The 23rd Edition of the Congress of the IALM Kicks Off Today

Dubai, UAE: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council , the 23rd edition of the Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine (IALM 2015) kicked off today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Congress being held for the first time in the Middle East, is considered one of the largest events specialized in Forensic Medicine, Forensic Sciences and Medical Jurisprudence.

H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, attended the opening ceremony today on behalf of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. H.E. Dhahi Khalfan was accompanied by H.E. Major General Khamis Mattar Al-Mazeina, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police , Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee and a number of local and international officials, and heads of departments and police stations in Dubai, and more than 1,700 participants coming from 55 countries, including 364 scientists, and 6 presidents of international organizations in forensic science and 7 directors of forensic departments from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim and a number of regional and international officials and heads of delegations toured the exhibition and explored the latest products, technologies and equipment used in forensic evidence, crime scene analysis, digital investigation devices, services, and laboratory equipment. The exhibition registered the participation of more than 23 companies specialized in legal and forensic science.

Following the opening ceremony, H.E. Major General Khamis Mattar Al-Mazeina, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police , Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, stated in his speech today: “Organizing the 23rd Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine in the Emirate of Dubai is a step that complements Dubai’s strive for excellence, creativity and innovation. The congress is also an excellent opportunity to meet up with experts and specialists in legal medicine and forensic sciences, in the pearl of the world; Dubai, which extends its arms to everyone while hosting the largest exhibitions and congresses in the world.”

H.E. continued: ” Dubai Police was keen from the beginning to host the 23rd edition of the International Academy of Legal Medicine Congress, therefore we strived to give our unlimited support reflecting our wise leadership’s aspiration to link development, progress, and prosperity, with security and safety. It is also the essence of Dubai Police ‘s diligent work to achieve its strategic objectives in the fight against crime, and to reduce crime level, arrest perpetrators, enforce security on the roads, and preserve the lives of people and their properties.”

From his side, Prof. Fawzi Benomran, President of the Congress, said: “Although the name of IALM might give the impression that it is exclusive about “Legal Medicine”, this Congress is dedicated to all members involved in different aspects of forensic sciences. It is a well-known fact that the processing of scientific evidences can never be complete without the team-work of experts from all disciplines of forensic science, and we are targeting the whole team through this congress.”

Prof. Fawzi expressed his gratitude to all participants in the congress from the region and the world. He assured that their presence had paid-off all the efforts the organizing committee had put in the past 3 years, since they won the bid for organizing the event in Dubai.

Commenting on choosing Dubai to host IALM 2015, Prof. Santo Davide Ferrara, President of the International Academy of Legal Medicine, said: “hosting this congress in one of the most unique cities of the world; Dubai, and to extend our reach well outside the European Continent in such a prosperous and vibrant setting, is an auspicious confirmation of the continued growth and expansion of our academy. The congress also resembles a herald of the evermore prominent role of our discipline, that of the Bio-Medicolegal Sciences, at the global level.”

Professor Ferrera continued on saying: “We are looking forward to a diverse, multicultural and international scientific occasion. Gathering together participants from more than 55 Countries, the Congress will certainly prove to be a successful and fertile environment, both for sharing and discussing new ideas and techniques at the vanguard of the Bio- Medicolegal and Forensic Sciences, and for providing fundamental and key educational content.”

In conclusion, Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of INDEX Holding added: “what makes the congress very special, is the fact that it is held for the first time ever in the MENA region. Thus, attracting a great number of professionals and academics involved in the practice and development of the bio-medico-legal sciences to Dubai while shedding the light on our beloved emirate for the duration of three days.”

Dr. Al Madani continued: “INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions- member of INDEX Holding and through its offices and representatives distributed all over the world worked diligently to promote this very specialized event, particularly throughout the international conferences and exhibitions that INDEX manages. We are expecting more than 3,000 visitors, participants and specialists to attend this highly prestigious event.”

IALM 2015 is a top niche platform that serves the GCC and the MENA region, as it is considered an international platform for meeting experts from all over the world to exchange knowledge and acknowledge the latest techniques in the bio-medico-legal sciences. The three days of the congress will cover more than 500 abstracts, 200 poster presentations, 125 lectures and 5 workshops.

The 23rd Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine (IALM) is held regularly every three years and is considered one of the largest events specialized in Forensic Medicine, Forensic Sciences and Medical Jurisprudence. IALM 2015 is organized by Dubai Police , in cooperation with INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions a member of INDEX Holding and is supported by the Government of Dubai and the Ministry of Interior. The event is also privileged by the platinum sponsorship of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Emmar Properties, and the silver sponsorship of Siemens, GE Healthcare, Gulf Bio Analytical, and NAIZAK, and Emirates Airlines as the official carrier.

© Press Release 2015