Ancient healing, modern holistic wellness to take centre stage in Dubai on February 15-17

Alternative forms of medicine are set to take centre stage in Dubai as the emirate looks to deepen the integration of traditional healing systems into its healthcare framework.

Wellness brands, practitioners, clinics and hospitals from across the world will converge in the emirate to showcase ancient medical traditions and their modern-day applications at the 3rd International AYUSH Conference & Exhibition 2026, to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from February 15 to 17.

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The event is being organised by Science India Forum, a voluntary organisation for propagation of Science among masses along with World Ayurveda Foundation, under the patronage of Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India and the Consulate General of India, Dubai.

Holistic health

The event positions Dubai as a regional hub for traditional and complementary medicine at a time when interest in holistic health and preventive care is steadily growing across the UAE.

With the city’s diverse population and increasing focus on wellness-driven lifestyles, organisers expect strong interest from healthcare professionals, policymakers and residents alike.

Speaking about the UAE’s efforts to formally integrate AYUSH practices into the healthcare system, Ahmed Ibrahim Musabih, president of UAE Yoga Committee said,

“(We are building on) Ayurveda to be one of our key pillars in supporting this (healthcare) sector in the UAE. As you know, yoga and meditation are integral to it, and that is where we are placing strong emphasis. During the conference and exhibition, we will be signing an MoU with relevant partners to support the outlined outcomes of the event and to integrate these elements into our healthcare system.

"This will be done in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health. Until now, this linkage between the federation, the ministry and Dubai’s healthcare ecosystem was missing. This partnership will help bridge that gap and enable further research and integration going forward.”

The mega event will bring together leading global experts, practitioners and businesses working across the AYUSH spectrum — Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy. Organisers say the exhibition aims to highlight how ancient systems of medicine are evolving through research, technology and integration with mainstream healthcare.

Dr V.L. Shyam, general secretary of the Organising Committee for AYUSH 2026, said the philosophy of AYUSH aligns closely with Dubai’s global outlook and emphasis on sustainability.

“Ayush, as a concept, is the epitome of sustainability. It asks a fundamental question: how do we make a population healthy, and how do we keep it healthy? That is the underlying philosophy of Ayush. Dubai, meanwhile, is a springboard for ideas like this. If the intent is genuine, there is really no better place than Dubai to showcase it to the world.”

Insurance companies, herbal traders, and medicinal plant cultivators will also be part of the event, underlining the expanding ecosystem around traditional medicine and health tourism.

Focus on physical and mental wellbeing

The three-day conference and exhibition is therefore expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term collaboration, research and policy development, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for integrated and preventive healthcare.

Dr Easa Bastaki, President and CEO of Dubai University, said the conference also reflects a growing recognition of healthcare models that address both physical and mental wellbeing.

“We are truly grateful to have an event like this, which highlights alternative forms of medicine. Ayush is everything — it is not just about the body, but also the mind and overall wellbeing. It needs to be seen as a collaborative effort, working together to create a comprehensive and deeply integrated healthcare system.”

Trade, innovation and global market access

Beyond healthcare integration, the exhibition additionally places a strong focus on trade, innovation and global market access for AYUSH-based industries.

The conference shall have over 100 exhibitors, 75 invited talks, and 250 oral presentations. The Conference will be attended by 1200 plus delegates of AYUSH systems from more than 35 countries.

Exhibitors will represent AYUSH pharmaceutical companies, wellness brands, practitioners, clinics and hospitals. Research institutes, laboratories and educational organisations will also be present, alongside manufacturers of laboratory equipment, herbal processing machinery and medical devices.

Satish Kumar Shivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, said the Government of India sees the event as a critical platform for both medical outreach and economic expansion.

“The Government of India’s effort is to provide a strong platform for the AYUSH system — not only from a medical perspective, but also from a business and trade standpoint. That is one of the key focuses of this event. We will have around 100 exhibitors, including major players such as Himalaya and Dabur, highlighting the scale of the industry.

"There is a significant economy built around the AYUSH tradition, and it is important for manufacturers and producers to gain access to global markets. The exhibition aims to promote holistic health worldwide while also showcasing products that help people achieve it. This is an important market for Indian AYUSH-centred pharmaceutical manufacturers. Going forward, our effort will be to complement multiple streams—raising awareness, encouraging wider acceptance of these systems, and facilitating partnerships and trade agreements that create global platforms for our manufacturers.”

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.