Congress Solutions International (CSI), part of Dubai-based Emirates airline, was recently appointed Professional Congress Organiser for the 21st World Diabetes Congress, organised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
The International Diabetes Federation's World Diabetes Congress is held every two years and is one of the world's largest medical congresses.
Speaking on behalf of IDF, Luc Hendrickx, director of congresses said: "While diabetes continues to grow as a global health issue, its impact in this region is even greater. Our research shows that the number of people with diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa will almost double by 2025. That's an increase from almost 25 million to over 44 million in less than 20 years. Events such as our congress contribute to the global effort to fight this terrible disease."
The IDF's World Diabetes Congress is dedicated to a disease that affects over 250 million men, women and children worldwide. It brings together some of the most prominent global healthcare experts as well as academics, government representatives, people with diabetes and other international organisations.
At this year's congress, a key focus will be on political action to address the growing global health burden caused by non-communicable diseases including diabetes.
Politicians must join health professionals in helping to solve these problems. IDF will ensure that its congress in Dubai is the centrepiece of this political action.
To be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2011, the healthcare congress will build on CSI's growing credentials as it continues to expand its client base, which already includes IT, banking, consumer goods, construction, oil and gas, automobiles and travel and tourism.
CSI will act as the local PCO with responsibility for the management of delegates' accommodation, social programmes, hospitality suites, exhibition stand building, local staffing, transfers as well as meet and greet arrangements.
Commenting on CSI's appointment, senior vice-president Frederic Bardin said: "We are honoured by the federation's decision to appoint us as one of their key partners for such an important occasion in the healthcare calendar. What makes this appointment so significant for CSI is that we will be able to play our part in addressing a global health issue that has become prevalent in this region."
Previous congress locations have included Cape Town, Paris and Mexico City.
The next congress is being held in October in Montreal, where up to 15,000 delegates are expected to attend over a five-day period.