Mediclinic Abu Dhabi Concludes Its Third Annual Cancer Conference
Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and with the support of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the 3rd Mediclinic Abu Dhabi Annual Cancer Conference concluded on 18 May 2024. The event gathered over 300 medical professionals from across the UAE, focusing on advancements in oncology.
Addressing the conference, Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the UAE's dedication to providing top-tier healthcare services. "With President His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s guidance and support, the UAE is committed to providing the best health care and the best medical services to all. We spare no effort to ensure the health and well-being of our population," he stated.
Sheikh Nahyan emphasised the importance of disease prevention. He pointed out various risk factors, including environmental toxins and lifestyle choices such as nutrition, smoking, and exercise. "We must form partnerships between hospitals, health workers, colleges of medicine, and community organisations to develop effective public education campaigns," he said.
New Technologies in Cancer Treatment
Discussing new technologies, Sheikh Nahyan mentioned nanotechnology, gene therapies, and personalised medicine as promising developments in cancer treatment. He expressed particular interest in how Artificial Intelligence could support individualized medicine by impacting treatment costs and availability.
Long-term Strategy
Sheikh Nahyan stressed the need for a focused strategy in fighting cancer within the region. He called for proper data analysis to inform future approaches. "It is a critical challenge for you who work in the field to determine strategies to motivate people to learn about cancer and to pursue appropriate preventive behaviours," he added.
Conference Highlights
The conference featured 22 speakers from the UAE and Hirslanden, Mediclinic’s sister division in Switzerland. Hein van Eck, Chief Executive Officer of Mediclinic Middle East, remarked on the rapid evolution of cancer treatment. "Cancer treatment continues to evolve at such a fast pace. It is vital for oncology professionals to stay at the forefront of these developments in order to provide the highest levels of evidence-based care for their patients," he said.
The event underscored the importance of staying updated with medical advancements and fostering collaborations among healthcare providers to enhance cancer treatment and prevention strategies.
With inputs from WAM

