The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, the Emirates Health Services, the Dubai Health Authority, and the American Society for Microbiology, hosted the 8th UAE International Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (ICAMR 2025).

Hosted in Dubai from February 21 to 22, the event brought together more than 600 healthcare professionals, including consultants, doctors, nurses, and technicians from the UAE and beyond.

The two-day conference explored the latest innovations and health research tackling antimicrobial resistance, with the discussions expected to contribute to the sustainable development of the healthcare sector in line with international best practices.

Challenges and research priorities

Held under the patronage of H.E. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, the event aimed to address pressing challenges and exchange ideas concerning antimicrobial stewardship, the latest developments in digital technologies, and artificial intelligence in the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance.

Sessions also tackled the challenges and research priorities in combating antimicrobial resistance, preventing healthcare-associated infections, and exploring new antibiotic treatments.

Climate Change and Antibiotic Resistance

As part of the conference, a series of lectures was held covering key topics, including antimicrobial resistance in the Eastern Mediterranean region, epidemic preparedness and response, and regional cooperation in antibiotic stewardship programs.

Sessions also addressed antimicrobial resistance in GCC countries, the role of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in infection control, and the need for multisectoral collaboration to address this global challenge.

Additionally, experts explored the impact of climate change on antimicrobial resistance and discussed strategies for shaping the future of the healthcare sector in combating drug-resistant infections.

Challenges of antimicrobial resistance

H.E. Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, stressed that the conference has evolved into an annual scientific platform where experts from the UAE come togather to exchange knowledge and experiences while discussing local and global health challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance.

“The Ministry, in collaboration with relevant authorities both domestically and internationally, is committed to making every effort to address this issue, now that it has become a significant challenge to achieving global sustainable development goals.”

Dr. Al Rand added that the World Health Organisation has classified antimicrobial resistance among the top ten global public health threats, making coordinated action essential.

He called for innovative and sustainable solutions to strengthen surveillance, enhance monitoring systems, and implement advanced treatment protocols and diagnostic tools to curb the spread of drug-resistant infections.

Health System Capabilities

His Excellency said, "The Ministry of Health and Prevention will continue to upgrade the country’s health system to tackle the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance by raising public awareness about the proper use of antibiotics and the risks of overuse, while also working to improve the skills of our healthcare professionals and ensure high safety and infection control standards in all healthcare settings.”

He also noted that improving infection control measures and safety standards across healthcare facilities is a top priority. In addition, ongoing updates to health regulations help ensure that antibiotics are prescribed responsibly and only under medical supervision. These efforts, he added, are key to achieving the goals of the National Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance, ultimately creating a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system that supports public health and improves quality of life across the UAE.

Integrated efforts

Meanwhile, Dr. Najiba Abdulrazzaq, Chair of the Conference and Consultant Internist at the Emirates Health Services, as well as Co-Chair of the National Committee for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance,