Al Shifaa Summit 2025 to Spotlight Integrative Medicine

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi is all set to host the very first Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine, a major global event focused on improving healthcare by combining traditional, complementary, and modern medicine. The summit will be held from 15th to 17th April 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

This summit is part of the bigger Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, a new initiative launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). This special week is dedicated to health, wellness, and new ideas in medicine. The theme of this event is “Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being,” and it aims to encourage longer, healthier lives by connecting new and old ways of healing.

The Al Shifaa Summit will bring together experts from around the world including doctors, healthcare leaders, researchers, academics, government officials, and innovators. They will discuss how to bring traditional medicine and modern medicine together in a safe, effective, and scientific way. The event also hopes to create new rules and systems that support this blended approach to healthcare.

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Visitors to the summit will enjoy interactive experiences, learn about global medical practices, and take part in high-level talks and panel discussions. There will also be opportunities to see how traditional healing methods have played an important role in the UAE’s history and culture.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said:“The Al Shifaa Summit is a major step forward for healthcare in the UAE. It shows how much we value our own culture and history in medicine. Our goal is to connect the past with the present by bringing traditional and modern medicine together. We want to build a future where integrative medicine is not seen as a side option, but as a main part of healthcare. We’re excited to work with partners around the world to create new solutions that are safe, science-based, and truly focused on the patient.”

The summit will open with a special speech by His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. His talk will highlight the growing importance of integrative medicine and encourage deeper conversations around healthcare systems of the future.

The three-day programme is packed with exciting events. There will be important panel discussions on topics like:

• Rules and laws around integrative medicine

• Scientific studies supporting traditional medicine

• New research and innovations in the field

• Education and training for the next generation of practitioners

• Building public trust and awareness

• How lifestyle choices can affect health

• The long history of traditional medicine in the UAE

One of the key highlights will be a presentation by Dr. Kim Sungchol, the Head of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine at the World Health Organization (WHO). He will speak about how countries can include these forms of medicine into their national health systems.

The summit will also feature Knowledge Exchange Booths, where experts from different countries will share new ideas, research findings, and examples of successful programs. These booths are divided into four main topics:

1. Workforce and Education

2. Research

3. Innovative Healthcare Solutions

4. Consumer and Practitioner Awareness

These spaces will include fun and interactive displays. Visitors can explore new research, see how different countries teach traditional medicine, and talk to leaders from both industry and education.

Another special attraction is an artistic setup inspired by the falaj, a traditional water system used in the region. This exhibit uses plants and herbs to show how traditional medicine connects with the natural world. It takes visitors on a journey through the story of healing, from the past to the future, and includes personal stories from local healers.

Overall, the Al Shifaa Summit is a one-of-a-kind event that aims to change the way people think about healthcare. It wants to bring science and tradition together, so patients can get the best of both worlds. With support from leaders in the UAE and around the world, this summit will help shape the future of medicine in a way that respects history while looking forward to new ideas.