More than 4,700 companies, representing over 2,000 global brands, are participating in the 21st edition of the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition, AEEDC Dubai, which was inaugurated today by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of the Dubai Health Authority, DHA, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Running until 9th February, AEEDC Dubai, the largest dental conference and exhibition in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, MENASA region, and the second largest in the world, is organised by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions in cooperation with a number of local and international organisations.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, accompanied by a number of key officials toured the exhibition area after the opening ceremony, and was briefed on the latest medical devices, technology and equipment on display by leading local and international dental companies.

After the tour, Sheikh Hamdan expressed his delight in the great development and growth that the exhibition is witnessing every year. He praised the increase in the number of participating companies.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of AEEDC Dubai and the Global Scientific Dental Alliance, said, "AEEDC Dubai has entered the most exciting phase in the events history of Dubai, as over the past 21 years, it had a flourishing effect on the health, economy, trade and tourism sectors of the UAE which reflect positively on maintaining sustainable development, in addition to encouraging and developing the skills of the workforce in both public and private sectors."

Dr. Al Madani added, "Today, we are celebrating more than 21 years of achievement and global recognition for AEEDC Dubai, with more than 4,700 exhibiting companies, representing more than 2,000 global brands. 48,000 visitors and participants are expected to be on board this year from 130 countries."

Dr. Tariq Khoory, Honorary Chairman of AEEDC Dubai, said, "We are working on increasing the size of the conference yearly and enhancing the conference programme to attract more participants, dentists, specialists, experts and visitors."

"We are confident that AEEDC Dubai is capable of becoming the largest dental conference and exhibition in the world, which will certainly be a great achievement not only for the UAE, but for the entire region," he added.