The four-day fdi Dubai 2007, the annual World Dental Congress and Exhibition,  generated Dh1 billion ($272 million) in revenue, a statement said.

The revenue was realised through hotel bookings, airline tickets, communication and allied services, the Organising Committee of the event, which concluded on Saturday, said.

Deals worth Dh365 million ($100 million) were also signed during the exhibition of the congress, one of the biggest in the history of FDI’s congresses.

Details about the success of the Congress were unveiled at a press conference today, which was addressed by Dr Ahmed Al Banna, deputy chairman of the organising committee, fdi Dubai 2007; Dr Tareq Khoury, chairman of scientific committee, Dr Nasser Al Malik, deputy chairman of scientific committee; and Abdul Salam Al Madani, member of the organising committee.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Al Banna said: “fdi Dubai 2007 has once again showcased Dubai’s abilities to host world-class healthcare conferences and exhibitions and catapulted the city as the sought-after destination for high-profile events of such magnitude. The Congress generated Dh1 billion in revenue in four days. Moreover, deals worth Dh365 million speak volumes about the interest generated in the region.”

He said the FDI World Dental Federation also commended Dubai for the success of the congress, appreciating its world-class infrastructure and the renowned Arabian hospitality.

“The four-day event had confirmed participation of more than 28,000 delegates from around the globe. Moreover, a total of 600 companies participated at the World Dental Exhibition,” he said.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Khoury summarized some of the recommendations put forth during the deliberations by the panel of experts at the congress.

They included:

• Regular check-ups were vital every six months;

• Increasing awareness through the media on preventive medication and precautions for better oral health;

• Instituting regular check-ups at schools;

• Reforms in the licensing procedures for dentists i.e. criterion for licensing should be based on the skill levels and training undertaken by dentists; and

• Setting up of an institute to conduct research on how to improve and widen the knowledge of dental professionals.

In his comments, Dr Khoury urged the local UAE authorities to compulsorily include fluoride in tap water in the UAE. “Inclusion of fluoride in tap water could reduce dental problems among the population in the UAE by 50-70 per cent. This point has been presented as a recommendation to the FDI Scientific Committee and we want it done as per the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and American Dental Association,” he said.

Abdul Salam Al Madani confirmed that Dubai will be hosting the World Hospital Congress in 2011.- TradeArabia News Service