Global Health Exhibition 2026 Announces Global Speakers

The Global Health Exhibition (GHE) 2026 has announced a distinguished roster of global speakers for its conference program, bringing together leaders from healthcare systems, clinical innovation, digital health, and investment under one roof in Riyadh. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the event will take place from October 26 to 29, 2026, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, gathering more than 500 global speakers across four dedicated conference stages. The announcement underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a convening power in global healthcare and reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious transformation of its health sector under Vision 2030.

The Global Health Exhibition has become a flagship event for the Kingdom’s healthcare ecosystem, connecting international expertise with the people and organizations advancing healthcare in Saudi Arabia. This year’s edition will feature four distinct conference stages, each addressing a critical dimension of modern healthcare: the Leaders’ Summit, the MEDX Forum, the Digital Health Forum, and the Capital Xchange Forum. Together, these platforms will explore how health systems can drive economic growth, harness artificial intelligence and innovation, build resilience, and transform care delivery. The event arrives at a pivotal moment, as Saudi Arabia accelerates its shift from treating illness to promoting prevention, long-term health, and societal wellbeing.

Context and Background

Why has Saudi Arabia become such a magnet for the world’s leading healthcare minds? The answer lies in the scale and pace of the Kingdom’s health-sector transformation, which is among the most ambitious in the world. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is restructuring its healthcare system to expand access, improve quality, and foster innovation, while simultaneously building a vibrant ecosystem for private investment and international partnership. The Global Health Exhibition serves as a showcase for this transformation and a platform for global collaboration.

The event is organized by Tahaluf, a joint venture involving the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund. Tahaluf has established itself as a leading organizer of large-scale, content-rich exhibitions in the Kingdom, including LEAP, the world’s most attended tech event. GHE builds on this track record, positioning Riyadh as a global hub for healthcare dialogue, deal-making, and knowledge exchange.

Since its inception, GHE has grown rapidly in scale and influence. The 2026 edition will bring together healthcare organizations from Saudi Arabia and international markets, with Foundation Partners Dallah Health and Hayat National Hospital joined by Platinum Partner Bupa CareConnect, alongside leading international organizations including Novartis, KARL STORZ, Canon Medical Systems, BD, Stryker, Baxter and Johnson and Johnson. This combination of local and global players reflects the collaborative spirit that defines Saudi Arabia’s approach to healthcare development.

Key Details

What will each of the four conference stages deliver? The Leaders’ Summit will convene senior executives, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to explore how health systems can drive economic growth, harness AI and innovation, build greater resilience, and transform care delivery. A central theme will be accelerating the shift from treating illness to prevention, long-term health, and societal wellbeing. Among the speakers are GE HealthCare Chief Commercial and Growth Officer Catherine Estrampes, who leads GE HealthCare’s $14.5 billion Global Markets region and brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across the company, and GSK Chair and former Genomics England Chairman Jonathan Symonds.

The MEDX Forum will focus on translating clinical innovation into patient care, including advanced therapies, predictive diagnostics, and AI-enabled early detection. Speakers include Imperial College London British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiovascular AI Prof. Declan O’Regan and Columbia University Professor of Biomedical Engineering Dr. Samuel Sia, whose work in portable diagnostics is helping make rapid, point-of-care testing more accessible. Their participation highlights the forum’s emphasis on moving breakthrough research from the laboratory to the bedside.

The Digital Health Forum will examine how AI, connected care, and data infrastructure are being applied across healthcare. Speakers include Barts Health NHS Trust Consultant Surgeon Prof. Shafi Ahmed, a digital health pioneer who performed the world’s first live-streamed operation and has used immersive technologies to train more than 100,000 clinicians, alongside Group CIO at Fakeeh Care Group, Chair of the HIMSS Middle East Community and Co-Chair of the Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) Evidence & Evaluation Workstream Dr. Tamara Sunbul, an award-winning physician executive and global digital health leader shaping the future of healthcare through AI, data, and technology.

The Capital Xchange Forum will focus on healthcare investment and capital deployment, from Saudi market entry and foreign direct investment to capital formation, emerging technology, and new investment opportunities. Speakers include SoftBank Vision Fund Investment Vice President Antony Kalindjian, who supports innovation from precision therapeutics to AI-enabled care, Blackstone Healthcare and Life Sciences Principal Vishva Mehta, and Mayo Clinic Chair of Corporate Development Dr. Sami Yusuf. This forum underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to attracting global capital and fostering a dynamic healthcare investment landscape.

International and Regional Impact

How does GHE 2026 strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role as a global healthcare convener? By bringing more than 500 global speakers to Riyadh, the event positions the Kingdom as a central node in the international healthcare network. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and innovation between Saudi and international institutions, while also showcasing the Kingdom’s own advancements. This two-way flow of expertise is essential for addressing shared challenges such as aging populations, chronic diseases, and the need for more resilient health systems.

Regionally, GHE 2026 reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Middle East’s healthcare sector. The event attracts participants from across the Gulf and beyond, creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration and investment. It also aligns with broader regional efforts to diversify economies, improve public health, and embrace digital transformation. By hosting such a high-caliber gathering, Riyadh signals its readiness to shape the future of healthcare not only within its borders but across the region and the world.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What does the healthcare sector contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification? Healthcare is a key pillar of Vision 2030’s economic agenda, with the Kingdom targeting significant growth in private-sector participation, local manufacturing, and health tourism. The Global Health Exhibition supports these goals by attracting foreign investment, facilitating partnerships, and highlighting opportunities in the Saudi market. The Capital Xchange Forum, in particular, is designed to connect investors with startups, scale-ups, and established players, driving capital deployment into innovative healthcare solutions.

Beyond investment, GHE 2026 contributes to the development of a knowledge-based economy. The exchange of expertise and the showcasing of cutting-edge technologies help build local capacity, create high-skilled jobs, and foster a culture of innovation. The event also supports the growth of Saudi Arabia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which is a priority under Vision 2030. By hosting world-class events like GHE, the Kingdom enhances its reputation as a business and tourism destination, generating economic spillovers across hospitality, transportation, and related industries.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does GHE 2026 embody the goals of Vision 2030? The exhibition directly supports the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the Vision 2030 realization programs, which aims to restructure the health sector to be a comprehensive, effective, and integrated system focused on the health and wellbeing of individuals and society. By convening global leaders and showcasing innovation, GHE advances the program’s objectives of improving healthcare quality, enhancing prevention, and fostering digital transformation.

Moreover, the event reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambition to be a global hub for business, knowledge, and culture. It aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on international cooperation, economic diversification, and the enhancement of quality of life. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward a brighter future, platforms like the Global Health Exhibition will remain vital for sharing its story, learning from others, and building partnerships that benefit both the Kingdom and the world. The 2026 edition promises to be a landmark moment in this ongoing transformation, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading the way in global health.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Global Health Exhibition 2026?

A1. The Global Health Exhibition (GHE) 2026 is a major healthcare event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, taking place from October 26 to 29, 2026. It brings together over 500 global speakers across four conference stages to discuss healthcare systems, innovation, digital health, and investment.

Q2. Where and when will GHE 2026 take place?

A2. GHE 2026 will be held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, Riyadh, from October 26 to 29, 2026. The venue is one of the Kingdom’s premier exhibition facilities, hosting major international events.

Q3. Who are the main organizers of GHE 2026?

A3. The event is organized by Tahaluf, a joint venture involving the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund. Tahaluf is known for organizing large-scale events like LEAP.

Q4. What are the four conference stages at GHE 2026?

A4. The four stages are the Leaders’ Summit, MEDX Forum, Digital Health Forum, and Capital Xchange Forum. Each focuses on distinct areas: leadership and policy, clinical innovation, digital health, and healthcare investment.

Q5. Who are some of the notable speakers at the Leaders’ Summit?

A5. Speakers include Catherine Estrampes, Chief Commercial and Growth Officer at GE HealthCare, and Jonathan Symonds, Chair of GSK and former Chairman of Genomics England. They bring extensive global leadership experience.

Q6. What is the focus of the MEDX Forum?

A6. The MEDX Forum focuses on translating clinical innovation into patient care, including advanced therapies, predictive diagnostics, and AI-enabled early detection. It features experts like Prof. Declan O’Regan and Dr. Samuel Sia.

Q7. What topics will the Digital Health Forum cover?

A7. The Digital Health Forum examines AI, connected care, and data infrastructure in healthcare. Speakers include Prof. Shafi Ahmed and Dr. Tamara Sunbul, who are leaders in digital health and immersive technologies.

Q8. What is the Capital Xchange Forum about?

A8. The Capital Xchange Forum focuses on healthcare investment and capital deployment, from Saudi market entry and FDI to capital formation and emerging technology. It features investors from SoftBank Vision Fund, Blackstone, and Mayo Clinic.

Q9. What new features are introduced at GHE 2026?

A9. New features include Leaders’ Club, Pulse Studio, HealthTech Live, Power Breakfast Series, Reverse Pitching, and Unplugged Lounge. These are designed to enhance networking, showcase innovation, and facilitate high-level dialogue.

Q10. Who are the Foundation and Platinum Partners of GHE 2026?

A10. Foundation Partners are Dallah Health and Hayat National Hospital, and Platinum Partner is Bupa CareConnect. Leading international organizations like Novartis, KARL STORZ, Canon Medical Systems, BD, Stryker, Baxter, and Johnson and Johnson also participate.

Q11. What did Rachel Sturgess say about GHE 2026?

A11. Rachel Sturgess, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf, said Saudi Arabia is transforming healthcare at an extraordinary pace, and the caliber of leaders coming to Riyadh reflects the scale of opportunity. GHE brings global expertise to the Kingdom.

Q12. How does GHE 2026 support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A12. GHE 2026 supports Vision 2030 by advancing the Health Sector Transformation Program, promoting economic diversification, attracting investment, and enhancing international cooperation. It showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to healthcare innovation and quality of life.

Q13. What is the significance of the event for international participants?

A13. For international participants, GHE 2026 offers access to the Saudi healthcare market, opportunities for partnerships, and insights into one of the world’s fastest-growing health sectors. It also facilitates knowledge exchange with regional leaders.

Q14. How many speakers will be featured at GHE 2026?

A14. More than 500 global speakers will participate across the four conference stages. This diverse lineup includes executives, clinicians, researchers, and investors from around the world.

Q15. What is the role of the Leaders’ Club?

A15. The Leaders’ Club is an exclusive network connecting top healthcare decision-makers for high-level dialogue and partnerships. It aims to foster strategic collaborations that can shape the future of healthcare.

Q16. What is Pulse Studio?

A16. Pulse Studio is a live podcast studio at GHE 2026 that brings leading healthcare voices together for conversations shaping the industry. It provides a platform for thought leadership and insights.

Q17. What is HealthTech Live?

A17. HealthTech Live is a new feature presenting demonstrations of healthcare technologies and innovations in action. It allows attendees to experience cutting-edge solutions firsthand.

Q18. What is Reverse Pitching at GHE 2026?

A18. Reverse Pitching is a format where corporations and investors present their strategic priorities directly to startups and scale-ups. It flips the traditional pitching model to foster collaboration and investment.

Q19. How does GHE 2026 contribute to Saudi Arabia’s health sector transformation?

A19. GHE 2026 contributes by facilitating the exchange of global expertise, showcasing innovations, and attracting investment. It supports the shift from treating illness to prevention and long-term wellbeing, aligning with national health goals.

Q20. What can attendees expect from GHE 2026?

A20. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program across four stages, networking opportunities, live demonstrations, and access to global leaders. The event offers insights into the latest trends and opportunities in healthcare.

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