Dubai to launch Biotech & Life Sciences Zone at World Health Expo 2026

UAE— The World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, formerly Arab Health, will introduce a new Biotech & Life Sciences Zone at its 2026 edition, taking place from 9 to 12 February at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC).

This major addition recognizes the rapid global expansion of the biotechnology sector, which is projected to exceed USD4 trillion by 2035.

Biotechnology, which uses living cells and biological processes to develop medical products and technologies, is transforming how diseases are treated, prevented, and diagnosed.

Breakthroughs in areas such as advanced therapeutics, translational research, AI-driven drug discovery, clinical innovation, and sustainable biomanufacturing are driving this transformation.

According to Global Data Route Analytics, the biotechnology market was valued at USD 1.6 trillion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%, reaching USD 4.05 trillion by 2035.

In the Gulf region, Knight Frank projects that the GCC biotechnology market will reach USD2.6 billion by 2028, led primarily by the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

This growth is fueled by a rise in local R&D efforts focused on genomics, oncology, rare diseases, and synthetic biology, as well as increasing investor interest and cross-border collaborations.

The UAE, in particular, aims to establish itself as a global hub for biotechnology, precision medicine, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This ambition aligns with the country’s industrial strategy, Operation 300Bn, which allocates AED 300 billion (USD 81.6 billion) to strengthen key sectors, including healthcare.

The inaugural Biotech & Life Sciences Zone at WHX will debut on 9 February 2026 as part of the newly introduced Frontiers Stage, bringing together international experts, innovators, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders.

The programme will explore the scientific, economic, and societal impact of biotechnology under the theme “Where Science Meets the Future.”

Dr. Omar Najim, CEO of Baynouna Gene Solutions and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Khalifa University, stated that the Middle East is entering a new era where biotechnology and life sciences have become central to healthcare transformation and economic diversification.

 He emphasized that the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region—home to 1.7 billion people—offers immense potential both as a market and as a source of scientific talent.

Session highlights at the zone will include “The Future and Trends of Life Sciences: From Bench to Global Impact,” discussions on AI and next-generation therapeutics, and panels on investment, sustainability, and access to advanced therapies.

The programme will close with a keynote by Andrew Craig, author of The Future Is Biotech.

Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President at Informa Markets, said the new zone reflects WHX’s commitment to advancing global healthcare collaboration.

 She noted that biotechnology is transforming every dimension of healthcare, and WHX provides a platform to connect scientists, innovators, and industry leaders to drive this progress.

In 2026, WHX in Dubai will run alongside WHX Labs—formerly Medlab Middle East—from 10–13 February.

Together, the two events will host over 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors, creating the world’s largest healthcare gathering across Expo City Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Both events are held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.