Under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the GCC Immunization Summit 2026 concluded in Dubai after bringing together experts, policymakers and public health specialists from across the Gulf region and international organizations.
The summit provided a high-level regional platform to discuss the current landscape and future of immunization programs, exchange expertise, and strengthen GCC coordination. It also aimed to enhance health preparedness and reinforce prevention as a strategic approach to safeguarding communities and protecting future generations.

Immunization saves lives

In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, said that immunization is one of the most successful and impactful public health interventions in protecting lives and improving quality of life. Al Rand noted that the UAE will continue to develop national programs based on international best practices while focusing on innovation, service efficiency, and increasing coverage rates.

He added that investing in prevention is a fundamental pillar in building a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable society. The UAE has achieved high immunization coverage through the strength of its healthcare system and institutional capacity, supported by the use of digital solutions to monitor records and enable data-driven decision-making.

His Excellency also highlighted the importance of GCC, regional and international collaboration in developing unified frameworks for disease surveillance, strengthening 

preparedness, and accelerating response mechanisms, thereby enhancing regional and international health security and ensuring a proactive and flexible response to evolving health challenges.

Scientific sessions

The summit featured a series of scientific sessions addressing the development of national strategies for disease prevention and immunization across GCC countries and approaches to expanding vaccine access for all age groups.

Discussions also focused on the importance of building public trust, addressing misinformation through professional communication, and strengthening health awareness, highlighting the critical role of effective health communication in supporting preventive programs and improving community uptake of recommended vaccines.

The sessions further explored the latest developments in the prevention of infectious diseases and outbreaks, maternal and child immunization programs, travel health, and vaccination for older adults and high-risk groups.

Discussions emphasized the role of scientific research and innovation in updating preventive policies and national immunization schedules. This reflects a forward-looking Gulf vision that places people at the center and prioritizes early planning for future health risks.

The summit also addressed national policies for pandemic preparedness, as well as the importance of regional partnerships in knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Participants highlighted the role of integrated coordination among health authorities in accelerating responses to health challenges. Such discussions reinforce a comprehensive preventive approach that not only enhances the resilience of health systems and strengthens operational readiness but also ensures service continuity under all conditions.

UAE leadership in immunization

The UAE continues to strengthen its leadership in prevention through its national immunization program, which undergoes regular review by health authorities and experts. 

The program has been continuously updated by MoHAP in line with World Health Organization recommendations, while coverage of essential vaccines has exceeded 95%. 

Vaccination services are delivered through an extensive network of healthcare facilities, supported by integrated smart services.

Dr Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department, said hosting the summit in the UAE is a testament to the country’s strong international standing in healthcare and reinforces its role as a platform for knowledge exchange and the development of shared strategies to advance immunization programs across the region.

Al Marzouqi added that the summit’s outcomes will support stronger collaboration among health authorities, open new avenues for innovation, and further position prevention as a strategic priority that enhances quality of life and supports the sustainability of healthcare systems.