World’s Leading Healthcare Decision-Makers to Gather in Dubai as WHX Leaders Launches
Dubai is set to host the world’s most influential healthcare leaders as World Health Expo (WHX) launches WHX Leaders in Dubai, a high-level, invitation-only leadership platform aimed at shaping the next decade of global health policy, investment, and system transformation.
The exclusive summit will convene global health ministers, government strategists, CEOs, investors, and innovators who are driving decision-making across healthcare systems worldwide.
UAE Vision 2031 Drives Global Health Leadership Ambitions
Aligned with UAE Vision 2031, WHX Leaders in Dubai reinforces the country’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for healthcare leadership, intelligence, and innovation. The initiative underscores the UAE’s growing role in advancing system-level transformation across regional and international health ecosystems.
The official launch will take place on Sunday, 8 February 2026, with Lord Stephen Carter, Group CEO of Informa, delivering the welcome address.
WHX Expands Its Healthcare Ecosystem Across Dubai
Announcing the launch on 5 February 2026, World Health Expo confirmed that WHX Leaders in Dubai will debut with a special preview edition in 2026, ahead of its full programme rollout in 2027.
Moreover, the platform will join WHX in Dubai (formerly Arab Health) and WHX Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), forming a powerful trio of healthcare events hosted across the city. Together, these initiatives strengthen Dubai’s position as a global centre for healthcare leadership, investment, and innovation.
WHX operates under inD, the strategic partnership between Informa Group PLC and Dubai World Trade Centre.
Global Healthcare Systems Face Growing Pressure
WHX Leaders in Dubai launches at a critical time for global healthcare systems. Ageing populations, rising rates of chronic disease, escalating costs, and severe workforce shortages are placing unprecedented strain on infrastructure worldwide.
According to World Health Organization projections, the global health sector could face a shortage of nearly 11 million health workers by 2030. As per The Press Release, these challenges are intensifying the need for coordinated leadership and long-term policy alignment across borders.
Technology Accelerates Change Faster Than Regulation
At the same time, rapid advances in digital health, data, and artificial intelligence are transforming how healthcare is planned, delivered, and financed. However, these innovations are often moving faster than regulatory frameworks can adapt.
Consequently, industry leaders are calling for a dedicated, high-trust platform where decision-makers can address governance, leadership, and system readiness in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.
WHX Leaders Brings Together 200 Global Influencers
In response, WHX Leaders in Dubai will convene approximately 200 senior leaders, including health ministers, global investors, CEOs, academic leaders, and pioneers in AI and digital health.
These participants collectively shape national healthcare policies, direct large-scale investments, and influence governance models that will define the future of healthcare systems across the Middle East and beyond.
Leadership Dialogue at the Highest Level
Commenting on the launch, Lord Stephen Carter, Group CEO of Informa, said:
“At Informa, we create opportunities for entire markets to connect, collaborate, and innovate. WHX Leaders Dubai powerfully reflects this mission by bringing together key influencers from across the global healthcare ecosystem. Dubai’s role as a global hub for progress and connectivity makes it the ideal setting for these critical conversations.”
The 2026 launch preview will showcase the calibre of discussion that will define the platform, including a flagship strategic dialogue on how intelligence-driven healthcare systems demand new approaches to leadership, policy, and governance.
A Closed-Door Forum Focused on Outcomes
Designed as a closed-door, outcomes-driven forum, WHX Leaders builds on the success of its inaugural edition in Africa in 2024. Unlike traditional conferences, the platform prioritises trusted, high-level dialogue that enables meaningful collaboration among senior decision-makers.
Through focused discussions, WHX Leaders will address policy alignment, institutional readiness, long-term system resilience, investment frameworks, and governance models required to support next-generation healthcare systems.
Distinguished Speaker Line-Up Confirmed
The launch edition will feature an exceptional line-up of global healthcare leaders, including:
- Shaista Asif, Group CEO, Pure Health
- Daniel Kraft, Founder and CEO, NextMed Health
- Dimitris Moulavasilis, Group CEO, M42
- Maneesh Goyal, Chief Operating Officer, Mayo Clinic
- Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance
- Sameh ElFangary, Chairman, PHRMAG; President, GCC & Pakistan, AstraZeneca
Together, these leaders will help shape the strategic direction of WHX Leaders in Dubai as it sets a new benchmark for global healthcare leadership forums.
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