The College of Law at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) hosted its 29th Annual Conference on November 13–14, 2024, under the theme "Health and Law: Prospects and Challenges." The event brought together leading academics, legal experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the latest innovations and legal challenges in public health.

In his opening remarks, UAEU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, H.E Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of the conference in addressing critical legal issues that impact individuals and communities amid rapid developments. He highlighted the university's commitment to leveraging its research and innovation capabilities to find sustainable solutions to global challenges in collaboration with local and international partners. He added that the conference focuses on diverse topics, including legal innovations in health, the role of law in promoting public health, managing epidemics and diseases, and addressing technological challenges in healthcare.

The conference featured several key sessions led by experts from within and beyond the UAE. The first day began with a session titled "Clinical Practices in the Genomic Era: A Legal and Ethical Perspective," chaired by Dr. Saleh Al-Sharieh. During this session, Prof. Fatma Al Jasmi, presented a paper on "Clinical Medicine Practices in the Genomic Era: Legal and Ethical Perspectives.", Prof. Mohammed Al-Kharsha discussed "Criminal Protection of the Right to Genomic Privacy in accordance with UAE Law.” And Dr. Ahmed Alawadhi explored "Genomic Programming: Its Current and Future Benefits."

The second session, chaired by Dr. El Moatasembellah El Gheriani, covered various topics, including: “Wearables and Innovation in Sport, Exercise, and Health Industry: Current Status and Challenges," presented by Prof. George Nassif. Prof. Lisa Forman from the University of Toronto discussed "Towards Coherence in Global Health Law and Pandemic Governance." Prof. Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar concluded with a presentation on " Access to Affordable Essential Medicines: A Policy and Legal Perspective.”

The second day began with the third session, chaired by Prof. Abdullah Al-Khatib, featuring: Prof. Abu Al-Wafa Mohammed discussing "Criminal Protection from Advertisements that Violate the Health Advertising System in accordance with Federal Law No. 13 of 2020 regarding Public Health", Dr. Driss Ed. Daran presenting on "Ethics, Laws and Regulations of Organ Donation and Transplantation on a Global Scale." And Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim addressing "Medical Liability of the Robot Doctor."

The conference concluded with a fourth session, chaired by Prof. Mohammed Nsour, where: Dr. Fatimah El Awa from the World Health Organization highlighted "The Situation of the Tobacco Use Epidemic in the Region is Alarming.", and Dr. Mohammed Al-Mamarie led a discussion on "The Role of Law in Promoting Addiction Rehabilitation.”

This conference served as a vital platform for interaction and knowledge exchange among experts and professionals, contributing to the development of innovative legal solutions aimed at improving public health and safeguarding individual rights. It also provided an opportunity to showcase the latest developments and research in health law, reinforcing UAEU’s role as a leader in addressing contemporary legal and societal challenges.