World Health Expo (WHX) Labs in Dubai—formerly Medlab Middle East—will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 10–13 February 2026, placing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the centre of global health discussions. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually and add nearly $1 trillion in healthcare costs worldwide by 2050, making it one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time.
Understanding the Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
AMR develops when bacteria, viruses, and fungi evolve to resist existing medications, rendering infections increasingly difficult to treat. As a result, patients face higher risks of severe illness, long-term disability, and death. Despite growing awareness, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials across human healthcare, veterinary medicine, and agriculture continue to drive resistance. Moreover, systemic gaps in surveillance, diagnostics, and policy implementation are accelerating the threat.
Innovation Gaps Persist Despite Increased R&D Investment
Although investment in antimicrobial research and development increased by 10% between 2017 and 2019, progress remains slow. In particular, the pipeline for new antimicrobial drugs lags behind, especially when compared with the comparatively stronger funding landscape for diagnostics. Consequently, experts continue to call for more balanced and sustained innovation across the AMR ecosystem.
AMR Leaders’ Summit: Bridging Research and Real-World Action
As a flagship launch for WHX Labs in Dubai 2026, the AMR Leaders’ Summit will be held from 12–13 February. The summit will convene scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and innovators to bridge the gap between research and implementation. Dr Wael Elamin, Medical Director, Environmental Sciences at M42, will chair the summit, alongside co-chairs Prof. Abiola Senok of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dr Kavita Diddi, President of the Emirates Society of Clinical Microbiology (ESCM), and Dr Seema Oommen, Section Head of Microbiology and Infectious Molecular at Burjeel Medical City.
Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Dr Elamin said that antimicrobial resistance is no longer a future concern but a present and escalating threat to global health security. He emphasised that the summit aims to move beyond dialogue and drive practical solutions that strengthen surveillance systems, promote responsible antimicrobial use, and protect patient outcomes worldwide.
Day One: Global and National Responses to AMR
As per the press release, the opening day of the summit will focus on global and national strategies to combat AMR. Keynote insights from the WHO and regional public health leaders will set the tone, followed by expert discussions on emerging technologies and innovation. Additionally, sessions will examine the role of genomics, equity in AMR policymaking, and how hospital practices are expected to evolve by 2028.
Dr Souha Kanj, Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Infection Control and Prevention Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB), will deliver the opening keynote, addressing the challenges of antimicrobial resistance in conflict zones. Ahead of the summit, she noted that while national action plans and regulatory frameworks are critical, many countries facing conflict or economic instability struggle to implement global AMR recommendations. Therefore, the summit will explore how policies can remain effective and adaptable in fragile and resource-constrained settings.
Day Two: Leadership, One Health, and Regional Insights
On the second day, the summit will shift its focus to leadership, innovation, and One Health approaches. Sessions will highlight lessons from Africa and the Middle East, particularly in genomic surveillance, epidemiology, and the environmental drivers of antimicrobial resistance. Throughout the programme, open-mic discussions and networking opportunities will encourage collaboration, reinforcing the summit’s goal of translating awareness into coordinated, implementable action.
Strengthening Healthcare Resilience Through Collaboration
Tom Coleman, Group Exhibition Director at Informa Markets Healthcare, stated that the inaugural AMR Leaders’ Summit at WHX Labs in Dubai 2026 aims to support international efforts to safeguard antibiotic effectiveness and strengthen healthcare resilience. According to him, the programme brings together global expertise to accelerate practical, real-world solutions against antimicrobial resistance.
WHX Labs in Dubai: A Global Platform for Laboratory Excellence
Beyond the summit, WHX Labs in Dubai will serve as a dynamic platform for dealmaking, networking, and knowledge exchange, while addressing critical challenges in laboratory science. Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the event reflects the nation’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare.
Marking 25 years of success, WHX Labs in Dubai will be organised under the theme “25 Years of Laboratory Innovation: Uniting Communities for Better Health”. The event will showcase international excellence in laboratories, diagnostics, and precision medicine.
Concurrent Global Health Engagements
WHX Labs in Dubai will coincide with World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai, scheduled from 9–12 February at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, further strengthening the city’s position as a global hub for healthcare innovation and collaboration.