Interview with Ross Williams, Exhibition Director of Arab Health: Europe is noted for high quality innovations

Arab Health 2022 is all set to take place in Dubai, UAE, hosting the delegation of the 20 top European SMEs in the healthcare and medical field. World-renowned innovators, experts and industry leaders will present the latest trends in the sector. Ross Williams, the Exhibition Director of Arab Health talks with us about this year’s exhibition, the European innovation ecosystem and the future of healthcare.

Arab Health constitutes a flagship event for healthcare and medical professionals from all over the world. What should the attendees expect this year? Do you have a “must visit” area you would recommend? 

The most exciting aspect of Arab Health 2022 for me is the fact that we are welcoming so many companies back to the show after an incredibly difficult time. It is not only global brands that will be returning to the show in 2022, but we are also welcoming back country pavilions from all over the world that were not able to participate in 2021.

I would recommend visiting the Healthcare Transformation Zone in Sheikh Saeed Hall 2 (Stand S2.D70). This is an expansion of our Innov8 Talks Start Up competition, but also now includes sessions on AI and Digital Health from a wide range of local and international speakers.

The inspirational theme for 2022 is ’’United by business, forging ahead’’. In this context, what impact did the pandemic have on the healthcare industry?

While the pandemic has been a very difficult time, it has also led to opportunity across the healthcare industry. Opportunity to develop new products, systems, and practices to deliver better patient outcomes, efficacy and equity. 

We do not want to dwell on what has happened in relation to the pandemic, but acknowledge it and focus on the future of the healthcare industry, and I believe this is what has led to Arab Health 2022 being a sold-out event.  Our exhibitors, attendees and delegates are all focused on what comes next, and this is what has driven the theme for the 2022 edition.

Without a doubt, Europe has dynamic presence at Arab Health 2022. What added value will the European Pavilion bring to the tradeshow?

Europe has traditionally been very well represented at Arab Health over the years, with some of our largest pavilions coming from European countries. The added dynamic of the European Pavilion is very exciting, as this opens up new opportunities not only for the exhibitors that are participating within this space but also for our attendees to meet these exciting SME’s who may not have been able to participate at the event previously.

Europe is noted for high quality products and innovations, and to be able to add another pavilion – one that is funded specifically by the European Innovation Council is a very welcome addition to the show, and I look forward to seeing the companies and products onsite.

From your personal standpoint, what are the real benefits and opportunities that the European entrepreneurs can gain by attending Arab Health?

At Arab Health, we have a huge focus on education with 4 high level conferences running onsite at the venue, and a further 8 running as online only conferences, each dedicated to a specific focus within the industry. We feel that this educational focus sets us apart from other ‘Trade Shows’ where the focus may be more on the transactional/sales side of the industry.

Our conferences attract high-level end users from across the region who are interested in seeing new products and innovations up close. The show itself also attracts delegations from various international Ministries of Health and governmental departments, not only from the Middle East, but across the world.

We are expecting approximately 50,000 healthcare professionals to attend the event. There is a huge focus on Arab Health bringing the whole industry back together again in 2022, with the added benefit of being co-located with our sister event Medlab Middle East, which focuses on the Lab and Diagnostics side of the industry. 

Any piece of advice that you would like to share with the European innovators, who will exhibit their groundbreaking solutions at the event?

We would always advise exhibitors to make the most of their participation by telling their clients that they will be exhibiting at Arab Health - whether this is through direct mailing to their databases or through social media, etc. To facilitate this for our exhibitors, we have created digital banners that could be personalised by each company after they download it through the following link: https://arabhealth.me/3pkF6yI

All exhibitors have been given access to the Online Event, so it is important that their profiles are up to date with all relevant information so that our visitors can find them either on the platform or onsite at the event. 

Last but not least, enjoy the event! It is a very busy week, the weather is (usually!) perfect at this time of the year, and Dubai is a great place to be in during the winter. 

We look forward to seeing you all at the end of this month and wish you a successful event.

Arab Health 2022 will take place in Dubai World Trade Centre from 24 to 27 January with social events, numerous workshops and fruitful roundtable discussions. The leading medical equipment exhibition in the Middle East will present an exceeding range of healthcare products and services showcased by more than 3,500 exhibitors from across the world. 

Do not miss the unique opportunity to visit the European Pavilion at Stand Z3.H10 and Stand Z3.H30 and get ready to be impressed with the latest medical advancements – made in Europe!

Find out more on the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 website and check the official delegation of European SMEs to attend Arab Health 2022 here.