Representatives of the Dubai Executive Organising Committee for the World Congress of Cardiology, met today at the DHA headquarters to discuss preparations ahead of the conference.

The congress, which is the largest in the world on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is taking place for the first time in the Middle East region from April 18 to 21.

Dubai won the bid over countries such as Tokyo, Singapore, South Africa and Mexico to host this congress.

Over 12,000 delegates and 600 speakers are expected to take part in the congress, which will have over 1000 abstracts, lectures and workshops, a statement from DHA said.

More than 100 exhibitors will be present showcasing the latest advances in treatment for cardiovascular diseases and prevention. 

Dr Fahad Baslaib, head of cardiology at Rashid Hospital, chairman of the Emirates Cardiac Society and chairperson of the Dubai Executive Organising Committee for the congress said the event aimed to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and its prevention methods.

CVDs are the leading causes of death globally and in the UAE. One in four deaths in the UAE is attributed to it.

“Over the years, cardiologists can confirm, that despite several advances in technology, one of the main challenges remains encouraging people to quit unhealthy habits in a bid to ensure they protect their heart. Conferences such as this one provide a global platform for advocacy, awareness and an opportunity to discuss the latest trends in treatment of cardiovascular disease,” Baslaib said.

“Organising a conference of this scale requires preparedness at all levels and therefore we have formed a committee in Dubai with representatives from various concerned stakeholders to ensure smooth functioning of the congress,” he added.

Representatives of the committee include members from the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, Department of Tourism, Road and Transport Authority, Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Health Authority.

Dr Obaid Al Jassim, consultant cardiac surgeon and head of the cardiothoracic surgery department, Dubai Hospital, said: “Awareness remains a key initiative across governments and countries in the bid to discourage people from several poor lifestyle choices which are known to trigger off heart hearts.”

“It is a known fact that 80 per cent of CVDs are preventable through lifestyle modification and yet 17.1 million people die of heart attacks in the world,” he said. “This figure advocates the urgent need to educate people about the dangerous habits they have inculcated and the direct repercussion it has on their health.”

“Hosting this conference will provide much-needed awareness about CVDs especially in this region and worldwide,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service