Future Health Summit 2026 focuses on predicting diseases before symptoms appear

High-level attendance and exhibition tour

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, attended the opening ceremony at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Organised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the event runs until 22 October and brings together healthcare experts, researchers, government officials and investors from around the world.

Under the theme “To Sense is to Predict,” the summit examines how technology and medical data can help doctors identify health risks earlier and provide treatment before conditions become more serious.

Cutting-edge technologies on display

During a tour of the exhibition, Sheikh Theyab explored several healthcare technologies, including AI-powered medical tools, genetic testing, advanced diagnostic systems and personalised treatments. He was briefed on how these technologies enable healthcare professionals to detect potential health problems earlier and develop treatments tailored to patients’ individual needs.

Sheikh Theyab emphasised the importance of leveraging scientific research, medical data and AI to improve healthcare services and strengthen disease prevention. He also stressed the need for international cooperation in developing new medical technologies and making them accessible to patients.

Vision for preventive healthcare

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the emirate is working towards a healthcare system that focuses on preventing diseases rather than only treating patients after they become ill. He explained that medical data and technology can help doctors better understand health risks and provide earlier treatment.

The summit aims to bring together researchers, healthcare providers and investors to convert new medical discoveries into treatments and technologies that can be used in hospitals and clinics. Discussions are centred on four main areas: longer and healthier lives, healthcare system sustainability, digital health and AI, and investment in medical research. Experts will also examine how healthcare systems can use technology to improve services and respond to future challenges.

Building on existing initiatives

The summit builds on several existing healthcare initiatives in Abu Dhabi, including Malaffi, the emirate’s health information exchange platform, and the Emirati Genome Programme. These initiatives help healthcare professionals access medical information and better understand how genetic factors can influence health.

The event also highlights the role of Abu Dhabi’s Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Cluster in connecting medical research with healthcare companies and investors. The summit continues until Thursday, with further discussions and exhibitions exploring how new technologies can improve healthcare in Abu Dhabi and around the world.