Abu Dhabi: The inaugural Al Shifaa Summit for Integrative Medicine has successfully concluded, marking a significant step toward advancing Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in the UAE. Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the summit was part of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, a major government initiative from the Department of Health (DoH) aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Al Shifaa Summit served as a global platform to advance the integration of TCIM into conventional healthcare. Over three days, the summit welcomed over 10,000 attendees and more than 25 industry experts, policymakers, healthcare leaders, academics, researchers, innovators, and practitioners. These participants engaged in panel discussions, immersive knowledge exchange sessions, and interactive exhibitions, highlighting the vital role of Integrative Medicine (IM) in shaping the future of person-centered healthcare.
Experts from more than 10 leading international institutions participated in discussions covering governance, regulatory frameworks, research and innovation, education, and consumer awareness in IM. One of the key sessions, The Power of RESET, explored how mindset shifts, holistic therapies, and integrative medicine approaches can enhance mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical well-being.
The summit also featured Knowledge Exchange Booths with participation from over 14 international delegates, showcasing the latest advancements in Integrative Medicine research, workforce development, innovative TCIM solutions, and practitioner awareness initiatives. Additionally, the Heritage Medicine exhibition honored the UAE's rich history of traditional healing practices while promoting the safe and evidence-based adoption of integrative medicine in healthcare.
Overall, the summit brought together local and international expertise to advance integrative medicine while honoring the UAE's rich history of traditional medicine. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and research to strengthen TCIM scientific evidence, workforce training and certification to build IM practitioners' capabilities, and international policy frameworks to enhance TCIM integration. The successful conclusion of the summit sets the stage for ongoing efforts to advance integrative healthcare in the UAE and beyond.