of-the-art regenerative aesthetics and longevity center that blends biotechnology, precision diagnostics, and advanced cellular therapies. Touted as a first-of-its-kind concept in the region, Shookra Clinics introduces a 4-phase medical protocol that leverages AI-powered diagnostics, stem cell-based treatments, and personalised longevity programmes — placing it at the intersection of healthtech, aesthetics, and preventative medicine. The clinic's protocol begins with in-depth testing — including AI-based skin, hair, and scalp scans, genetic and bloodwork profiling, and biological age assessments — to create an individualised treatment roadmap. Subsequent phases integrate cutting-edge procedures like stem cell infusions, exosome therapy, PRP, mesotherapy, and energy-based technologies such as Morpheus8 and fractional lasers. Unlike traditional aesthetic offerings focused on surface-level results, Shookra's data-led model is built for measurable transformation and long-term biological optimisation. "This is a protocol-based, diagnostic-first system designed to rejuvenate from the inside out," said a clinic spokesperson. "It reflects the future of wellness - personalised, preventative, and regenerative." Operating on an exclusive membership model, each Shookra client receives dedicated support through a medical supervisor and concierge advisor. AI-driven dashboards track progress quarterly, adjusting skincare and supplement plans based on ongoing diagnostics. This long-term approach emphasises biological resilience and internal rejuvenation, not just external enhancement. With investment from Terra-Invest and a business strategy focused on high-margin, loyalty-based care, Shookra is already preparing for regional expansion — with new branches planned across the UAE and Saudi Arabia in response to growing demand for regenerative healthcare among affluent consumers. Shookra's launch comes as the Middle East's wellness market undergoes rapid evolution. According to MEA Wellness Market Reports, the regional aesthetic and longevity sector is projected to exceed $5.4 billion by 2030. Shookra's blend of advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment pathways, and a scalable infrastructure position it to capitalise on this growth - offering a next-generation solution for consumers seeking proactive, data-informed wellness. With further plans to integrate with AI wellness platforms and roll out biologically tailored product lines, Shookra aims to set a new global benchmark in aesthetic medicine - not just offering services but creating a full operating system for aging well.
