The Fifth MENA Congress for Rare Diseases 2026 has opened in Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 1,500 participants and over 140 speakers from more than 20 countries to discuss advances in rare disease diagnosis, treatment and research.

Held with the support and participation of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the three-day congress features more than 30 scientific sessions covering clinical developments, research, healthcare economics, insurance coverage and medical education. The programme also examines enzyme replacement therapies, new diagnostic methods and the use of artificial intelligence in genetic and rare disease care.

Also read: Dubai Doctors Required to Separate Personal and Professional Social Media Accounts

The congress is organised in partnership with Burjeel Medical City, Burjeel Cancer Institute and the Genetics and Rare Disease Center. It is being held alongside regional meetings focused on genetic counselling, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Angelman syndrome and Huntington’s disease.

Prof. Ayman El-Hattab, Director and Consultant Clinical Genetics at the Genetics and Rare Disease Center, Burjeel Medical City, and President of the Congress, said: “This congress provides a unique platform for specialists and stakeholders in rare diseases to come together, exchange knowledge and expertise, advance research, and identify new opportunities for collaboration. Our goal is to improve care and quality of life for people living with rare diseases in the region and beyond. We are proud to host the congress in Abu Dhabi for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting the capital’s growing role in bringing together the global healthcare and scientific community.”

Click here to join our WhatsApp channel here

Sessions will explore gene therapies for conditions including haemoglobinopathies, haemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, alongside emerging gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9.

The event also features international research presentations and the Outstanding Achievement in Rare Diseases Awards, recognising contributions from clinicians, researchers, healthcare leaders and organisations advancing rare disease care.

Prof. Khaled Musallam, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Congress, and Group Chief Research Officer at Burjeel Holdings, said: “The MENA faces a significant burden of rare diseases, and addressing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and access to care requires collaboration across healthcare, research, industry, and patient communities. Through science, innovation, and stronger partnerships, we can accelerate progress and improve outcomes for people living with rare diseases across the region and beyond.”