Duphat 2009, the international pharmaceuticals and technologies conference and exhibition, opened at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition centre on Sunday.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai, minister of finance and president of Dubai Health Authority, inaugurated the expo and later visited the various stalls to explore the latest pharmaceutical technologies on display.

Sheikh Hamdan said that the tremendous turnout of national, regional and international pharma companies at the show reinforces the role of Dubai as a regional hub for major international companies who are looking forward to promoting their products from Dubai to the Middle East and the world Market.

On the other hand, Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, director general – Dubai Health Authority said it was always keen to support all conferences and exhibitions that add value to the health sector in the UAE and the region in general.

'Duphat is classified as one of the major exhibitions specialized in the latest technical updates from the pharmaceuticals industry on regional and international levels, as it is recognized and accredited by the Dubai Health Authority and many international scientific organizations that serve the Pharmaceutical industry,' he noted.

Al Murooshid also said that 'despite the fact that the pharmaceutical sector in the region is still young, the local pharmaceutical industry in the Gulf is growing rapidly as the volume of the pharmaceutical market exceeded $4 billion in the Middle East and North Africa.'

'It is also growing at rate of 10 per cent annually, which is almost twice higher than the growth rate of the global pharmaceutical market. The UAE is almost a net importer of Pharmaceutical products,' he added.

Dr Ali Al Sayed, director of Pharmaceutical Services Department, at the DHA and the conference chairman said, 'Duphat is one of the biggest events in the region which includes 19 lectures and 15 workshops delivered by 30 renowned speakers.'

The list of speakers include big names from the pharmaceutical industry besides deans, university professors, consultants, and seniors from prestigious pharmaceutical associations.

In addition the expo includes 17 parallel presentations delivered by outstanding speakers that shall be featured parallel to the conference and exhibition.

Concurrent with the three-day event there shall be 32 professional poster presentations and 55 student poster presentations. Posters will be evaluated by a jury from highly reputed universities.

He said Duphat will also feature 8 artistic works presented by elementary school students. 'Their works shall tackle health in general and spread awareness among society to upgrade their health culture,” he noted.

Dr. Ali also pointed out that the conference will discuss important scientific topics that are related to pharmacy, particularly; applications of pharmaceutical outcomes research, quality measurement in pharmacy practice, the promotion of effective rational and safe use of medicines, and the effect of genetic differences on the response to treatment and the outcome of these treatments.

Abdul Salam Al Madani, executive chairman of Duphat and president of Index Holding said over the years, the expo has claimed a distinctive place in the world of pharmacy.

Al Madani also assured that “more than 300 international companies are participating in Duphat 2009, and the exhibition space is 20 per cent bigger compared to last year.-TradeArabia News Service