Inspiring Future Leaders through a Celebration of Today’s Medical Heroes

“Celebration of Healthcare Heroes” event to be held at WHX 2026, honoring healthcare workers who have made a significant impact in the industry and motivating future medical leaders 

Waldwick, NJ, USA and Dubai, UAE — This February, as the world of healthcare comes together for World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai, the week will open with an extraordinary event designed to inspire and ignite passion in the next generation of healthcare professionals. Celebration of Healthcare Heroes, presented by Kallman Worldwide and American Hospital Dubai, will honor the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry and welcome Emirati youth from across the country to witness first-hand the life-changing impact of their elders in the medical field. The evening will be one of profound inspiration, networking, and recognition, providing a stage for those who are shaping the future of healthcare. 

This exclusive event will also bring together leaders from healthcare institutions, government officials, and private and public medical sectors under the iconic Al Wasl Plaza dome at Expo City Dubai. More than a recognition ceremony, the event is a powerful platform for inspiration—giving Emirati youth and aspiring professionals a front-row seat to the human stories behind groundbreaking medical advancements.  

 The incredible list of honorees includes:

• Dr. Usman Ahmad, Division Chair of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

• Dr. Aysha Ali Ahmed Abdulla Almahri, Regional CEO, Al Ain Region Hospitals at Burjeel Holdings

• Dr. Ammar Humaid Albanna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, President of ESCAM, Vice President of IACAPAP

• Dr. Shaheenah Dawood, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Mediclinic City Hospital Dubai

• Dr. Stephen R. Grobmyer, Surgical Oncologist and Institute Chief of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Cancer Institute

• H.E. Khaled Al Huraimel, Group Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, BEEAH Group

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Kanad Hospital, represented by Dr. Fares Chedid

• H.E. Dr. Maryam Matar, Founder & Chairperson, UAE Genetic Diseases Association (UAEGDA) & Sheikh Zayed Genetic Research Center

• Dr. Hyung Seok Nam, Consultant Physician at Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital

• Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi, Founder and Director of the Medical Oncology Service, Burjeel Medical City

• Dr. Ahmed Shatila, Consultant Neurologist and Chair of the Neurology Division at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)

Rooted in WHX’s spirit of building a healthier world, the Celebration of Healthcare Heroes elevates the inspiring and often unrecognized stories of those who are making a difference onto one of the world’s most magnificent stages. 

When: February 9, 2026 - 5:30 PM 

Where: Al Wasl Plaza Expo City, Dubai 

For more information or to RSVP: healthcareheroes@kallman.com 

The event is hosted by Kallman Worldwide, organizer of the U.S. presence at WHX Dubai for over 30 years under the umbrella of the USA Partnership Pavilion. Kallman has championed American innovation, partnership, and leadership on the global stage and, through its CSR initiative, Kallman Foundation, has supported the pipeline of future STEM leaders. The event furthers the mission of Kallman Foundation by inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders through exposure to these inspiring stories. The evening will highlight the human impact behind the innovation on display at WHX by recognizing real-life heroes from across the U.S. and UAE who are saving lives and transforming care. 

The Celebration of Healthcare Heroes is presented by American Hospital Dubai and hosted in partnership with AmCham Abu Dhabi, AmCham Dubai, Mass General Brigham/ Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, NAF Medical, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Sleepnet, U.S. - UAE Business Council, and WHX Dubai.

The Celebration of Healthcare Heroes is expected to be one of WHX Dubai 2026’s most inspiring gatherings, attended by senior government officials, international delegations, leading exhibitors, and decision-makers shaping the future of global health.

As we celebrate the dedication and resilience of healthcare heroes, let us remember that their impact extends far beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics. By inspiring the next generation, we can ensure that the legacy of compassion and care continues for years to come.