Ahmed bin Mohammed opens 30th Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technology Conference and Exhibition

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, officially opened the 30th edition of the Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technology Conference and Exhibition, also known as 'DUPHAT 2025,' today.

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Sheikh Ahmed was joined by several important figures, including Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, the Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP); Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, the Executive Chairman of DUPHAT; and Dr. Amer Sharif, the CEO of Dubai Health.

During the event, Sheikh Ahmed toured the pavilions and booths of various participating companies. He learned about a wide range of pharmaceutical products being showcased, along with the latest technologies and innovations in the sector. DUPHAT is one of the largest gatherings for pharmaceutical companies in the Middle East and Africa, and this year's event is expected to attract a record number of visitors—over 31,000 people from 101 countries. The conference is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will continue until January 9.

The event features 1,376 exhibitors, 155 expert speakers, 130 scientific sessions, and 9 workshops. University students are also presenting 400 research posters on the latest medical innovations. Conference participants can earn accredited continuing education hours, with options from the DHA (42.5 hours), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (21.5 hours), and the World Congress of Health Specialties (19.5 hours).

Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, the Executive Chairman of DUPHAT, shared his thoughts on the event: “Over the past 30 years, DUPHAT has grown into the most significant event in the pharmaceutical industry, uniting major pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists, and professionals from across the globe. This year, we've expanded the conference with the introduction of ‘Vita Show Dubai,’ which highlights the latest in dietary supplements and vitamins. We are proud to organize this conference, as it helps promote international collaboration, encourages research and development, and supports innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. This is in line with the UAE's national goals for sustainable development and global health leadership.”

Some of the important topics being discussed at the conference include ‘Pharmacy Management and Leadership: Shaping the Future of Healthcare,’ ‘Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Bone Formation Proteins in Diabetic Retinopathy,’ and ‘Enhancing Understanding of Patient Safety through Interdisciplinary Education.’ Other discussions focus on ‘Proactive Health and Clinical Management,’ as well as ‘Managing Diabetes and Obesity: Innovative Future Medications.’ Countries like Poland, China, Turkey, and Iran are showcasing their latest innovations, contributing to global collaboration and cultural exchange.

Alongside DUPHAT 2025, the ‘Vita Show Dubai exhibition is taking place, featuring the latest developments in dietary supplements. Over 275 leading global brands are participating, with China presenting the largest pavilion this year. The dietary supplement market is growing rapidly, offering products such as vitamins, plant extracts, functional foods, and other supplements that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This exhibition highlights the production, development, and distribution of these products.

As more people look for ways to improve their health, negative habits, and unhealthy diets have led to a higher demand for dietary supplements. This growing demand has driven the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market for supplements, which is expected to grow at a rate of 7.1% annually, reaching a total value of $11.709 billion by 2028. The MENA region offers significant opportunities for both local and international companies in this field.

Dr. Ali Al Sayed Hussain, Chairman of DUPHAT, remarked, “DUPHAT provides a unique chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and dietary supplement industries both globally and regionally. We are committed to offering a scientific and interactive platform for knowledge exchange. This will help foster innovation and collaboration between public and private sectors to improve healthcare quality in the UAE and beyond.”

The nutraceuticals market in the MENA region is also booming. It is expected to reach a value of $24.23 billion by 2030, growing at an impressive rate of 17%. The rise in chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity, and hypertension is one of the main drivers of this growth. The UAE is ranked second in terms of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets in the MEA region, with $4.4 billion in sales. The GCC, especially the UAE, is emerging as a new frontier in healthcare due to lifestyle changes, increased life expectancy, and rapid adoption of digital health technologies.

DUPHAT is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a part of INDEX Holding, and receives support from the Dubai Health Authority, the American Pharmacists Association, the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP), the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (EUFEPS), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPhA), the European Society of Oncology Pharmacy (ESOP), the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT), and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).