DUBAI, UAE – As the UAE announces a 66 per cent increase in its healthcare budget for 2008, MEED’s Middle East Healthcare Projects 2007 provides a timely insight into the opportunities for constructors and developers in the healthcare sector.
Increased life expectancy, an increasingly young demographic, regional government commitment to improved services, the development of specialist treatment centres and the growth of the health tourism sector are just five of the areas that will be put under the microscope at the event, which will be held on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th December 2007 at the Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai, UAE.
As well the redevelopment and overhaul of existing healthcare facilities, the region is seeing a significant programme of new building – with a particular focus on key areas of treatment. Figures released by the International Diabetes Federation show that five of the Gulf countries have among the highest diabetes prevalence rates in the world. An increase in obesity in the region, which can lead to type II diabetes, is likely to see this figure rise further still in future. As a result, a growing number of specialist diabetes treatment centres are opening up throughout the Gulf.
Edmund O’Sullivan, MEED Events Chairman, says: “Existing healthcare structures are quite simply outdated, and can’t cope with the growing demand from increasing populations. This has seen local governments call on the skills and experience of major players in the healthcare construction sector to develop the struggling healthcare infrastructure. The UAE for example has identified the expansion of the healthcare sector as its number one priority for the year. It’s a decision that will have a huge impact on the healthcare project sector in the Gulf and beyond.”
The Middle East’s dramatic demographic changes have seen local authorities teaming up with international healthcare institutions, including Harvard Medical School, to provide the facilities required to cope with the region’s expanding population and shifting illness patterns.
Leading international private sector providers in the region are using international best practices to develop centres of excellence, with dedicated healthcare zones in the Middle East including Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and Qatar Foundation providing key project opportunities for those working in the construction and technology sectors.
Alan Milligan, MAIB, MAIPM, Managing Director of leading healthcare design firm Ellerbe Becket, said “I’m honoured to be a presenter at the upcoming MEED Healthcare Projects 2007 Conference. The event falls right in line with Ellerbe Becket’s philosophy of working for the long-term success of its clients. Like MEED, we spend a great amount of research and development time anticipating the healthcare demands of the future. MEED has an outstanding reputation in the Middle East and the conference will offer an unmatched experience for attendees.”
Middle East Healthcare Projects 2007 provides a platform to exchange information and ideas about project opportunities in the healthcare and provides the opportunity to engage with key individuals shaping this evolving industry. The conference will feature cutting edge presentations and keynote speeches by Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi – CEO of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and Dr Sobhi Batterjee – President of Saudi German Hospitals Group and Faisal Belhoul.
MEED is the acknowledged market-leader in key regional industry-focused conferences; delivering expert, up-to-date business insights, industry data and research findings. More information about Middle East Healthcare Projects 2007 – including latest news, pre-event online networking and full conference details, can be found at www.meed.com/health.
About MEED
MEED is internationally recognised as providing essential information for anyone doing business in, or with, the Middle East and North Africa. With journalists and contacts across the entire Middle East and North Africa region, MEED provides reliable, up-to-date business news, facts and data in both print and online. MEED attracts customers from across 70 countries worldwide.
www.meedprojects.com
Contact:
Vicky Westwood or Mustafa Al-Sheikhly at Four Communications, +971-4365-8397
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