At Arab Health 2024, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Project Director of the Supreme Council of Health in Bahrain, addressed the need for a unified health data framework across the GCC. The session, part of the Digital Health & AI Forum, emphasized the growing importance of accessible medical data as citizens move across the region due to increased economic investments. Al-Khalifa highlighted the necessity of a standardized system that ensures the protection of sensitive health information while allowing seamless access across borders.
Al-Khalifa pointed out that healthcare systems rely heavily on health information to provide optimal care, making a unified data framework critical for improving health services across the Gulf countries. However, he acknowledged the challenges in aligning the GCC nations on a standardized framework, particularly around data privacy and security.
The Digital Health & AI Forum, a new addition to Arab Health this year, brought together healthcare professionals, technologists, and innovators. It focused on how AI and digital health solutions are revolutionizing diagnostics and patient outcomes. The forum featured keynotes, case studies, and interactive panel discussions.
Ross Williams, Senior Exhibition Director at Informa Markets, commented that the forum was a significant addition to Arab Health’s 50th anniversary celebrations, showcasing transformative healthcare solutions. The event also set the stage for the Future Health Summit, which is being held on the last day of the exhibition at the Museum of the Future in Dubai. This exclusive event will gather senior government officials, healthcare executives, and technology leaders from companies like Google, GE Healthcare, Amazon Web Services, and PureHealth to discuss AI’s role in shaping global healthcare systems.
The 2025 Future Health Summit will delve into how AI is transforming healthcare delivery in the UAE, with a special keynote by Dr. Scott Penberthy from Google and Dr. Taha Kass-Hout from GE Healthcare. The summit will also explore the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare, focusing on moral responsibility, human-AI collaboration, and regulatory challenges.
Arab Health’s 50th anniversary continues with over 3,800 exhibitors and 60,000 expected visitors at the Dubai World Trade Centre, reinforcing its impact on the regional healthcare sector.
For more details or to register for the event, visit www.arabhealthonline.com.
