WAM Dubai, Apr 18th, 2012 (WAM) -- HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group inaugurated today the World Congress of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2012 (WCC), which is being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The four-day congress, organized by the World Heart Federation and co-hosted by the Dubai Health Authority , the Emirates Cardiac Society and the Emirates Medical Association with the support of the Government of Dubai, is being held in the Middle East for the first time.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries and senior officials including Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority , Professor Sidney Smith, President of the World Heart Federation, Khaled Ahmed Al Sheikh Mubarak, Deputy Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority , Dr Fahad Baslaib, Director of Cardiology at Rashid Hospital and Chairman of the Emirates Cardiac Society, Dr Nooshin Bazargani, Cardiologist at Dubai Hospital and World Heart Federation board member, Dr Arif Al Mulla, Head of Cardiology at Dubai Hospital , Dr Obaid Al Jassim, Head of Cardio-throacic surgery at Dubai Hospital and other senior healthcare professionals.

As a specialized event, the congress serves as a central platform and meeting point for cardiologists, healthcare professionals, medical societies, heart foundations, commercial and non-governmental entities, as well as cardiology trainees and medical students.

Al Murooshid, Director-General of the DHA extended this thanks to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for inaugurating the conference.

He said, "The selection of the city of Dubai to host this congress reflects the international confidence in the State's continuous successes and ability to host various international forums, as well as enhancing the distinguished reputation and prominent stature achieved by the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai".

He added that the convening of this conference is particularly important given the fact that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally and the UAE.

Professor Sidney C. Smith Jr, President of the World Heart Federation said: "The World Congress of Cardiology is the international platform for the cardiology community and over the next few days will bring together the world's leading experts in the field of heart health, CVD and stroke.

The 10,500 delegates attending the congress will learn about the very latest scientific developments in the cardiology field. During the congress 1,176 abstracts from 95 countries will be presented by 570 speakers and chairs from 79 countries. The congress will play a vital role in helping delegates from developed and developing countries to share science to build capacity and grow partnerships that help in the fight against the world's number one killer - cardiovascular disease (CVD)".

Dr. Fahad Baslaib, Head of Cardiology Department at Rashid Hospital and President of the Emirates Cardiac Society said: "Although 80 per cent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable, yet CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide. It is the leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates. One in every 4 deaths in the UAE is caused by CVD".

After the opening ceremony, delegates toured the exhibition area, where the latest medical devices and a vast selection of new medication are showcased by more than 80 of the world's largest medical suppliers and premier manufacturers.

The WCC 2012 features a remarkable programme of clinical seminars, workshops, plenary sessions, meet-the-expert sessions and stimulating debates. In addition, a line-up of 600 world-leading expert speakers will be sharing nearly 1,000 new scientific abstracts, revealing the latest scientific developments, findings and challenges in cardiology.

Participating representatives at the congress include the Dubai Health Authority ; Emirates Cardiac Society; African Heart Network; Egyptian Society of Cardiology; European Society of Cardiology; American Heart Association; Saudi Heart Association; Oxford University Press; Society of Cardiology of the Russian Federation; and the Turkish Society of Cardiology, to name a few.

WAM/AB