Empire State Development’s Global NY Division kicked off 2025 with a successful trade mission to Arab Health 2025 in Dubai. The trade mission, held January 26-30, showcased the innovative capabilities of 10 New York State companies that joined the ESD team to gain access and introductions to one of the world's most dynamic healthcare marketplaces.
What is Global NY?
Global NY serves as New York State's gateway to international markets, providing comprehensive export assistance to businesses looking to expand globally. With representatives strategically positioned worldwide, the division offers vital programs that connect New York companies with international sales agents and distributors. These programs also help offset exporting costs through grants and loans, making global expansion more accessible for businesses of all sizes.
The division's trade missions, like the recent Arab Health expedition, create opportunities for New York businesses to establish and strengthen global partnerships. Global NY maintains a robust presence in diverse and growing markets across Africa, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Europe, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East, Singapore, South America, South Korea and Taiwan.
Arab Health: A Global Healthcare Powerhouse
Arab Health has earned its reputation as the premier healthcare trade show through its comprehensive approach, global reach and focus on innovation. The 2025 edition drew an impressive 110,000 attendees and featured 3,450 exhibiting companies from 180 countries, providing exposure to over 50,000 buyers.
The economic impact of the event is substantial—in 2024 alone, companies generated $1.81 billion in business on the show floor. This year, Global NY maximized opportunities for participating New York companies by arranging more than 70 customized business meetings through their Middle East office.
Success Stories from New York Businesses
The value of Global NY's trade mission approach was evident in the experiences shared by participating companies:
Mika Pharmaceuticals Vice President Peter Lehman says the company, a Long Island-based healthcare company and global pharmaceutical exporter, achieved immediate results. "I attended Arab Health with Global NY with the goal of securing a distributor or making a sale. By 10:10 a.m. on the first day, I had already achieved that objective. Given the success I experienced at the show, I look forward to returning with Global NY next year to build on this momentum."
Hard Manufacturing International Sales Director Sonia Ayadi, whose Buffalo-based company designs and manufactures pediatric beds and cribs for hospitals and healthcare settings, highlighted the multi-faceted benefits of in-person engagement: "Exhibiting at Arab Health provided us with the opportunity to connect face-to-face with our distributors, explore potential new partnerships, engage with biomedical engineers who use our products, and meet nurses who recognized our products as a solution for the challenges they face when caring for active children."
Cresilon Business Development Associate Dipti Ravi emphasized the strategic value of the Brooklyn-based biotech company’s participation: "This was one of the best shows we've ever attended. Our booth was in a high-traffic area, and we had strong engagement throughout the event. We look forward to converting our leads into sales."
Looking Ahead to Arab Health 2026
Building on this year's success, Global NY will participate in Arab Health 2026, continuing its mission to elevate New York businesses on the global stage.
For businesses interested in expanding their global footprint with support from Global NY, more information is available at esd.ny.gov/global-ny-export-assistance.