Dubai To Host WHX Tech, A New Global Digital Health Event

Global exhibitions company Informa Markets has unveiled WHX Tech, "a next-generation healthcare event focused on future-facing technology," that will debut in the UAE from September 8–10, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Bringing together over 300 exhibitors and more than 5,000 healthcare leaders, innovators, and disruptors, WHX Tech will offer a future-focused experience featuring digital health-tech showcases, hands-on zones, curated conferences, and immersive hospital simulations.

The three-day event has been designed as a global platform for healthcare innovation, bringing together healthcare leaders from more than 30 countries and offering a US$50,000 prize pool for startups through its flagship competition, Xcelerate Startup Competition. 

Organized in partnership with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), WHX Tech aims to accelerate the adoption of digital tools across healthcare systems.

Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health, and Emirates Health Services, the event will focus on technologies shaping the future of care, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual care, diagnostics, cybersecurity, and telehealth. 

"WHX Tech is where innovation in digital health comes to life," said Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets, in a statement. "Designed to spark breakthroughs, this event goes beyond showcasing new technologies—it’s about turning ideas into actionable solutions that address the real-world challenges facing global healthcare."    

“As demand grows for more curated, content-driven, and forward-looking experiences, WHX Tech stands at the forefront, providing a platform for ideas to become investments and technologies to become care," she added. "We're not just reflecting on where healthcare is heading; we're actively shaping its future.” 

Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets.   

WHX Tech will host three main stages: World X, presenting digital health use cases from around the world; Future X, tackling long-term developments such as blockchain and quantum computing; and Xcelerate, a stage dedicated to startup engagement and investor interaction. 

A vibrant startup ecosystem will also take center stage, with investor meetings, mentorship opportunities, and increased visibility designed to help early-stage ventures secure funding, expand their reach, and break into new markets. 

Digital healthcare solutions provider Dedalus is one of the companies set to be a part of WHX Tech 2025. “What sets WHX Tech apart is its focus on the real-world application of technology," Sam Amory, Managing Director, Dedalus AMEA, said. "Yes, it’s about AI, interoperability, and digital innovation, but it’s also about creating smarter, more connected healthcare systems that genuinely improve patient outcomes.”  

The conference agenda will include hospital simulations, product demonstrations, and panel discussions. Confirmed speakers include Professor Shafi Ahmed, surgeon and medical innovator; Rachel Dunscombe, CEO of the NHS Digital Academy and member of the UK’s AI Council; and Dr. Scott Parazynski, physician and former NASA astronaut. 

WHX Tech is guided by an advisory board composed of key industry figures, including Dr. David Rhew, Global Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Healthcare at Microsoft, Dr. James Mault, founder and Executive Chairman of the US-based BioIntelliSense, Dr. Sam Shah,  Director of the Office of Healthcare Data Management at NEOM, Reenita Das, Partner and Senior Vice President of California-based Frost & Sullivan, and Dr. Myriam Fernández, Head of Health Innovation at Amazon Web Services (AWS) Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

Image courtesy WHX Tech.

A central feature of the event is the Xcelerate Startup Competition, where 50 startups will showcase innovations in areas such as AI, robotics, and wearables. Presentations will take place on stage during the first two days, with 12 finalists advancing to a pitch session on September 10. The winner will receive the title of “Xcelerate Champion of Innovation,” along with $50,000 in equity-free funding and a stand and sponsorship package for WHX Tech 2026. 

Additional awards include the “Xceptional Patient-Centric Innovation” and “Xtraordinary Early-Stage Startup” prizes, both offering exhibition and sponsorship opportunities for next year’s edition. 

"Startups are driving the future of healthcare through innovation by tackling urgent challenges such as staffing shortages, interoperability, and accessibility," Singer noted. "From AI to wearables, these pioneers are transforming diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes. WHX Tech brings all the right people together, from policy makers to investors, and provides a global stage to empower startups to accelerate this momentum and shape the next era of digital health.”  

The judging panel for the competition includes Jacopo Losso of the European Business Angel Network, Noa Khamallah of Don’t Quit Ventures, Fadilah Tchoumba of the African Business Angel Network, Milad Alucozai of Revalia Bio, Stefan B Beerhalter of Start2 Group, and Elsa Hyland of Stress Point Health. More judges will be announced in the lead-up to the event. 

Supporting this focus on early-stage innovation, the WHX Tech Investor Program will run across all three days, offering selected startups one-on-one meetings with venture capitalists, family offices, and institutional investors active in the digital health space. The connections program will also facilitate targeted networking between startups and potential partners, including healthcare buyers and decision-makers.