The 34th ICM Triennial Congress 2026, Lisbon: UAE Participation and Abu Dhabi's Selection to Host ICM 2029
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The congress theme centered on the vision of "Towards Sustainable Midwifery: Caring for Women, Newborns and the Planet", with "One Million More Midwives"
The Emirates Nursing Association (ENA), through its Midwifery Society, proudly participated in the 34th International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Triennial Congress 2026, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 14–18 June 2026, under the global theme "One Million More Midwives." As the world's leading gathering for midwifery professionals, the congress brought together thousands of midwives, healthcare leaders, researchers, educators, policymakers, and professional associations to advance maternal and newborn health through collaboration, innovation, and professional excellence.
The ENA participation was led by the ENA Midwifery Society, represented by Mrs. Khadija Mohammed Alsulaimi, Chairperson of the ENA Midwifery Society, and Mrs. Fatima Ghanim Obaid Al Shamsi, Co-Chairperson of the ENA Midwifery Society, who spearheaded the Society's scientific, professional, and strategic engagements throughout the congress. Supporting the delegation were Dr. Sumaya Mohammed Al Blooshi, President of the Emirates Nursing Association, Mrs. Nawal Peerdad Al Balooshi, ENA Director, and Mrs. Sameera Sulaiman, ENA Member and Assistant Director of Nursing Affairs and Mrs. Fatima Jasim Almazmi, ENA Member, both from Al Qassimi Women's and Children's Hospital-Emirates Health Services (EHS), Dubai- UAE, whose participation reinforced the Association's commitment to advancing nursing and midwifery leadership, strengthening international partnerships, and promoting the United Arab Emirates' vision for excellence in maternal and newborn healthcare in UAE and across the regional area.
14 June 2026 | Presenting the UAE Vision for ICM 2029
A major highlight of the congress was the official presentation of the United Arab Emirates' bid to host the 35th International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Triennial Congress in Abu Dhabi in 2029.
During the pre-congress meetings, Mrs. Khadija Mohammed Alsulaimi presented the UAE hosting proposal before the ICM Council and Board, outlining the nation's strategic vision and readiness to host one of the world's most prestigious gatherings dedicated to the midwifery profession. The presentation showcased the UAE's remarkable progress in midwifery education, workforce development, professional regulation, evidence-based practice, innovation, and high-quality maternal and newborn healthcare.
The presentation further demonstrated how the advancement of midwifery aligns with the UAE's national healthcare priorities and sustainability agenda, while highlighting Abu Dhabi's world-class healthcare infrastructure, global connectivity, advanced conference facilities, and extensive experience in hosting major international scientific and professional events.
15–18 June 2026 | ENA Leadership Participation and Scientific Engagement
Throughout the congress, the ENA delegation actively participated in keynote sessions, scientific presentations, leadership forums, workshops, and professional meetings addressing critical themes including maternal and newborn health, workforce development, education, leadership, evidence-based practice, digital transformation, innovation, and quality improvement.
The delegation also engaged in productive discussions with representatives of international midwifery associations, healthcare organizations, academic institutions, and policymakers, fostering new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and future professional initiatives that will further strengthen nursing and midwifery practice within the United Arab Emirates.
15–18 June 2026 | UAE National Booth: Showcasing Emirati Culture and Healthcare Excellence
The Emirates Nursing Association proudly hosted a distinguished national exhibition booth that attracted considerable attention from congress participants throughout the event.
Designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of the United Arab Emirates, the booth welcomed visitors with authentic Emirati traditions while presenting the country's achievements in nursing and midwifery education, professional regulation, leadership development, workforce excellence, maternal and newborn healthcare, and innovation.
The booth served as an important platform to promote the UAE's healthcare vision, strengthen international engagement, and introduce delegates to the country's remarkable journey in advancing nursing and midwifery. Visitors experienced the UAE's unique cultural identity through traditional Emirati hospitality and cultural displays while learning about the nation's healthcare achievements and future aspirations.
The exhibition also promoted Abu Dhabi as the future host city of the 35th ICM Triennial Congress in 2029, providing delegates with information on the Emirate's world-class healthcare system, advanced infrastructure, conference capabilities, cultural diversity, and internationally recognized hospitality. The booth generated significant interest among healthcare leaders, educators, policymakers, professional organizations, and international visitors from across the globe, further strengthening the UAE's international profile while promoting the country's vision as a leading destination for healthcare innovation and global collaboration.
16–17 June 2026 | Scientific Contribution by the UAE Delegation
As part of the congress scientific programme, Mrs. Fatima Ghanim Obaid Khalfan Al Shamsi, Co-Chairperson of the ENA Midwifery Society-UAE, presented scientific poster PB159, entitled:
"Advance Workforce Well-being: A Leadership Experience from the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Sector." The poster highlighted the successful experience of Emirates Health Services in promoting workforce wellbeing through leadership-driven initiatives focused on improving the work environment, strengthening professional engagement, enhancing staff retention, and supporting a resilient nursing and midwifery workforce. The presentation generated valuable discussions among international delegates and showcased the UAE's commitment to leadership excellence and sustainable workforce development.
15 June 2026 | Supporting the Global Midwifery Movement
The ENA delegation proudly participated in the international March for Midwives, joining colleagues from around the world in advocating for greater investment in midwifery under the global campaign "One Million More Midwives."
Carrying the flag of the United Arab Emirates alongside those of participating nations symbolized the country's strong commitment to advancing maternal and newborn health and supporting the global midwifery community through collaboration, leadership, and professional advocacy.
A Global Call for One Million More Midwives
18 June 2026 | Abu Dhabi Officially Selected to Host the 35th ICM Triennial Congress in 2029
The congress concluded with the historic announcement that Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, had been selected to host the 35th International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Congress in 2029.
The announcement was made by Mrs. Khadija Mohammed Alsulaimi, Chairperson of the ENA Midwifery Society, followed by an inspiring destination presentation showcasing Abu Dhabi's iconic landmarks, rich cultural heritage, advanced healthcare infrastructure, exceptional hospitality, and outstanding capability to host one of the world's largest healthcare congresses.
The International Confederation of Midwives subsequently announced Abu Dhabi as the next host city through its official press release, website, and social media platforms, recognizing the UAE's leadership, organizational excellence, and commitment to advancing the midwifery profession globally.
This landmark achievement represents a significant milestone for the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East region. It reflects the confidence of the international midwifery community in the UAE's ability to deliver a world-class congress while fostering scientific exchange, innovation, professional collaboration, and excellence in maternal and newborn healthcare.
Looking Ahead to 2029
The successful participation of the Emirates Nursing Association at the 34th ICM Triennial Congress has further strengthened the UAE's position within the global nursing and midwifery community and created new opportunities for strategic international collaboration.
As preparations begin for the 35th ICM Triennial Congress in Abu Dhabi in 2029, the Emirates Nursing Association and the ENA Midwifery Society remain committed to working closely with national authorities, healthcare institutions, academic organizations, international partners, and strategic stakeholders to deliver an exceptional global congress that reflects the UAE's vision of innovation, excellence, sustainability, and international partnership.
Building on the recommendations and outcomes of ICM 2026, the Association will continue to strengthen nursing and midwifery leadership, promote evidence-based practice, expand professional education and research, enhance international collaboration, support workforce development, and advance initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of women, newborns, families, and communities.
The Emirates Nursing Association extends its sincere appreciation to its leadership, the ENA Midwifery Society, national healthcare partners, strategic collaborators, and all delegates whose dedication and collective efforts contributed to this historic achievement. Together, they continue to reinforce the United Arab Emirates' position as a global leader in nursing, midwifery, healthcare excellence, and international professional collaboration.
The Emirates Nursing Association looks forward to welcoming the global midwifery community to Abu Dhabi in 2029, where delegates from around the world will come together to exchange knowledge, inspire innovation, strengthen professional partnerships, and shape the future of midwifery in support of healthier women, newborns, families, and communities worldwide.
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