As a Product Operations Engineer at Javelo, my role focuses on overseeing day-to-day operations and logistics, supporting an efficient supply chain, and building strong relationships with our suppliers. WHX Dubai was a chance to step back from the day-to-day and see the bigger picture by meeting the people and organisations helping to shape the healthcare industry.

Motivations

WHX Dubai was a unique opportunity to connect with global suppliers, explore new partnerships, and gain a clearer understanding of where the industry is heading. As Javelo continues to grow, those international relationships become increasingly important, and it was exciting to be part of the conversations taking place.

Given the size of the exhibition, we knew we needed a plan. Ash and I adopted a “divide and conquer” strategy, splitting up to cover more ground (our step counts certainly reflected that!) while using a simple ranking system we’d prepared beforehand to help prioritise the companies and organisations most relevant to us.

By the second day, we knew the exhibition floor well – including where to find the best coffee.

We also spent time with the team from ABHI, who explained how they can support Javelo as we continue building our presence within the healthcare sector.

Another highlight was meeting Finola Hegarty, Senior Trade Specialist for Science & Technology at Scottish Development International UAE, who provided valuable introductions and insights into the region.

Learning

One of the biggest takeaways for me was how much value comes from simply starting conversations.

Some of the most useful insights didn’t come from our scheduled meetings or planned stand visits. They came from asking questions, listening carefully, and taking the time to understand the people behind the organisations.

I also came away with a much better understanding of how healthcare operates across the UAE. Speaking directly with organisations such as Dubai Health provided valuable context around regulation, procurement and the region’s strong focus on healthcare innovation — insights that are difficult to gain from behind a desk.

What’s Next

Attending WHX reinforced just how innovative and forward-thinking the global healthcare sector is. It was inspiring to be surrounded by organisations that all share a common goal: improving patient care and delivering better experiences for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

It was also a great example of how thoughtful design can make even a very large event feel effortless. One feature that particularly stood out was the use of QR codes on attendee lanyards to exchange contact details and schedule meetings instantly. Coming from a product design background, I appreciated how much thought had gone into such a simple idea. It was a small detail that made a huge difference.

Looking ahead, we’re delighted to have joined the ABHI Middle East Accelerator programme this year, with support from Scottish Development International, as we continue to develop our presence in the region and build relationships with healthcare stakeholders.

On a personal note, we hope for peace across the region and look forward to a future where healthcare professionals, innovators and organisations can collaborate freely to improve healthcare for everyone.

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Dana Purves

About Javelo

Javelo is a British medical devices company founded by Dr Ashton Barnett-Vanes. Its Chairman is Sir George Buckley, the former President and CEO of 3M. Javelo supplies public and private healthcare providers with reliable, patient-friendly securement products that enhance the standard of care.

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