The 2026 edition of WHX (formerly Arab Health) has officially redefined the scale and ambition of global healthcare events, bringing together the UAE’s most influential government health authorities alongside record international participation.
Held from 9-12 February 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City Dubai, the newly rebranded World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai welcomed more than 235,000 professional visits and 4,300 exhibitors from over 180 countries – making it the largest edition in the event’s history.
Unprecedented Government Engagement
A defining feature of the 2026 edition was the strong presence of key UAE health authorities, underscoring Dubai’s position as a central hub for healthcare leadership and innovation.Participating entities included the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP), Dubai Health Authority, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Health Authority. They were joined by Dubai Health, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Emirates Health Services, Emirates Council for Integrative Medicine, and Emirates Drug Establishment.,
Their collective participation reinforced WHX’s role as a platform for policy dialogue, public-private collaboration, and the advancement of resilient, innovation-driven healthcare systems.
Record Growth and Global Reach
The event featured 32 country pavilions, including first-time participation from Slovakia, Thailand, and Croatia. Major healthcare markets such as China, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Korea significantly expanded their presence compared to 2025, highlighting growing international confidence in the event’s global influence.The exhibition floor hosted some of the largest stands in the event’s history, with leading healthcare organisations including GE HealthCare, United Imaging, American Hospital Dubai, Saudi German Health, Canon Medical Systems, Siemens Healthineers, Philips, Almoosa Health Group, and Al Khayyat Investments.
Their participation reflected WHX’s importance as a global marketplace for innovation, procurement, strategic partnerships, and large-scale healthcare transformation.
A Future-Focused Content Agenda
Beyond the exhibition floor, WHX 2026 strengthened its position as a thought leadership platform through three flagship stages focused on healthcare transformation.The Future X Stage spotlighted disruptive ideas and scalable innovation, welcoming unicorn founders, venture capitalists, angel investors, digital health pioneers, and leading healthcare institutions.
The Frontiers Stage explored scientific and clinical breakthroughs shaping the future of healthcare, covering biotechnology, oncology, women’s health, wellness and longevity, precision medicine, regenerative therapies, next-generation diagnostics, and proactive models of care.
Meanwhile, the Visionary Stage convened senior executives, policymakers, investors, and innovators to examine leadership and systemic transformation. Across five dedicated tracks, discussions addressed AI and digital health at scale, healthcare investment strategies, ESG integration, women in leadership, and governance frameworks for large health systems.
Launch of the WHX Deep Dive Series
A major addition in 2026 was the launch of the WHX Deep Dive Series, an education format combining hands-on Bootcamps with executive-level Masterclasses. Led by global experts and leading institutions, the series delivered focused practical learning – from clinical skills development to strategic guidance for leaders driving digital transformation and sustainability.
Complementing this offering were CME-accredited conferences across General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Urology, Total Radiology, Public Health, and Quality Management & Patient Safety. Over four days, internationally recognised speakers shared the latest medical insights, supporting healthcare professionals in advancing their clinical expertise and careers.
A City-Wide Healthcare Experience
In 2026, WHX was co-timed with WHX Labs (formerly Medlab Middle East), the region’s leading laboratory and diagnostics exhibition.
While WHX was hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, WHX Labs took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 10-13 February, creating a dynamic, city-wide healthcare platform across two landmark venues.
Together, the co-timed events attracted more than 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors, forming what is now recognised as the world’s largest healthcare event.
Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, WHX 2026 not only marked a successful rebrand from Arab Health but also signalled a new era of scale, collaboration, and global healthcare leadership – firmly positioning Dubai at the centre of the international health innovation ecosystem.
Be Part of World Healthcare Week 2027
World Healthcare Week returns to Dubai in 2027 – bringing together global health leaders, policymakers, innovators, investors, and clinicians for another landmark edition of World Health Expo, alongside WHX Labs and WHX Leaders from 24 – 29 Jan 2027.
Following the record-breaking success of 2026, the 2027 edition will once again unite the international healthcare community for a week of innovation, collaboration, and system-wide transformation across exhibition, education, investment, and policy dialogue.
Register your interest for World Healthcare Week 2027
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