Dubai has been selected as the host city for World Gastroenterology Organization’s biennial World Congress of Gastroenterology which is set to take place from Dec. 12-15, 2021 (WCOG-2021) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Congress will see participation of more than 6,000 delegates from around the world, all gathered to share knowledge and best practice that will aid advancement of the health science of gastroenterology.
This milestone win confirms the commitment of the UAE as a supporter of scientific innovation and the advancement of medical practice on an international scale and re-affirms Dubai’s position as a leading destination for meetings and conventions.
“Dubai being chosen to host the World Congress of Gastroenterology is a significant win for, not just the city, but the entire nation,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri (pictured left), director general of Dubai tourism. “It is testament to the city’s efforts in pushing the nation’s innovative and progressive healthcare agenda by paving the way for platforms such as the WCOG-2021. This win demonstrates our ability to collaboratively deliver a competitive bid, together with our partners from various streams and functions, ultimately showcasing the holistic strengths of our city. We look forward to welcoming attending delegates and visiting healthcare providers to the city for WCOG-2021.”
The extensive bidding journey included a successful presentation by Dr. Maryam Al Khatry, president of the Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society (EGHS) of the Emirates Medical Association, at the WGO General Assembly in Washington, D.C. This was attended by WGO member societies and representatives from the four regional affiliate associations, representing more than 50,000 healthcare providers world-wide. Following the bid presentation, the WGO General Assembly unanimously voted for Dubai as the host destination for the 2021 edition.
“I will always cherish this special achievement,” said Al Khatry (pictured right), “as there is no better way to successfully complete my mission, than to secure this important win for our country, on the very same day that our nation commemorated the philanthropic and humanitarian legacy of our visionary Founding Father on the “Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action” and reinforce our commitment to all the values and principles embodied by Sheikh Zayed.”
“Winning the right to host this important congress for the UAE is a major milestone for our country and the region as a whole,” added Al Khatry. “It marks the first time in history that the WGO has convened a major international congress in partnership with an Arab-based national society. By joining forces with the WGO, our aim is to foster joint activities with a high caliber world leading organization and jointly create a progressive legacy for many years to come.”
Following the announcement, Prof. Cihan Yurdaydin (pictured left), president of the WGO, said, “On behalf of the WGO Governing Council, I would like to express our appreciation to the Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society lead by Dr. Maryam Al Khatry for submitting a world class bid. We are well aware of the time and effort that has gone into this ambitious endeavor. We are very excited by the prospect of this future collaboration and look forward to record participation at the World Congress of Gastroenterology, Dubai – 2021.”
The Dubai bid was supported by Dubai Dubai Business Events (Dubai Tourism), Dubai International Convention Centre, Dubai International Airports, UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine & Health Sciences (UAE University), Emirates Airlines, Fly Dubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Immigrations and Professional Conference Organisers Meeting Minds Experts.
