Top scientists, experts and specialists in the dermatology industry are participating at the 18th edition of Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition – Dubai Derma, a unique event dedicated to medical, paediatric and aesthetic dermatology, which opened today (March 19) in Dubai, UAE.

The event is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and president of the Dubai Health Authority, and will run until March 21, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, director general of Dubai Department of Information, inaugurated the event, which is being held under the theme ‘Skin Health is our Concern’.

Following the opening ceremony, Sheikh Hasher was accompanied by a high-profile delegation comprising a number of leading healthcare figures in the UAE and the GCC region, which included Humaid Al Qatami, chairman of the board and director general of the Dubai Health Authority, a number of presidents from world’s largest dermatological associations, VIP’s and speakers, who toured the exhibition area, where they were briefed about the latest scientific and technological developments in the field of dermatology, said a statement.

While delivering his opening speech at the event, Al Qatami said: “The continuous successes achieved by the event makes us more eager to take advantage of this gathering of scientists, experts and specialists, and from the topics at the discussion table, especially those related to dermatology research and studies, advanced technology and modern professional methods and practices, along with exchange of experience and transfer of knowledge.”

He added: “Undoubtedly, skin diseases and their relevant laser surgeries and microsurgeries have become among the most important scopes of competitiveness on the global health scene and one of the components for therapeutic tourism revitalisation.”

“In addition, they have become a form of investment that has its presence and strength, derived from institutions, hospitals and specialised international centres, as well as the parallel industry and the large market which is expanding, day by day, with the latest hi-tech equipment and diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic facilities,” he said.

Al Qatami continued: “Dubai, and the entrepreneurship it has achieved in various fields, is perhaps the main platform in the region to embrace this world-class development at the level of smart medical techniques.”

“It is also the ideal destination for investment in the healthcare sector in general, and in dermatology and plastic surgery in particular, a fact that the Dubai Health Authority is aware of and stimulates its expansion, in order to promote health tourism pillars and make Dubai the first choice for health and happiness seekers,” he added.

He concluded: “We are confident that the conference will succeed and achieve its objectives. We are also confident that the parallel discussions, lectures and workshops will lead us to applicable scientific conclusions that can be utilised, especially with the development programmes that the Dubai Health Authority undertakes to upgrade the services of dermatology departments at their hospitals and centres.”

Dr Hassan Galadari, professor of dermatology at the UAE University, consultant dermatologist, head of scientific committee, Dubai Derma, said: “This year, Dubai Derma will host the Asian Dermatology Association ADA’s 11th Congress. The last time, the ADA meeting was held in Dubai was in 1996 and much has changed since then. Dubai has grown exponentially over the years, commensurate with the key scientific and technological developments in the field of dermatology.”

He added: “In 1996, the first filler was approved to be used for cosmetic purposes and 22 years later, over 80 companies produce this. In addition, for skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, treatment options were limited in scope previously but today, they are at the forefront of dermatologic therapeutics. Dubai Derma 2018 will play host to such new innovations and treatment methodologies for skin diseases and much more.”

Dr Abdul Wahab Al Fouzan, president of the Arab Academy of Dermatology and Aesthetics/ Pan Arab League of Dermatologists, said: “Dubai Derma is attended by leading skincare specialists and experts from the GCC as well as many countries representing Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.”

“The scientific programme this year features a number of research papers and medical studies in skin surgery, treatment of psoriasis, malignant tumours of skin cancer as well as treatment of pigments, hair loss, alopecia and genetic skin diseases. In addition, the conference features a large number of workshops for those interested in laser treatments and anti-aging skin treatments while a number of training courses also focus on specialised topics related to skin sensitivity and histology,” he added.

He added: “Dubai Derma has the constant support and guidance of senior healthcare officials in Dubai and it certainly plays a pivotal role in improving the knowledge and expertise of skincare professionals in the Arab world. With so many technical training and educational courses on offer, Dubai Derma 2018 will greatly benefit dermatology students and professionals to improve their knowledge and also gain CME points to further enhance their academic and clinical performance.”

Dr Oumeish Oumeish, secretary general of Dubai Derma and International Academy of Medical Specialisation, said: “The event aims to promote continuous medical education and up-to-date learning in the field of medical, surgical, cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology and laser treatments through innovative lectures and symposia.”

He added: “Dubai is a candidate city for the World Congress of Dermatology in 2023, to be held under the auspices of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS). The bidding will happen during the World Congress of Dermatology 2019 in Milan, Italy and I take this opportunity to support and vote for Dubai to host the 2023 World Congress of Dermatology.”

On the first-day of the conference, a number of highly specialised topics in skincare were discussed including topics like: ‘Medical/Therapeutics Dermatology’, ‘Case Presentation Dermatology’ and ‘Surgical/Cosmetic Dermatology’ which includes exclusive discussions on ‘Gender Differences in Soft Tissue Augmentation: Perspectives and Practice, Radical RX Pearls, Food Allergy in Atopic Dermatitis, New Promising Drugs for Atopic Dermatitis, New Pearls in Skin Surgery and Cosmetology and Updates on Laser Hair Reduction among others.

Running parallel to the conference, Dubai Derma Exhibition, played host to a number of product launches and live demonstration of latest skincare solutions while also offering a highly interactive environment for visitors to experience the latest products and services in the skincare industry.

The annual Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition – Dubai Derma, is organised by Index Conferences & Exhibitions,  a member of Index Holding, in cooperation with the Pan Arab League of Dermatology, Arab Academy of Dermatology & Aesthetics (AADA) and GCC League of Dermatologists with the support of the Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority (DHA), it stated. – TradeArabia News Service