Al Shifaa Summit Set for Second Edition in Abu Dhabi Focuses on Tradition, Science and AI in Integrative Medicine
Overview
The Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine, an initiative of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, will return for its second edition from 20 to 22 October 2026 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, taking place alongside the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026.
Programme Components
Over three days the summit will bring together experts, practitioners, researchers and innovators from the UAE and abroad to discuss developments shaping integrative medicine under the theme “Tradition, Science and the Future of Integrative Medicine”.
The programme features an interactive exhibition divided into three zones – Traditional Knowledge, Scientific Foundations and Building the Integrative Medicine Ecosystem – which traces the path from documenting practices to research, evaluation and the creation of evidence‑based approaches.
The Exchange Hub will host sessions and open discussions covering regulation and quality, clinical evidence and research, education, innovation, scientific foundations and traditional knowledge, while also exploring collaboration opportunities among stakeholders.
The Pledge Zone invites visitors to choose a pledge that reflects their understanding of integrative medicine and to contribute through a digital experience inspired by the aflaj irrigation system, illustrating how knowledge and expertise can unite to build a shared future for the field.
Participants and Discussions
Academic, research and healthcare institutions taking part include UAE University, Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine, NYU Abu Dhabi, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NICM Health Research Institute, Dubai Medical University and the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health, together with policymakers, healthcare leaders, practitioners, researchers, academics and industry representatives.
Panel sessions will cover “Regulation in Action: Ensuring Quality and Accountability in Integrative Medicine Practice”, examining how regulation can strengthen standards of care, and “Defining the Evidence Standard in IM: A Global Health Perspective”, featuring experts from the World Health Organization and UAE health authorities.
Additional discussions will address innovation and artificial intelligence, education and training, scientific research, and the documentation and evaluation of traditional knowledge to inform evidence‑based practices.
Council Leadership Remarks
Safeya Abdulazeez Al Maqtari, Acting Secretary General of the UAE Integrative Medicine Council, said: “The UAE Integrative Medicine Council continues to develop the integrative medicine ecosystem in the UAE by supporting governance and regulation, and strengthening research and evaluation. This work recognises the diversity of traditional and complementary practices and their integration with conventional medicine to support a more holistic approach to healthcare.”
She added: “Al Shifaa Summit brings this expertise and experience together in one space, providing a platform for broader dialogue on the future of integrative medicine. It supports the UAE’s efforts to build a comprehensive and responsible model for the field, with an impact that extends beyond the Summit through partnerships and knowledge exchange.”
