The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council and AmCham Abu Dhabi co-hosted a reception on Monday 14 April in Abu Dhabi to kick off the second annual Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) conference, which takes place from 15-17 April. This reception at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi featured keynote remarks from H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Martina Strong, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E.

Ambassador Strong highlighted the deep and longstanding bilateral healthcare relationship between the United States and the U.A.E., which she called the very best of partnerships. She noted that two Americans, Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy, created the Oasis Hospital (now Kanad Hospital) in Al Ain in 1960. This hospital holds a special significance for the U.A.E. as the birthplace of many royal family members, including HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the U.A.E. Ambassador Strong spoke of her desire to add new chapters to the story of the bilateral healthcare partnership. She added that President Trump’s visit to the U.A.E. next month signals the importance of the U.A.E. relationship to the United States.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi spoke about the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s strong and enduring partnerships with U.S. institutions. She outlined the DoH’s desire to build one of the “most intelligent and efficient” healthcare systems that extends personalized medicine to the entire Emirati population. H.E. Al Ghaithi stressed that data and tech are “part of the DNA” of the DoH, noting that Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s most comprehensive genome program. H.E. Al Ghaithi previewed the DoH’s programming and schedule for the ADGHW conference, which will focus on longevity and precision health, health systems resilience and sustainability, digital health and AI, and investment in the life sciences. She concluded that she looks forward to a world in which more people live longer healthier lives no matter who they are and from where they come.

Ayman Mokhtar, the regional President for Viatris, spoke in his capacity as a Board Member of AmCham Abu Dhabi and on behalf of the Healthcare Committee that Viatris co-chairs. Mr. Mokhtar lauded the U.A.E.’s bold vision for a healthier and more prosperous future for populations and communities in the U.A.E., across the region, and beyond. Moreover, he remarked that the presence of 300 people at the reception was a testament to Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a global hub for healthcare and the life sciences, and the strength of the bilateral relationship. Lastly, Ayman congratulated the new Executive Director of AmCham Abu Dhabi Mrs. Sonali Maheshwary on her new position. 

U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright spoke of the enormous potential for expanding bilateral healthcare and life sciences partnerships. He expressed pride in Abu Dhabi Global Health Week becoming a staple of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s programming. Moreover, he introduced a trade delegation the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is bringing to Abu Dhabi Global Health Week for the second straight year in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

For more information about the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s healthcare and life science programming, please contact Adam Karadsheh at akaradsheh@usuaebusiness.org. To read the 2025 edition of the U.A.E. Healthcare and Life Sciences Sector Report, please see here.