While we pray for good health, have we ever paused to consider what doctors pray for? Everyone desires a life of wellness no one wishes to end up in a hospital bed, a courtroom, or a prison. But have we ever thought about what professionals in the fields of medicine and law wish for? In this interconnected world, we are all dependent on one another. If someone needs us today, we might need them tomorrow. We are all travelers in this world, and our journey will inevitably take a turn one day. But while we’re here, are we truly taking care of the precious time nature has granted us?
We hold the railing when using stairs. We avoid touching hot oil. We put our safety first just as flight attendants remind us to secure our own oxygen masks before helping others. So if we know what’s good for us, why do we so often ignore it? Everyone agrees that exercise is beneficial, yet so many neglect it. We love eating out, but do we think twice about what we’re consuming?
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025: Reimagining Health & Well-being From April 15–17, 2025, Abu Dhabi hosted the second edition of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) under the theme "Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being". Organized by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, this international event brought together over 15,000 delegates, 325 exhibitors, and world-renowned entities from the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, GSK, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, and regional leaders including G42 Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and PureHealth.
As I entered the venue, the very first sight caught me off guard a fully functioning gym at the entrance, symbolizing the central message of promoting exercise as a foundation of well-being. Inside, the visual spectacle continued: immersive digital waterfall floors, artificial trees with birdsong, and children joyfully playing in naturalistic environments. It felt less like a convention and more like a vibrant, living ecosystem.
Multinational pharma companies and medical device innovators showcased cutting-edge technologies, from AI-based diagnostics to personalized treatment tools. Dedicated booths on medicinal plants and natural remedies emphasized the return to nature alongside modern medicine. It was a remarkable balance of innovation and organic wellness.
For the first time, I witnessed an exhibition that not only emphasized advanced healthcare but celebrated nature and simplicity. It made me reflect on our ancestors how they lived organically, relying on fresh air, whole foods, and natural routines. In contrast, we’ve confined ourselves to air-conditioned homes, cars, and offices. Where is the fresh oxygen our bodies crave? Even our gyms today are enclosed spaces, stripped of natural air.
We are moving toward a future riddled with new ailments born of lifestyle choices. If we don't pause now to realign ourselves with nature and well-being, the generations after us will only know true health through images and stories.
Life is a trust. Why not live it with nature, wellness, and awareness?
This Opinion has been written by Waqar Khan.
