UAE Secures Hosting Of The 46th World Congress Of Military Medicine 2026 In Abu Dhabi
The UAE will host the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine in Abu Dhabi from 9th to 13th November 2026, after securing the event’s official rights. The Ministry of Defence and ADNEC Group confirmed the decision, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre for international dialogue on both military and civilian medical fields.
The congress, overseen by the International Committee of Military Medicine, has been held every two years since 1921. Delegations from more than 120 countries are expected in Abu Dhabi, including senior military and medical leaders, researchers, and practitioners who will explain recent findings and review developments in global healthcare systems.
The Ministry of Defence stressed that the event supports national directions on enhancing healthcare resilience and humanitarian response. Hosting aligns with UAE policies that prioritise investment in people, development of advanced capabilities, and encouragement of scientific innovation, while supporting the Armed Forces’ readiness to manage emerging medical and security challenges.
Officials said the congress underlines the UAE’s status as a reliable partner in global health security. Through scientific platforms and structured dialogue, the event is expected to support civilian and military healthcare improvement, deepen international cooperation, and enhance preparedness for large-scale health emergencies and complex humanitarian situations across regions.
Activities for the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine will be held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, which will host an integrated programme of plenary sessions, scientific workshops, and specialised meetings. An accompanying exhibition and cultural activities will encourage professional networking, knowledge exchange, and partnerships between national institutions and international organisations.
Through these sessions, experts will explore future directions in military and civilian medicine, including innovation in treatment, medical logistics, and emergency response. This broad agenda is also expected to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a preferred location for major specialised international events, especially those focused on science, defence, and healthcare.
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| Event | 46th World Congress of Military Medicine |
|---|---|
| Dates | 9–13 November 2026 |
| Host City | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Venue | ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi |
| Organisers | Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with ADNEC Group |
| Supervising body | International Committee of Military Medicine |
World Congress of Military Medicine reflects UAE infrastructure and partnerships
Hosting the World Congress of Military Medicine is seen as recognition of the UAE’s infrastructure, national expertise, and organisational capacity. Authorities noted that these factors, together with established international partnerships, have helped position the country as a trusted venue for large scientific and defence-related conferences and technical gatherings.
The announcement came at a press conference held at Erth Abu Dhabi. Attendees included Major General Staff Ishaq Saleh Mohammed Al Baloushi, Major General Staff Ayesha Sultan Al Dhaheri, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Colonel Bart De Moenink, and Saif Ali Al Marzooqi, alongside representatives from partner organisations and media outlets.
Major General Staff Ishaq Saleh Mohammed Al Baloushi explained that hosting the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine demonstrates confidence in the UAE’s defence and institutional systems. Al Baloushi linked this to modern infrastructure and a strategic vision that supports critical sectors connected with comprehensive national readiness and the protection of communities.
Al Baloushi said the Ministry of Defence regards the congress as a major global platform for enhancing military medical systems. The 2026 edition will give additional weight to civilian medicine, which is described as a distinctive feature of this cycle, and will encourage closer interaction between defence roles and humanitarian responsibilities.
Al Baloushi further noted that the World Congress of Military Medicine supports efforts to build skills and capabilities across the Armed Forces. By promoting scientific research and exchange of expertise, the event is expected to improve medical preparedness and support integrated responses to future security and health scenarios involving both military and civilian institutions.
Major General Staff Ayesha Sultan Al Dhaheri described the congress as a scientific meeting point for leading experts from many disciplines. Participants will discuss recent advances, present innovations, and share practical experiences. Al Dhaheri underlined that the Ministry of Defence aims to ensure the edition matches the UAE’s international standing in both content and organisation.
Al Dhaheri added that hosting this strategic congress will further strengthen the UAE role in military and civilian medicine through research and specialised innovation. The programme’s workshops, professional gatherings, and exhibition are designed to build a comprehensive environment for scientific dialogue, training, and partnership formation among regional and global stakeholders.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said the partnership with the Ministry of Defence supports the Group’s strategy to attract specialised events. This strategy reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional centre for targeted exhibitions and as a place where innovation in important sectors, including healthcare and defence, can be highlighted.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri explained that hosting the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine continues ADNEC Group’s contribution to initiatives that promote knowledge transfer and localisation. Al Dhaheri stated that the congress will be delivered to recognised professional standards, with the objective of presenting the most distinguished edition since the series began in 1921.
The Tawazun Council is supporting the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine as the event’s Headline Sponsor. This role reflects Tawazun Council’s responsibilities in enabling the UAE’s defence and security sector, and in encouraging programmes that help develop skilled national professionals across many military and technical specialisations.
Saif Ali Al Marzooqi, Senior Advisor of Strategy and Executive Affairs at Tawazun, said, "Our sponsorship reflects our deep belief in international cooperation to advance military healthcare worldwide and underlines the vital role we play in enabling the UAE's defence and security sector. We remain committed to strengthening national capabilities by developing qualified talent across military specialisations, particularly in the fields of cooperation in military medicine and health."
Through the World Congress of Military Medicine, the Ministry of Defence reiterates its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and supporting medical professionals. Officials noted that the collaboration with ADNEC Group represents a national model of partnership that brings together institutional experience, organisational quality, and strategic planning to deliver a congress aligned with the UAE’s scientific and humanitarian objectives.
With inputs from WAM
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