Year in Review for Emirates Scholar: International Scientific Conferences

The year 2024 witnessed the presentation of a remarkable series of international conferences by Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, subsidiary of the Emirates Science and Research Foundation. These conferences brought together thought leaders and experts from various fields across the globe to address pressing issues, foster knowledge exchange, and drive innovation.

These conferences had a significant impact across various sectors, from promoting the values of tolerance to advancing medical sciences and exploring the future of artificial intelligence.

In February, Abu Dhabi hosted the International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference (IDCT 2024), presented by Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE and United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

The conference was held under the Patronage of H.E Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, and with the support of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism, and contributions from the Zayed Research Center.

Under the theme “Building Bridges for a More Tolerant Future,” the event brought together prominent political leaders, diplomats, and experts from more than 50 countries worldwide.

The conference addressed challenges related to human coexistence and proposed sustainable solutions to promote global tolerance. It featured interactive dialogue sessions and intensive workshops, showcasing the UAE as a global role model for peaceful coexistence and tolerance.

The International Conference on Advances in Autism Research: Challenges and Solutions was launched this April, organized by the Zayed Higher Organization in collaboration with Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and Lotus Holistic Group Abu Dhabi.

The conference took place at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center and was attended by leading scientists, researchers, and experts in the field of autism.

Over four days, the conference featured approximately 20 sessions, 41 specialized workshops, and 91 lectures, along with interactive dialogue sessions involving families and decision-makers. The event brought together more than 100 speakers from over 20 countries, specializing in behavioral modification and advancements in biomedical science.

In September, the First International Environmental Medicine Conference, titled “Environmental Threats to Human Health: From Genetics to Epigenetics” was held in Chieti, Italy. The conference was held under the patronage of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies and organized by the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) in collaboration with Gabriele d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, with support from the Environmental Health Research Organization (EHRO), the Spanish Society of Environmental Medicine and Climate Change (SESMA), and the Alliance of Academic Sciences (LSA).

The conference brought together a distinguished group of scientists, researchers, and specialists from around the globe to discuss the impact of environmental factors on human health, with a particular focus on the genetic and epigenetic dimensions of these effects.

In October, Sharjah hosted the first edition of the Sharjah International Conference on AI and Linguistics (SICAL 2024), presented by Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies in partnership with the American University of Sharjah.

The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, alongside Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Fouad Heno, Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a distinguished group of researchers and technologists from around the world.

The conference served as a platform for discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence on language evolution and analysis, highlighting cutting-edge innovations in linguistic data analysis using AI technologies.

In the field of medicine and health sciences, Abu Dhabi hosted the European Arab Medical Congress (EAMC 2024) in December. The event was presented by Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, in partnership with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the Arab Med Union in Europe, In collaboration with the European Medical Association and supported by Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

The congress brought together more than 500 doctors from worldwide, including physicians and researchers, to discuss the latest advancements in healthcare and medical technology. It served as a platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening partnerships between Arab and European medical institutions.

During the event, it was announced that Abu Dhabi would host the 2025 and 2026 editions of the European Arab Medical Congress, reaffirming the emirate’s commitment to maintaining its leadership role in healthcare and international collaboration.

The efforts of Emirates Scholar Center in presenting, sponsoring, and participating in local and international scientific conferences underscore the center’s dedication to the UAE’s vision of enhancing global cooperation and shaping the future.