On August 28, 2012, a group of dedicated Emergency Physicians, unified with a vision to promote Emergency Medicine in the region, came together and founded the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine (ESEM). Despite its humble origin, the establishment of ESEM was met with an incredible response from the Emergency Medicine community and, over the years, the organization quickly evolved into the leading platform representing Emergency Medicine in the UAE. This transformation was particularly bolstered by ESEM’s initiative to launch a newsletter in early 2013 that would enable readers to become active participants in the development of Emergency Medicine in the region.

The newsletter was met with an overwhelming reception, and the interactive nature of the content allowed ESEM to delve into specific areas of interest as requested by the Emergency Medicine community, such as Point of Care Ultrasonography. In 2014, ESEM’s first scientific conference was organized as a means to encourage improved Emergency Medicine practice and research, while providing an assembly to raise awareness for the specialty, with networking and skill-building opportunities for doctors, nurses, residents and paramedics. The conference has shown exponential growth over the years, attracting various international delegations and organizations to the UAE. The increase in the size and breadth of ESEM’s followers eventually inspired the launch of the ‘ESEM Monthly’ e-newsletter in 2018, now approaching 2 years since initiation.

 8 years after its inception, the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine (ESEM) now stands as the leading voice for Emergency Medicine in the Middle East, with its annual conference representing the largest Emergency Medical Conference in the region. All of ESEM’s success thus far is a clear reflection of the incredible passion and enthusiasm that exists in the Emergency Medicine community. Most recently, ESEM proposed a draft for the ‘Good Samaritan Law’ to the Ministry of Health, which has now been successfully approved, receiving widespread acceptance in the region. As we look forward to even greater things in the coming year, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your support, cooperation and commitment to improving Emergency Medicine practice and awareness in the Middle East.