More than 600 companies from 75 countries are participating at the 22nd edition of the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT), which opened on Tuesday.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and President of the Dubai Health Authority, the event was inaugurated by Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of the Dubai Health Authority, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year, the event has witnessed a 20 percent increase in the exhibition size compared to last year, according to Al Qatami, who was accompanied by a number of local and international representatives, heads of delegations, and specialists in the pharma field.

Al Qatami and the delegates toured the exhibition and were introduced to the latest pharmaceutical products and technologies displayed by key players in pharmaceutical industry from the region and the world. He also visited DUPHAT Tech, the specialised exhibition for pharma technology launched this year. He was introduced to the pharma technology and packaging of pharmaceutical products and smart storage techniques and solutions in the pharmaceutical industry.

Following the opening ceremony, Humaid Al Qatami stressed that DUPHAT has attracted thousands of pharmacists, specialists, leading local and international pharmaceutical companies, along with global pharmaceutical suppliers. "It is a testimony to the competitive edge of Dubai, and also explains why the emirate is considered one of the top destinations worldwide for hosting international conferences and exhibitions in different areas and fields including healthcare and related events," he said.

The event is being held on an area of 16,800 sq.m., and is expected to be attended by more than 26,000 participants and visitors.

Dr. Ali Al Sayed, Chairman of DUPHAT Conference and Exhibition commented, "The pharmacy profession in this part of the world is undergoing a substantial transformation towards greater automation, robotics, specialisation and importantly upgradation of quality services. For pharmacy to keep pace with the rest of the world, it is most critical to realign, reengineer, and reinvent our approach in order to be an integral part of the healthcare fraternity."

"Therefore it is of paramount importance that the focus should be on enhancing and upgrading competency and professionalism, facilitating staff development, introducing new range of specialized services apart, benchmarking, and pursuing global collaboration," he added.

DUPHAT conference witnesses the participation of 168 speakers and a notable participation from GCC delegates in scientific sessions that will be presented by pharmaceutical societies and associations from Saudi, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

DUPHAT is organised annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est., member of INDEX Holding, and the conference is accredited by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE, Dubai Health Authority, The Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Australia, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, UK.