The second edition of EmTech MENA wrapped up today at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Organized by Dubai Future Foundation, the conference showcased emerging technologies that have the potential to inspire a bright future and drive the new global economy.

The two-day event took place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Dubai Future Foundation. EmTech MENA convened more than 30 high-profile government officials, experts, academics, entrepreneurs and futurists from around the world.

On this occasion, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said: “We are at a time when it is important to shape the future of vibrant sectors and allow them to develop, test, and apply their innovations in a stimulating environment such as ours – one that supports innovation and entrepreneurship. Over the past two days, Dubai proudly hosted more than 600 local and international experts at the EmTech MENA 2019 conference to identify current and future challenges for which we need to prepare by employing modern technology and leveraging the ideas of entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Becoming as mature as humans at a faster pace and lower cost, AI and robots have the potential to dramatically transform the healthcare industry in the near future. Furthermore, advances in healthcare are increasingly depending on patient data and smart analysis. Technology developments such as genomics and targeted therapeutic intervention for disease management set the stage for the future of tailor-made treatment, early detection, prevention and more. Additional concepts that were examined included the ‘engineering of better health’ as well as the augmentation of physical and mental capabilities. Panelists also discussed the emerging research-to-market technology applications aimed at extending longevity, and the promise of personalized medicine.

Technology has changed the way people live and work. Historically, organizations have looked to technology primarily to cut back on time and expenses. While there is still value in using technology for efficiency, we now also have a different opportunity – to use technology for impact.

Among the recurring topics was the importance of digital healthcare. Panelists, including Emmanuel Fombu, author of ‘The Future of Healthcare’, Kosmas Kretsos, Senior Director – R&D at Pfizer, and Jason Kahn, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Mightier, spoke about different aspects of improving health. The experts agreed that this is possible using transformational data and technology.