The "Medical Korea 2024" event, held in Seoul, South Korea, showcased the nation's advanced medical technologies and their global impact. YOO Jehseung, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE, shared a personal story of a 67-year-old UAE resident, Jasim Mohamed Abbas Ashour Robari, who experienced significant relief from severe knee pain after receiving treatment at the Himchan-UHS Joint and Spine Center in University Hospital Sharjah. Robari expressed his satisfaction with the Korean medical team's successful surgery and rehabilitation.
This case is emblematic of the broader theme of "Connected Healthcare for All: A New Horizon beyond Barriers," which was central to "Medical Korea 2024." The event highlighted how Korea's cutting-edge medical advancements are no longer confined to domestic use but are now accessible to people worldwide, including those in the UAE, who face barriers such as language and healthcare systems. The event featured various groundbreaking treatments, such as Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Innovative CAR T-Therapy, Particle Therapy, and Navigation-guided Robotic Surgery, underscoring Korea's global medical competitiveness.
Korea's medical prowess is attributed to its advanced technology, swift diagnosis and treatment processes, state-of-the-art equipment, and IT-driven systems. Notably, three Korean hospitals were ranked among the top 10 in the cancer field in "Newsweek's 2025 World's Best Hospitals," further validating Korea's high standing in global healthcare.
The interest in Korean healthcare has also reached Abu Dhabi, UAE, where "Medical Korea 2024 in the UAE" was co-hosted by the Korean Embassy, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center in October. This event focused on Advanced Regenerative Biopharmaceuticals based on Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT), reflecting Korea's significant strides in developing therapies for previously untreatable diseases. Ambassador YOO Jehseung emphasized the ongoing efforts to expand healthcare cooperation between Korea and the UAE, with plans to focus on different aspects each year, such as digital healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, and doctors' treatment techniques.
Key areas of CGT in Korea include treatments for cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, as well as rare genetic disorders and chronic diseases. Park Jung-tae, Vice President of KoBIA, highlighted the potential for significant breakthroughs in Korea's cell and gene therapy sector, stressing the importance of international collaboration to accelerate development and commercialization. The Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT) also participated in the event, seeking collaboration opportunities with the UAE, including investment attraction and joint clinical trials.
UAE companies are increasingly eager to leverage these networking opportunities to form partnerships. Kamran Atif, Chief Revenue and Supply Chain Officer of ADCAN Pharma, noted partnerships with Korean companies like E&S Healthcare and LK Vista, which have led to improved market access and accelerated product development. KHIDI, the organizer of the Medical Korea event, facilitated approximately 60 business meetings between 14 Korean companies and 40 local UAE companies.
Ambassador YOO Jehseung reflected on the deepening relations between Korea and the UAE, starting from the Barakah Nuclear Power Plants project in 2009 and the Akh Unit's stationing in 2011. He expressed hope that expanding healthcare cooperation would further strengthen the partnership between the two nations, contributing to the well-being of their citizens.
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