Open for Visitors

Cell and gene therapy is revolutionizing medicine, offering transformative treatments for genetic disorders, cancer, and beyond. Hosted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Pioneera Biosciences, this session brings together leading pioneers shaping the future of these technologies. Dr. Beverly Davidson will present breakthrough strategies for delivering gene therapies to the brain, improving accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Lindsey George will explore the evolution of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors in gene therapy, addressing their successes, challenges, and next-generation alternatives such as lipid nanoparticles. Dr. Alireza Daneshvar will discuss the rise of CAR-NK therapies, highlighting their potentials and technical aspects and AI-driven innovations that enhance durability and efficacy of next generation CAR-X therapies. Together, these thought leaders will provide a roadmap for the next generation of cell and gene therapies. This session is essential for scientists, clinicians, and investors driving the next wave of medical breakthroughs.

Bilateral Meetings

Invite Only

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Between 2010 and 2030 the five most common NCDs—cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, diabetes and mental health—will cost the global economy an estimated $47trn. This burdens health systems, economies and societies by reducing productivity and increasing costs.

The problem is driven largely by chronic diseases, such as obesity and arthritis. In America 30% of adults have chronic disease; in Europe nearly 17% do and in the Middle East nearly a quarter of adults do. Since NCDs are often long-term illnesses that worsen over time the WHO recommends a holistic approach to preventing and managing them, including with policy reforms and cross-sector collaboration.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals aim to reduce the number of premature deaths from NCDs by 30% of 2010 numbers by 2030. If such diseases are not addressed properly, this will not be possible. Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly on NCDs in September, where global leaders will take stock of this target, join Economist Impact at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week in April for “The economic imperative: policy solutions for tackling non-communicable diseases”, sponsored by Novo Nordisk. This event will explore strategies for tackling chronic and non-communicable diseases with scalable interventions.

Explore how a government- and society-wide approach can produce change:

● What policy, education and healthcare improvements are necessary to reduce the burden of NCDs?
● What does an effective and comprehensive national strategy to manage chronic diseases look like?
● How can governments ensure sustainable funding for long-term public-health interventions?

Invite Only

Invite Only Roundtable

Mental health is a global priority—but stigma still stands in the way of new opportunities that are emerging to expand access, improve systems, and drive meaningful care.

In this thought-provoking session hosted by mentl as part of its Tear Away The Silence campaign, and supported by Viatris, we bring together leading voices from the private and public sector to tackle these issues head-on. 

This compelling, invitation-only conversation will explore how we can reshape the mental health journey, shift mindsets, and ensure mental health is a core pillar of our communities. 

Whether you are a decision-maker, healthcare provider, or advocate join us by showing your interest to be among the audience and be part of a dialogue on the future of mental health in the region and beyond.

Click Here to Register