ABU DHABI: In a landmark event aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of palliative care, Burjeel Holdings hosted the UAE's inaugural Palliative Care Conference in Abu Dhabi. The two-day event, endorsed by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), attracted nearly 500 in-person attendees and over 3,000 virtual participants. According to Emirates News Agency, the conference was inaugurated by prominent figures including Sawsan Jafar, Founding Member and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Friends of Cancer Patients, John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, and Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute. This pioneering conference in the UAE served as a vital platform for healthcare professionals to explore the benefits of palliative care, particularly its role in alleviating health-related suffering and improving the quality of life for patients with severe illnesses. The event featured plenary sessions with leading experts in palliative care, notably M.R. Rajagopal, a multiple Nobel Pea ce Prize nominee and esteemed Indian pioneer in the field. In his keynote speech, Dr. Rajagopal emphasized the necessity of integrating palliative care into all healthcare practices to reduce suffering and enhance patient well-being. Dr. Joy Ross, an influential figure in hospice care from London, provided insights into the historical and societal benefits of hospice care, while Prof. Justin Baker, an expert in pediatric palliative care, shared essential strategies for supporting children with life-limiting conditions. A poignant session included a healthcare professional from Gaza, who recounted his experiences delivering palliative care in conflict zones, underscoring the need for compassionate support in challenging environments. The conference's speaker lineup featured experts from several countries including the UAE, India, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, covering diverse topics such as palliative care advocacy, the role of nursing, and international experiences. A significant announcement during th e conference was Burjeel Holdings' plan to establish a state-of-the-art hospice palliative care center in the UAE. Dr. Neil Arun Nijhawan, Conference Chair and Consultant Hospice and Palliative Medicine, declared Burjeel Holdings' commitment to providing top-tier palliative care, ensuring dignity and relief from suffering for patients and their families. The conference also highlighted the importance of advocacy for palliative care and the need for specialized roles in palliative nursing to fully integrate these practices into the healthcare system.