Saif bin Zayed visits AEEDC Dubai Conference and Exhibition

This year's conference has drawn an impressive turnout of over 66,000 attendees from 155 countries, offering a rich array of 157 scientific sessions and 25 workshops. AEEDC Dubai serves as a hub for showcasing the latest advancements in dentistry and fostering global collaboration among professionals in the field.

This year AEEDC Dubai was marked by the participation of prominent countries including Brazil, Switzerland, Germany, Turkiye, South Korea, China, Spain, Italy, France, Ukraine, and the United States of America. The robust international presence underscores the global relevance and impact of AEEDC Dubai, with international participants constituting a substantial 88% of overall participation.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed praised the remarkable progress made by "AEEDC Dubai" in recent years, underscoring the significance of these nationally embraced events and their profound influence on various economic sectors within the country. He attended a scientific session organized by the conference, which boasted a lineup of over 155 esteemed speakers and international experts from all over the world.

Following the session, Saif bin Zayed attended a special ceremony hosted by the "Waterfalls Global" initiative, a groundbreaking initiative under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Accompanying him at the ceremony was Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, and Chairman of Waterfalls Global, along with a high-level delegation from New York University in the USA. Also in attendance were heads of delegations, organisations, and international bodies participating in AEEDC Dubai 2024.

During his visit to the exhibition, Sheikh Saif toured the pavilions of Brazil and Germany, the latter being this year's honoured guest, as well as a medical platform representing the USA. Additionally, he visited the Dubai Health Authority Pavilion.

Launched in 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Waterfalls Global stands as a pioneering initiative dedicated to fortifying healthcare frontline workers, humanitarian, and relief personnel across the globe. Spearheaded by the Behavioral Rewards Department at the Ministry of Possibilities in the UAE, in collaboration with INDEX Holding, this initiative strives to equip healthcare professionals with scientific knowledge and training sessions, along with accredited scientific hours. Its ultimate goal is to empower and support one million individuals from the medical, humanitarian, and relief sectors.

During the ceremony, it was revealed that the initiative has reached a remarkable 2 million beneficiaries spanning across 197 countries worldwide. Over the course of the past four years, the initiative has organized 593 seminars featuring 375 esteemed online speakers, totaling an impressive value exceeding AED 737,994 million. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through fruitful global partnerships with 84 international academic and scientific institutes.

In a significant announcement, the "Waterfalls Global" initiative has unveiled its expansion plans to encompass essential sectors vital for humanity's welfare. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched the initiative's expansion into new sectors, which encompass global food security, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, alongside economic domains, education, epidemiology, hospitality and tourism, human resources, leadership, entrepreneurship, media and communications, public policy, diplomacy and governance, supply chain and logistics, and sustainability. This strategic move reflects a foreseeing perspective aimed at fostering a positive influence and advancing the well-being of humanity at large.

During the ceremony, the prestigious "New York University Award 2024" was bestowed upon the "Waterfalls Global" initiative, honouring its remarkable achievements in recent years. This esteemed award recognises the initiative's outstanding contributions to both international and academic realms, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping global standards. Notably, this award is typically reserved for pioneering institutions and initiatives that exemplify unparalleled excellence, as well as individuals who significantly advance medical endeavors and support patients, earning widespread acclaim. Notably, this marks the inaugural presentation of the award to an institution outside the United States, personally conferred by the university administration to the UAE. This gesture reflects the deep admiration for the UAE's leadership in championing global initiatives for the betterment of humanity worldwide.

In recognition of the remarkable success of the initiative, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed was presented with the honorary award by Dr. Michael P. O’connor, Executive Vice Dean, Clinical Professor, Dept. of Epidemiology and Health Promotion NYU College of Dentistry, and Dr. Howard Lieb, Associate Clinical Professor, International Project Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Dean at the New York University, College of Dentistry. This prestigious recognition highlights the initiative's impact, reaching two million beneficiaries across 197 countries, including the United States of America.

Established in 1831, New York University stands as the preeminent specialised research institution in the United States, boasting an annual enrollment exceeding 65,000 students. Renowned as a global hub for scientific research and educational excellence, NYU maintains a presence across multiple cities worldwide, including Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.

In a letter accompanying the prestigious award from New York University, the institution affirmed that the Award serves as a testament to the outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions made by the UAE. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon the visionary leader and the nation for the exceptional initiative undertaken by Waterfalls Global, a beacon of innovation and progress that has transcended international borders, positively impacting the global community.

Waterfalls Global profound effects have resonated worldwide, the New York University, extends its deepest gratitude to the UAE for spearheading an exemplary humanitarian initiative in the realm of continuous medical education. The visionary efforts of the UAE have set a new standard for excellence, with Waterfalls Global emerging as a catalyst for positive change in the field.

The letter also stated, “This award is more than a recognition; it is a celebration of the UAE's steadfast dedication to advancing healthcare education on a global scale. The commitment to excellence exhibited by the United Arab Emirates serves as an authentic symbol of inspiration for leaders and communities worldwide. The ripple effect of this initiative goes beyond borders, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and elevating the standards of medical education across diverse landscapes. As we honour the United Arab Emirates with the New York University Award 2024, we acknowledge the enduring legacy of Waterfalls Global and its role in shaping the future of healthcare education. This accolade encapsulates the spirit of innovation, dedication, and the profound positive impact that the UAE continues to make on a global scale. May this recognition inspire continued advancements and collaborative e orts for the betterment of healthcare professionals and communities around the world.”

The "Waterfalls Global" initiative was conceived in alignment with the visionary leadership of the UAE and with a global perspective, extending support to healthcare workers worldwide through academic resources and specialized training, lectures and workshops, this initiative has already benefited 2 million individuals in the healthcare sectors.