All India, 13th September 2013 : Abu Dhabi will host the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) World Congress 2013 from October 20-23 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The congress will bring together around 3,000 international experts to explore insights into the latest hematology technologies and trends.

TIF says Abu Dhabi was chosen as host for the 13th congress edition primarily thanks to the efforts of the HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundations and the accomplishments of the UAE medical community in increasing awareness of the disease which has a high prevalence throughout the Middle East.

It is estimated that 7% of the world’s population are carriers of the genes that can cause disorders of hemoglobin with around 500,000 children being born every year with severe inherited blood disorders.

The congress will feature over 40 sessions and an in-depth scientific programme covering a range of subspecialty and topics in thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies. Scientific sessions have been organised to deliver the latest updates in patient care by more than 100 internationally recognised speakers. Over 300 abstracts (scientific papers) have been received for presentation. Parallel to the scientific programmes, there will be dedicated patient and parent educational programmes, so that families get the opportunity to interact with international experts and learn about the latest techniques and methods to manage the disease and live a normal life.

TIF is hosted by the Regional Collaborating Office of Thalassemia International Federation, the HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation and the Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award and is supported by the Emirates Thalassemia Society, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) under its stand-alone Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau. The congress is sponsored by Novartis, AopPharma and EMAL amongst several other international organisations who will exhibit alongside the congress.

TCA Abu Dhabi anticipates an expected economic benefit to the emirate from the congress of AED14.5 million (US $3.9 million).

TCA Abu Dhabi is now to form a host committee to help ensure all aspects of successful event delivery are fulfilled.

The congress is seen as assisting Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau in its target of having Abu Dhabi city ranked by the International Congress and Convention Association as among the top 50 cities for association meetings – last year the UAE capital hit the top 100. Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau has a target of six major business wins this year, a further eight next year and 10 for 2015.

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Further information on Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau is available on: http://abudhabi-cb.ae where business planners can also apply online for Advantage Abu Dhabi incentives.

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.