Arab Health 2010 will be held next week, offering entree into what is potentially an $80 billion market.

With Dubai, the conference's host, reeling from November's financial stumbles and its economic future cloudy, this might not be the most auspicious time for the show. But Arab Health's organizers say the Middle East health market is thriving, and estimated to be worth some $80 billion with about 13 percent annual growth. Arab Health, which runs January 25-28 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, could still be one of the year's biggest shows.

"The health care industry is one of the few that is still showing buoyancy in these critical economic times," notes Terri D'Elia, Arab Health's exhibition director. D'Elia says this year's showcase will host around 60 exhibiting countries, and they expect more than 50,000 visitors.

DOTmed will be there, too. Visit us at Booth 2A50.

CME a draw

Part of the draw will be accredited continuing medical education programs sponsored and certified by the Cleveland Clinic, and offered through the concurrent Arab Health Congress.

"As an accredited provider, Cleveland Clinic ensures all educational activities at Arab Health 2010 complete a rigorous certification process to comply with guidelines and policies developed by AMA and ACCME," John Wallace, a spokesman for IIR, the organization that hosts the conference, tells DOTmed News by e-mail. "These activities maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of health care professional[s] in a bias-free, evidence-based manner."

Wallace expects there to be 17 programs in all, including a new course on sleep disorders.

Upward and onward?

Dubai, once a financial darling, triggered panic in global markets last month when Dubai World, Dubai's state-owned company, announced it could have trouble paying back some $59 billion in debts.

Still, the health care market of the United Arab Emirates, including the oil- and thus cash-rich capital Abu Dhabi, could weather these bad times.

"The UAE has emerged as one the fastest growing health care markets in the Middle East. The country's health care sector has grown at a double digit rate to keep pace with incessantly rising demand for quality treatment and diagnostic facilities," explains Wallace.

Wallace believes the steady yearly growth comes in part from demand generated by its booming population and a surge in "lifestyle" diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

These conditions will need treatment in what Wallas says is a $14 billion hospital market, the scope of which can be judged at the Hospital Build Middle East, another IIR-hosted exhibition set for next summer, June 1-3, 2010.

"The market outlook is very promising with extensive investments being made in planning, building and refurbishing health care development across the Middle East region," Wallace notes. "The mix of developing and developed economies makes the region extremely attractive and diverse for the investment, construction and refurbishment of new and existing facilities."

Find out more at http://www.arabhealthonline.com

More Voices