Dubai to host 21st World Diabetes Congress

With over 12,000 delegates and 500 invited speakers set to participate, the congress will be one of the largest international congresses ever held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and will bring many of the world's leading experts on diabetes to the country. This is highly significant to a region that suffers the highest diabetes rates in the world.

The UAE is hit particularly hard by diabetes. At 19.5%, the country has diabetes prevalence rates that are second only to the Pacific Island of Nauru. The decision to hold the World Diabetes Congress in Dubai serves to increase awareness and promote national polices for the prevention, care and treatment of diabetes.

Dubai was selected to host the Congress following a competitive international process. The bid to host the congress was led by Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DoHMS), Dubai Convention Bureau, and Dubai Healthcare City, part of Tatweer.

"DWTC is proud to support Dubai in its efforts to bring together so many leading experts to discuss this critical challenge to global health. A congress of this magnitude provides an important opportunity for the exchange of knowledge among industry professionals, doctors, and scientists," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

Diabetes is a serious global health threat that is increasing at epidemic rates and affecting all countries. Today, more than 246 million people worldwide live with the disease. According to recent data from the International Diabetes Federation's Diabetes Atlas, 3rd edition, 19.5% of the UAE population suffers from diabetes, while Saudi Arabia (16.7%), Bahrain (15.2%), and Kuwait (14.4%) are also experiencing high rates.

Each year 7 million people develop diabetes. By 2025, it is expected that 380 million people will be living with the disease worldwide. Diabetes is deadly. It kills almost 4 million people each year - one person every 10 seconds.

"Tackling diabetes is a strategic priority for DoHMS and the presence of the World Diabetes Congress in Dubai will offer an essential opportunity to provide local medical practitioners with access to the latest thinking and research," said Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of the Department of Health & Medical Services (DoHMS).

"Experts agree that co-ordinated action between healthcare organisations is essential if we are to stem the rising tide of diabetes. The successful co-operation that has brought this Congress to Dubai is an excellent example of how, working together, we can achieve major results," said Dr Muhadditha al Hashimi CEO of Dubai Healthcare City, a member of Tatweer.

The decision to bring the Congress to Dubai reflects the city's growing importance as a hub for medical meetings and conferences, with more global groups looking to host events in the Emirates because of its advanced infrastructure, world-class hotels, public safety record and wide range of attractions.

Earlier this year, DoHMS and DWTC signed an innovative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to help doctors attract medical conferences and congresses to Dubai. The agreement prioritises events that deal with healthcare issues that have a direct impact on the lives of people in the Middle East, such as diabetes.