UAE Health Minister Al Owais highlights Arab unity at WHO Assembly, reaffirming commitment to global health, crisis response, and sustainable healthcare innovation for the future.
The UAE underscored its regional leadership in global health diplomacy as AbdulRahman Bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, delivered the unified statement of the Council of Arab Health Ministers during the 78th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Al Owais led the UAE delegation in a gathering attended by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and health leaders from across the globe.
The UAE’s participation in this pivotal forum reflects its long-standing commitment to strengthening international cooperation in healthcare and advancing its vision of a sustainable and inclusive health system. In alignment with the country’s forward-looking strategy, the UAE aims to play a proactive role in shaping global health policy, sharing best practices, and reinforcing solidarity in the face of public health challenges.
In his address, Al Owais expressed appreciation for the WHO’s tireless work in improving public health and pursuing sustainable development goals. He reaffirmed the Arab Health Ministers Council’s support for multilateral health cooperation and praised WHO regional offices for their crucial assistance to Arab nations.
The minister drew attention to urgent humanitarian health crises in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and the occupied Syrian Golan, calling for intensified international action to support health systems in these conflict-affected regions. He stressed that global solidarity is essential to alleviate suffering and ensure access to basic healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Al Owais also highlighted recent achievements within the Arab health landscape, including the Jeddah Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the outcomes of the Arab Forum for the Development of the Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Industry, hosted by Bahrain in May 2025. These milestones, he noted, demonstrate the region’s commitment to proactive collaboration and innovation in the health sector.
Presenting the UAE as a global exemplar, the minister shared the country’s experience in building a comprehensive, resilient, and technology-driven health system. He pointed to the integration of digital health tools, strategic foresight, and rapid policy-making as key features of the UAE’s health infrastructure, all aligned with the ambitious UAE Centennial 2071 vision.
Al Owais also spotlighted the UAE’s collaboration with the WHO to establish a global logistics centre for emergency health services. The initiative, he said, addresses the growing need for swift health responses and reflects the UAE’s belief in health as a fundamental human right.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Arab health ministers held a dedicated session to discuss common priorities and challenges. The meeting, attended by Al Owais, focused on enhancing Arab coordination in healthcare, boosting access to quality services, and leveraging technological advancements to improve the wellbeing of Arab communities.
