ISLAMABAD: Pakistan this week inaugurated its national pavilion at a major global health care exhibition in Dubai, showcasing medical devices, surgical instruments and pharmaceutical products as it seeks to expand health care exports and strengthen trade ties with the Gulf.
The Pakistan Pavilion opened at the World Health Exhibition (WHX) 2026, formerly known as Arab Health, being held from Feb. 9 to 12 at the Dubai Exhibition Center in Expo City Dubai, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani information ministry.
A total of 40 Pakistani companies are participating under the umbrella of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighting the country’s manufacturing capabilities across health care equipment, surgical instruments and pharmaceuticals, sectors that have emerged as important contributors to Pakistan’s export base.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan said Pakistan’s presence reflected growing international recognition of its health care manufacturing sector.
“Pakistani companies are showcasing a diverse range of innovative products aligned with global health care standards and market requirements,” Khan said, adding that the UAE, Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, offered “a strategic gateway to regional and international markets.”
The WHX is among the world’s largest health care exhibitions, organized under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. This year’s edition features more than 4,300 exhibitors and is expected to draw over 235,000 health care professionals, policymakers and industry leaders from more than 180 countries.
Pakistan’s participation comes as the country looks to diversify exports beyond traditional textiles and leverage demand for cost-competitive medical products, particularly in Gulf and emerging markets.
Officials said participation in WHX 2026 is expected to raise Pakistan’s international profile in health care manufacturing, support export growth and deepen economic cooperation with the UAE, which has positioned itself as a regional hub for medical trade and innovation.
Pakistan and the UAE maintain close economic ties, with the Gulf state serving as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major destination for its exports, remittances and investment flows.
