Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The Ministry of Defence and ADNEC Group announced that the UAE has won the bid to host the 46th International Congress of Military Medicine (ICMM) 2026. The event will take place from November 9 to 13.
The World Congress of Military Medicine is a leading international scientific platform held biennially since its inception in 1921. Organized under the auspices of the International Committee of Military Medicine, it brings together leading medical and military figures, experts, researchers, and practitioners from over 120 countries. Its aim is to exchange knowledge and experiences and review the latest scientific developments. Furthermore, it seeks to foster international cooperation in the field of medicine, thereby contributing to the development and improvement of healthcare systems.
Quality station
The UAE’s hosting of this international conference, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), is a significant milestone that reinforces the country’s position as a global hub for military and civilian medical knowledge and international cooperation. Furthermore, it reflects global confidence in the UAE’s advanced infrastructure and highly qualified national talent, as well as its exceptional organizational capabilities.
The conference represents a leading platform for exchanging experiences, reviewing the latest scientific developments and innovations, and promoting international cooperation in the various fields of medicine.
The announcement of hosting the conference was made during a press conference held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Heritage Hotel Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Major General Staff Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense. Also present were the Chairman of the Conference Steering Committee, Major General Staff Aisha Sultan Al Dhaheri, Head of the Higher Organizing Committee for the Conference at the Ministry of Defense, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC Group, and Colonel Bart Demoink, Deputy Secretary General of the International Committee of Military Medicine. In addition, Saif Ali Al Marzouqi, Senior Advisor for Strategy and Executive Affairs at the Tawazun Defense Empowerment Council, and a number of officials, strategic partners, and media representatives were in attendance.
Enhancing medical preparedness
Major General Staff Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense and Chairman of the Conference Steering Committee, said: “The UAE’s hosting of the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine 2026 is a significant strategic milestone. It also reflects the growing international confidence in the country’s advanced institutional, defense, and organizational capabilities, solid infrastructure, and forward-looking vision, which have placed the UAE in a leading position to support and develop vital sectors related to comprehensive readiness.”
Major General Al Balushi added: “The Ministry of Defense views this conference as an international platform that enhances the UAE’s position as an active partner in developing military medical systems. In addition, the conference focuses on civilian medicine in an exceptional initiative for this edition of the event, in a step that supports international cooperation efforts and the exchange of knowledge and experiences. This also contributes to raising medical readiness and enhancing integration between defense and humanitarian roles.”
He continued: “This conference is in line with our national directions, which place investment in human beings, capacity building, and support for scientific innovation at the heart of its priorities, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the armed forces and consolidating their readiness to deal with various challenges and changes.”
Abu Dhabi’s status
For his part, His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “The partnership with the Ministry of Defence is part of ADNEC Group’s strategy to attract and host major international specialized events. This reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional capital for the specialized events sector. Abu Dhabi is also an incubator for innovation and development in vital sectors.”
Al Qubaisi added: “Hosting the 46th World Congress of Military Medicine in 2026 represents a sustainable extension of our national role in supporting initiatives aimed at transferring and localizing knowledge within the UAE. We will also work to organize this session with the highest professional standards, to be the most distinguished session since the conference was first launched in 1921.”
International scientific platform
For her part, Major General Aisha Sultan Al Dhaheri, Head of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Conference at the Ministry of Defense, said: “The 46th World Congress of Military Medicine is an international scientific platform that brings together elite leaders and experts from around the world to discuss the latest scientific developments, review innovations, and exchange experiences in various medical specialties. We are also keen to present an edition that reflects the highest organizational and scientific standards. This is in line with the status of the UAE and achieves the scientific and professional goals of the conference. As a result, we contribute to the development of healthcare systems and raise the level of preparedness and response in various fields.”
Major General Al Dhaheri added: “The UAE’s winning bid to host this global strategic conference reinforces our active and influential role in enriching the defense sector and military and civilian medicine by providing it with specialized and modern medical research and innovations, discussing them, and presenting them to the relevant authorities for their development, adoption, and future building. The Ministry of Defense has been keen to enhance the conference program through specialized scientific sessions, workshops, and professional meetings. In addition, an accompanying exhibition has been added to provide an integrated environment for scientific dialogue and partnership building. This contributes to the development of military and civilian healthcare systems and raises the level of readiness and response.”
Developing the healthcare system
Through its plenary sessions, scientific workshops, exhibitions, and accompanying cultural programs, the conference will explore the prospects and future of military and civilian medicine. It will also contribute to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading global destination for hosting specialized and prestigious international events.
Hosting this conference aligns with the directives of the wise leadership, which places great importance on developing civilian and military healthcare systems, enhancing medical preparedness, and supporting humanitarian efforts. This also reinforces the UAE’s role as an active partner in building a global health security system. This is achieved through scientific platforms that facilitate the exchange of expertise and expand cooperation with relevant international bodies and institutions.
The 46th World Congress of Military Medicine is supported by the Defense Enabling Balance Council, as a key conference partner.
In this context, Saif Ali Al Marzouqi, Senior Advisor for Strategy and Executive Affairs at the Tawazun Defense Empowerment Council, said: “Our sponsorship and participation in this event reflects our firm belief in the importance of international cooperation to develop military healthcare globally, and the vital role we play in empowering the defense and security sector in the UAE. We also emphasize our commitment to enhancing national capabilities by developing qualified competencies in various military disciplines, especially in the areas of cooperation in military medicine and health.”
Through this global event, the Ministry of Defence reaffirms its commitment to supporting scientific knowledge, empowering medical personnel, and strengthening international partnerships that contribute to the development of military healthcare systems. This also ensures preparedness to respond to various health and humanitarian challenges and enhances the UAE’s standing in hosting and attracting high-quality international initiatives.
The announcement of hosting the conference is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and ADNEC Group in its preparation and organization, reflecting a leading national model of partnerships that combines institutional expertise, organizational capabilities, and strategic vision. The aim is to deliver a conference befitting the name and stature of the UAE, while fully achieving its scientific and humanitarian objectives.
