Arab Health 2005, at the Dubai International Exhibitions Centre, was inaugurated by the UAE minister of Health, His Excellency Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, last Saturday. The region's largest healthcare and related services exhibition, Arab Health 2005 is organized by IIR Middle East under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE minister of finance and industry and president, department of health and medical services.

More than 2000 participating companies from 49 countries have occupied all the 10 halls of the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the leading sponsor of the event. More than 20,000 visitors were expected to attend the exhibition and conferences.

Omar Maowiyah Al Shunnar, chief sales and marketing officer, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) explained their participation. "Our participation at this level is a clear indication of our full commitment to provide international quality of medical and healthcare services for the region. Furthermore the growth in size of Arab Health over the years indicates the importance of developing this industry," he said.

Physicians from the region, attending the Arab Health Conference sessions, will earn Continuing Medical Education credits as the sessions are recognized by the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education. IIR ME has passed a series of rigorous and internationally recognized standards for the provision of CME and quality health care set by the AACME and has subsequently been awarded the status of an "Accredited Organization". Over 17,000 worldwide health care organisations are accredited by the AACME.

Chronicle Pharmabiz was the media partner from India for the event.