Health Forum Brings Medical Innovation and Community Care to Al Dhafra

SEHA Al Dhafra Hospitals convenes its fifth major health gathering this week, merging scientific expertise with family wellness in a celebration of the UAE's commitment to accessible healthcare

The convergence of medical excellence and community engagement takes centre stage this week as SEHA Al Dhafra Hospitals opens its Fifth Health Forum to the residents of the region. Held at Baynounah Educational Complex in Madinat Zayed from 4th to 6th November, the three-day gathering promises to draw around 10,000 visitors seeking to deepen their understanding of healthcare and family wellness.

Under the theme “Health is a Way of Life”, the forum carries particular significance as it aligns with the UAE’s Year of Family 2026, placing family health and the promotion of healthy living practices at its core. The event unfolds under the patronage of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of all residents.

The programme weaves together several strands of healthcare discourse. The public-facing element features interactive health talks and awareness activities that invite community members to engage directly with healthcare providers, ask questions about their wellbeing and explore the services available locally. This approachable setting transforms healthcare education beyond the clinical environment, creating a space where families can make informed decisions about their health with the support of medical professionals.

Alongside the community activities sits an international medical conference of substance. Healthcare professionals will gather to exchange expertise through scientific lectures and specialist workshops, discussing practices and knowledge aimed at advancing healthcare services in the region. As we reported earlier, SEHA’s Al Dhafra Family Medicine Centre has already distinguished itself through achieving American Heart Association certification for hypertension management, setting a standard for evidence-based care in the region.

A particular innovation this year centres on the fifth edition of a competition exploring artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. Students from schools, colleges and universities will participate, exploring how AI can shape the future of medicine while discovering career pathways in medicine, nursing and allied health professions. This initiative speaks to a broader vision of cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals who understand both tradition and technological possibility.

The forum extends across an accompanying exhibition and outdoor spaces, where government and private-sector entities, PureHealth subsidiaries and strategic partners showcase healthcare services, technologies and artificial intelligence applications. For participating organisations, the gathering presents opportunities to explore collaboration and investment in Al Dhafra Region.

Hamad Khamis Al Mansoori, Chief Executive Officer of SEHA Al Dhafra Hospitals, observed that families make health decisions daily, and that clear, relevant information serves as the foundation for sound choices. “Through the forum, we want residents to learn about the services available to them and feel comfortable asking questions,” he said. “Bringing healthcare providers into a community setting gives us another opportunity to listen and explain.”

Dr. Mariam Rashed Al Mehairbi, Chief Medical Officer at SEHA Al Dhafra Hospitals, emphasised the value of the scientific programme in allowing colleagues to connect specialised knowledge with their work, whilst student participation introduces young people to the diverse professions supporting healthcare and the requirements each demands.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Fifth Health Forum represents a significant moment for Al Dhafra Region, where accessible, high-quality healthcare remains central to quality of life. By bringing together medical professionals, community members and students, the event reinforces the region’s commitment to healthcare excellence and education. The emphasis on family health during the UAE’s Year of Family 2026 signals how healthcare policy and community wellbeing form integral parts of the nation’s broader values and vision.

The forum also underscores Al Dhafra’s role as a developing healthcare hub within the Emirates. Through initiatives like this gathering and previous milestones such as the Family Medicine Centre’s American Heart Association certification, the region continues to build a reputation for innovative, evidence-based care. For residents and visiting professionals alike, such forums create pathways for engagement, learning and collaboration that strengthen the healthcare ecosystem.

Source: WAM