Welcome Address

Dear Colleagues and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We invite you to join us in Dubai, UAE on April 24–27, 2010 at the III WORLD ASTHMA & COPD FORUM. The lectures and discussions during this Congress will cover every aspect of basic research in the filed of asthma, COPD and respiratory allergy, and will also bring forth the latest innovations in treatment. The prevalence of asthma and COPD around the world, their severity and mortality rates allow us to consider them as the most socially significant diseases of today and the nearest future. Our invitation especially addresses specialists in allergology, immunology, pulmonology, pediatrics, dermatology, critical care medicine etc. The Congress Program will cover a wide variety of areas—from mechanisms and genetic aspects of asthma and COPD to new advances in diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis. We intend to organize the World Asthma & COPD Day on April 26, 2010.

The III World Asthma & COPD Forum will also share some joint sessions with the World Forum of Pediatrics that will be held in Dubai at the same time. Within the framework of these two events, the I World Allergy and Asthma Pediatric Congress will be held.

To encourage young specialists to participate in the III World Asthma & COPD 50 travel grants will be provided for the best abstracts submitted as poster presentation application.

Dubai — one of seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates—is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. Known in the region as the "city of merchants", Dubai has, for generations, welcomed seafarers and traders to its shores. Today, its tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. Dubai has something for everyone—from the holidaymaker seeking a relaxing break away from the clouds and crowds, to the active tourist looking for a new and exciting experience. The city has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Welcome to DUBAI—one of the world's most exciting new travel destinations! Lying on the blue waters of the southern Arabian Gulf and backed by the majestic desert, Dubai offers visitors year-round sunshine and five-star luxury plus the adventure of a unique Arabian experience. Dubai's enormous constructions and developments in various industries through innovative real estate projects, sports events, shopping festivals and conferences has attracted world-wide attention for Dubai City, establishing it as the world's leading business hub. Dubai has a rich cultural scene with art museums, film festivals (Dubai film festival) and performing arts centers, in addition to being a shopper's delight, hosting the annually held Dubai Shopping Festival.

We welcome guests from all continents of the world. Our special greetings to the speakers of the Forum, the leading scientists who represent the World Immunopathology Organization (WIPO), World Allergy Organization (WAO), European Academy of Allergology & Clinical Immunology (EAACI), European Respiratory Society (ERS), International Association of Asthma (INTERASMA), American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), Asia Pacific Association of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (APAACI), Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR), and some other international organizations.

We would like invite to inquisitive-minded scientists from all over the world to come to Dubai, a city of excitement waiting to be explored holding the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century.