The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) is organizing the IBBC Autumn Conference ‘Growing Opportunities’, on December 13, 2024, at Taj Hotel Dubai. H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy UAE, will grace the occasion to deliver the welcome address.

Talking about the conference, Christophe Michels, Director of IBBC  said, “The IBBC Autumn Conference in Dubai 2024 offers unparalleled networking opportunities with top industry leaders and policymakers shaping the future of business in Iraq, UAE and beyond. Attendees will gain invaluable insights and strategies for success in one of the world’s most dynamic economic hubs.”

Iraq is undertaking the most significant expansion in thirty years as the stability in country improves with investment opportunities currently in the region of $400bn, in Infrastructure, housing, and the great Dry Road initiative from Al Faw port to Turkey. Iraq’s GDP is set to rise 5.3% in 2025 (IMF) and stock exchange funds up 17% this year. The national census has recorded 45 million people and is therefore the largest Middle East market.

UAE is also supporting the tech start up ecosystem in Iraq for a new incubator for AI and Fintech, set to be announced in 2025 .

The Conference is hosting most of Iraq’ s leading businesses, including key energy companies, BP, Shell, BGC, their construction partners like Wood group, KSA, GE, Siemens and Financial services giants like SC, IFC and Central Bank of Iraq.

Of note for UAE businesses is the emergence of a new Maritime agency, being developed by IBBCs maritime companies, that will serve the Al Fawr port and Iraq’s ambitions to trade more regionally. Mr Tugrul Titanoglu, CJ-ICM; Mr Ahmed Shaban, Chairman of the IBBC Maritime Committee; Dr Abduladheem Kareem Khalil, Iraq Supreme Maritime Authority;and Al Zaman group will all be present for conversations.

Education too, is evolving to meet the needs of a modern Iraq, and the Minster for higher education is speaking on a dedicated day 12th December, covering primary to higher level with a full house and UK and Iraqi Universities and schools attending.

Mr Vikas Handa, chairman of the conference, says, “For business and investors seeking growth Iraq offers strong returns in a stable environment and is affirming its position as a driver of Middle East opportunity. Meet the people making this happen on 12 and 13th December at the Taj Hotel. We welcome the UAE and all businesspeople.”

– Zahrawi Group, a leading provider in healthcare solutions across the GCC, on Wednesday announced the successful official inauguration of its new state-of-the-art 38,000 square foot Distribution Centre, strategically located opposite Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the Group’s growth journey and its commitment to operational excellence.

The opening ceremony brought together Zahrawi Group’s leadership, including Chairman Isam M. Al-Muhaidib, alongside key partners, customers, representatives from governmental institutions, and Zahrawi’s senior management team. The guests were welcomed to a comprehensive tour of the facility, which showcased the advanced technologies and enhancements designed to optimise efficiency and scalability.

Guests also got the opportunity to explore the facility’s key features, including an advanced inventory management system, temperature-controlled storage, automated loading bays, and high-capacity order processing stations. Zahrawi Group’s leadership highlighted how these innovations improve operational accuracy, reduce turnaround times, and ensure the highest quality standards, positioning the facility as a benchmark in healthcare logistics across the region.

Abdulrahman Ramadan, Group CEO, highlighted the strategic significance of the new facility, emphasising how the Distribution Centre’s advanced technologies and increased capacity position Zahrawi Group to address the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. He underscored the company’s commitment to operational excellence and its focus on delivering exceptional value to its partners and customers, ultimately benefiting patients.

 “This facility significantly enhances our capacity to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. With cutting-edge technology and streamlined workflows, we are now better equipped than ever to ensure faster deliveries, greater accuracy, and the highest quality standards. This investment reinforces our position as a trusted partner in healthcare solutions across the GCC,” he said.

Isam M. Al-Muhaidib, Chairman of Zahrawi Group, reflected on the broader significance of this achievement. “This distribution centre is a reflection of our vision to innovate and elevate our operations to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector. It is not just an investment in infrastructure but also a testament to the trust and partnerships we’ve built over the years. This milestone strengthens our foundation and supports our mission to empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across the GCC,” he stated.

 Established in 1989, Zahrawi Group is a pioneer medical devices and life science distributor in the Gulf, with a presence in UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Specialising in surgical, medical, nuclear medicine, diagnostic, and analytical lab solutions, Zahrawi Group is known for driving progress in the healthcare sector by leveraging innovation and collaboration. The new distribution centre will help the company support healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across the GCC.

“Zahrawi Group remains dedicated to driving progress in the healthcare sector by leveraging innovation and collaboration. Our new distribution centre is a cornerstone of this commitment, enabling the company to support healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across the GCC. This achievement reinforces the Group’s mission to improve peoples’ lives by leading with excellence, integrity, and unwavering dedication to its stakeholders,” added Abdulrahman Ramadan, Group CEO.

In a landmark collaboration, Mulk International from the UAE and India’s Ajeenkya DY Patil Group have acquired stakes in Mulk Med Healthcare  to become equal shareholders and launch what will be the region’s first large-scale virtual hospital of its kind with more than 20,000 doctors on board.  Both groups have further pledged an investment to the tune of AED 100 million to revolutionise healthcare in the MENA and Asia-Pacific regions. This strategic partnership is set to redefine healthcare delivery by leveraging virtual solutions to enhance access and provide comprehensive services to millions.

 Dr Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, Founder & President of Mulk Med Healthcare  , emphasised the transformative vision of this collaboration: “Our partnership and shared vision with the DY Patil Group is a major landmark agreement which signifies a shared dedication to rapidly evolving innovation and inclusivity in healthcare.”

 The new Initiative introduces Mulk Med Virtual Hospitals ecosystem across the globe, one that has already been implemented in countries like Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea and is in advanced stages of implementation in other territories. The comprehensive healthcare platform is also aided by Mulk Med App and video conferencing system available in 170+  countries currently, offering multiple essential services including 24/7  telehealth with door step free delivery of discounted medicines, also facilitating lifesaving  smart ambulances, mobile clinics, and round-the-clock home care.

 Transforming Healthcare Delivery in the region

According to Dr Ul Mulk, these innovations are designed to improve healthcare accessibility, providing unmatched convenience for both urban and remote patients. Patients will benefit from virtual 24/7 consultations from over 20,000 doctors on board globally along with more than 500 pharmacies and service providers. Additionally, non-insured patients and UAE visitors can avail huge discounts on laboratory, radiology, hospital admissions and surgeries besides doorstep medicines, wellness and aesthetics using the newly launched Mulk Medicare Privilege Health Card for most affordable services that also give users access to longevity & precision medicine centres and genomics labs.

 Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk International said: “Our global investments underscore Mulk Group’s long-standing commitment to driving impactful societal change.  We are dedicated to fostering partnerships with local communities and governments to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The initiative is also set to redefine emergency response with lifesaving smart ambulances and will extend services to underserved communities through mobile clinics. For travellers, both in & out bound comprehensive tourist healthcare insurance will provide peace of mind with robust medical coverage, while cutting-edge ICU Pods, Mulk Vital signs devices and kiosks with advanced AI enhanced technology incorporated to continuously monitor patients with chronic diseases will optimise recovery, and enhance hospital efficiency.

Dr. Ajeenkya Patil, Chairman of DY Patil Group that owns one of the largest hospital chains in India with more than 8,000 hospital beds in wings with 7 Hospitals being rolled out pan India , highlighted the initiative’s significance: “We intent to facilitate medical tourism strong demand in India from Africa & other regions in our newly build world class Hospitals care in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Together, we aim to deliver a transformative, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem that prioritises accessibility, affordability, and quality.”

“Innovation is key to solving the world’s healthcare challenges and Mulk Med Healthcare is rightly poised to embark on the global expansion to bring affordability and top notch  equitable healthcare facilities to one and all. Mulk Medicare comprehensive hybrid model of  digital and onsite healthcare innovative solutions not only address immediate medical needs but also lay the foundation for a sustainable, scalable future in healthcare,” added Dr Shafi Ul Mulk.

Mulk Med Healthcare currently covers over a million insured patients from Dubai, Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi.