Israel’s exclusion from a high-profile biotech event in the UAE has sparked conversations worldwide.
The UAE BioTech Symposium, set to take place from November 2-6, 2024, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has made headlines by prohibiting Israeli companies from participating.
Dr. Kambiz Shekdar, PhD, the event’s Chairman, announced the decision, citing complex historical and political reasons behind the move.
UAE BioTech Symposium’s Surprising Exclusion
Why was Israel banned from a major international event focused on biotech innovation?
The UAE BioTech Symposium is a prestigious gathering of leaders in biotechnology, with the goal of fostering collaboration and innovation.
However, in an unexpected twist, Israeli companies were denied entry to the event. According to Dr. Shekdar, who is also the founding Chairman of the AmCham Abu Dhabi BioTech Committee, the decision reflects the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.
The symposium, which will host biotech professionals from the U.S., Europe, and across the GCC, promotes advancements in drug discovery and biotech research.
Israel’s absence raises questions about how politics can impact global scientific collaboration, particularly in cutting-edge fields like biotechnology.
The Role of Dr. Kambiz Shekdar
Dr. Kambiz Shekdar, an influential figure in biotechnology, played a central role in organizing the event.
With his extensive experience, including his work with Nobel laureate Dr. Günter Blobel, Dr. Shekdar is recognized for his contributions to biotech, particularly through his invention of Chromovert® Technology.
He emphasized that the UAE BioTech Symposium aims to inclusively gather global biotech innovators, excluding Israeli entities, which has sparked global discussions.
Here are two key factors behind the decision:
- Geopolitical considerations: Dr. Shekdar referenced the complex relationships between the UAE and Israel, emphasizing political sensitivities.
- Focus on other collaborations: The symposium will still prioritize partnerships with companies from the U.S., China, and other global biotech players.
What This Means for Israel’s Biotech Sector
Israel has long been a powerhouse in biotechnology, known for its innovation and cutting-edge research. The exclusion from such a major event could limit networking opportunities and collaborations that might otherwise benefit Israeli firms.
However, the biotech community has expressed hopes that this exclusion will not become a broader trend, as many value Israel’s contributions to the global biotech landscape.
Quick overview of the event:
Event Details |
Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | UAE BioTech Symposium |
| Date | November 2-6, 2024 |
| Location | Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE |
| Countries Excluded | Israel, China, Russia |
| Focus | Biotechnology, drug discovery, research |
A Missed Opportunity or a Necessary Step?
Some view Israel’s exclusion as a missed opportunity for collaboration and scientific advancement. Others argue that it’s a necessary step given the region’s delicate political landscape. The biotech world will be watching closely to see how this decision impacts future events in the Middle East.
Dr. Shekdar’s statements, rooted in both his personal history and his professional role, reflect his understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
By excluding Israel, the UAE BioTech Symposium sends a strong message about how politics can intersect with science, even in the most forward-thinking industries.
Sources: THX News & Secondcell Bio, LLC; UAE BioTech Symposium.
