UAE Integrative Medicine Council Unveils Strategy at World Health Expo
The UAE is charting a bold new course in global healthcare. The UAE Integrative Medicine Council (UAEIMC) is unveiling its strategic vision at the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026. The goal is to establish the UAE as a global hub for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chair of the Council, called the launch a strategic milestone. “We are developing an integrated healthcare model that prioritizes patient safety and elevates service quality,” she stated. This model aims to shape healthcare’s future within the UAE and beyond.
The vision is built on a foundation of seven key pillars. These include robust governance, integrated service delivery, and advanced research. Education, insurance coverage, collaboration, and community engagement complete the strategic framework.
Showcasing Innovation on a Global Stage
The Council is presenting groundbreaking initiatives at WHX. Developed with national and international partners, these projects showcase a system-wide approach to innovation.
One highlight is the ‘Dr. Layla Initiative,’ an AI platform from Dubai Medical University. It is the world’s first AI doctor specializing in traditional medicine. This system preserves and standardizes global herbal knowledge for clinical use.
Another showcase features an automated drug development system. In collaboration with the Emirates Drug Establishment, it introduces a next-generation approach to evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine. A related platform enables end-to-end analysis of active ingredients in herbal remedies.
Fostering Dialogue and Building the Future
Panel discussions at the UAEIMC booth will explore critical themes. Experts will examine how to embed integrative medicine into higher education and professional development. Another panel will focus on research, clinical validation, and the role of AI in generating evidence.
These efforts align with a global shift toward holistic, preventive health models. “Science-based integrative approaches are emerging as fundamental pathways,” Sheikha Salama added. The Council’s work ensures these practices are safe, ethical, and evidence-based.
The Council will also convene the Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine. This forum brings together global leaders to advance the field. It supports the UAE’s vision of a globally recognized, integrated health ecosystem for all.
