Abu Dhabi to Host International Council of Nurses Congress in 2021

Abu Dhabi has been selected as the host destination for the next edition of the International Council of Nurses Congress.

The event, held every four years, is organised by the International Council of Nurses, ICN, the 2021 edition will be hosted by the Emirates Nursing Association, ENA, and supported by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA, and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC. It is expected that the congress will bring more than 6,000 delegates to the emirate, with the event being hosted at ADNEC.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General of TCA Abu Dhabi, said, "Our strategy for tourism growth will lead to a 4 percent GDP contribution by 2021, and as part of this we are targeting a growth of 7 percent in the meetings and conference sector. Abu Dhabi currently attracts 2.2 million business visitors a year and is targeting growth of 5-7 percent by 2021, with targets to grow this to three million business visitors by 2021."

"As part of this growth we have identified medical tourism as one of our key specialist markets to fulfil our ambitions and attracting meetings and events of associations like this is fundamental to our vision. We are delighted that the International Council of Nurses has chosen Abu Dhabi as the next host city for their Congress. The hosting of this event further underpins the emirate’s ambitions to become a regional hub for medical excellence," he added.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, ADNEC Group CEO, said, "We are excited to welcome the International Council of Nurses to ADNEC in 2021. Securing this prestigious congress is another milestone in our continued journey to establish ourselves as the Middle East business tourism capital. This win is a perfect example of ADNEC and Team Abu Dhabi’s approach. This starts with understanding international associations’ needs when considering their first major event in the Middle East, and most importantly bringing together the relevant stakeholders and partners, on behalf of the client, to ensure the success of the Congress."

Dr. Frances Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of ICN, said, "ICN looks forward to holding our 2012 Congress in Abu Dhabi, our first major Congress in the Middle East. We thank the Emirates Nursing Association for all they have done to make this possible and encourage all our members to join us there."

Aysha Al Mehri, President of ENA, commented, "We are pleased to have been selected as the host of the ICN Congress in 2021. Bringing the congress to Abu Dhabi will have a tremendous impact on ENA and the nursing profession both locally and in the wider region. We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Health Authority Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company for their support as this was critical in securing this congress for the emirate."

Dr. Fatima Al Rifai, ENA founder and board member, and recently elected member of the board of Directors of ICN, said, "Hosting a congress of this stature in Abu Dhabi will provide local nurses with unrivalled access to first rate continuing education and networking opportunities. It will promote nurses’ role in the healthcare delivery and will strengthen nurses’ visibility and image.