Introduction

This is the first in a series of annual Summits to be held in the GCC and on the Indian subcontinent by the Global Medical Forum Foundation and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training. The objective of the Summit is to enable healthcare policymakers, marketplace leaders, and the press from the region to have direct access to those who have dealt with many of the same challenges in the West and in other global systems.

The method of this GMF Summit: Abu Dhabi is to explore the specific and general regional healthcare needs of the countries of the GCC, with a subset focus on the Indian subcontinent through an interactive set of plenary sessions and round table discussions held over two and a half consecutive days. Abu Dhabi is appropriate as a venue given the centrality of the United Arab Emirates model to the development of the region. From investment to social policy, the UAE is understood by many in the region to be the most forward thinking and innovative country in the GCC.

As oil, gas and commercial revenues continue to increase, the question remains how these countries will deal with the healthcare needs of their growing populations. Will they look to the US or to Europe or to Asia for models in national healthcare system development, technology purchase and external expertise? Is there adequate political will to change the system and spend the money to ensure quality care? How can these countries create true centers of excellence? Each of these questions will be examined during the Summit.

Meeting Format

Opening Plenary Session
The opening plenary session sets the tone of the conference, introducing key issues in regional and international healthcare.

Main Plenary Sessions
The three main plenary sessions each tackle a core Summit topic. Each session is opened by a moderator who gives background on the topic and introduces the keynote speakers. The keynote speakers have 15 minutes each for their presentations. The final 30 minutes of the plenary session are for audience questions and discussion.

Round Tables
Each of the main plenary sessions is followed by two or three round tables that relate tangentially to the issue discussed in the preceding plenary session; there are seats for 35 delegates at each of the round tables. Each round table is moderated by an expert in the chosen subject. Two or three speakers open the round table with presentations of ten minutes each. The remaining time is for discussion and questions by the round table participants.

Site Links

US Summits
GCC - ME Summits
Europe Summits
Far East Summits
GMF I Program
GMF II Program
GMF III Program
GMF IV Program
GMF V Program



GCC-ME Summit I:
Day One, Evening
Day Two, Morning
Day Two, Afternoon
Day Three, Morning
Day Three, Early
Afternoon
The Venue
A Glimpse of Beirut
Partners

GCC-ME Summit II:
Day One, Evening
Day Two, Morning
Day Two, Afternoon
Day Two, Evening
Day Three, Morning
The Venue
Partners