Bringing Together Leading Experts, Physicians, Researchers and Specialists
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 September 2026:
The UAE will host the 4th International UAE Rare Disease Society Congress from 18 to 20 September 2026 at Le Méridien Dubai, under the theme “United for Rare: Empowering Families, Advancing Care.” The congress will begin with specialised workshops, followed by scientific and family sessions.
Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the congress will bring together leading experts, physicians, researchers, specialists, patient advocates and families from the UAE and around the world to exchange expertise and highlight the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.
The congress’s scientific programme will cover a range of key topics, including genetics and genomics, metabolic disorders, premarital genetic screening, precision and innovative therapies, artificial intelligence, and research ethics. The congress will provide a vital platform for sharing pioneering research, strengthening collaboration and accelerating efforts to diagnose and treat rare diseases and support those affected by them.
A key feature of the congress, now being held for the fourth consecutive year, is the dedicated Family Day, which coincides with the Year of the Family in the UAE. The congress places patients and their families at the heart of its priorities through sessions addressing empowerment, quality of life and support services for People of Determination, alongside the latest developments in treatment and technological solutions for patient monitoring.
H.E. Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, affirmed that, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, the UAE has established an advanced national approach to addressing rare and genetic diseases, built on prevention, early diagnosis, precision medicine and the use of modern genetic technologies. He explained that the Ministry continues to advance this approach by developing premarital genetic screening and strengthening newborn screening programmes, genetic counselling and diagnostic capabilities, thereby improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life of patients and their families.
He added that the 4th International UAE Rare Disease Society Congress represents a strategic platform for bringing together scientific, healthcare and humanitarian expertise and translating advances in genomic medicine, laboratory diagnostics, and precision and innovative therapies into more effective patient care pathways. He noted that bringing together experts, specialists, government entities, partners and families under one umbrella strengthens knowledge exchange, supports multidisciplinary collaboration and contributes to developing an interconnected ecosystem that empowers people affected by rare diseases, supports their families and improves their quality of life.
Dr. Nuha Alzaabi, Congress President, Consultant in Genetic and Metabolic Disorders and Board Member of the UAE Rare Disease Society, said that the congress aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of rare diseases, discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding their diagnosis and treatment and the provision of healthcare in the UAE and the region, and educate healthcare providers about the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate disease management to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Dr. Nuha Alzaabi added that research into rare diseases often reveals fundamental biological pathways, providing valuable insights into more common diseases and driving innovation in diagnosis, treatment and precision medicine. She noted that focusing on rare diseases not only benefits those affected but also enriches the wider medical field, stressing that collective efforts are essential to addressing the unique challenges faced by people living with rare diseases.
The premarital genetic screening session in the UAE is one of the congress’s most distinctive sessions, bringing together the government entities involved in providing the service. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention will participate in its capacity as the regulatory authority, while the session will also highlight the role of physicians at hospitals across the country in providing premarital screening and genetic counselling services. It will conclude with the participation of judges responsible for making the appropriate decisions regarding marriage contracts.
Mrs. Nafisa Tawfiq, Chairperson of the Board of the UAE Rare Disease Society and Chair of the Organising Committee, noted that the congress represents a platform for strengthening collaboration among experts, families and patient advocates, supporting progress in diagnosis and treatment, and improving the quality of life of people affected by rare diseases.
She added that each year, the congress dedicates a full programme to addressing the challenges faced by families affected by rare diseases. It also provides opportunities for direct engagement with government service and care providers through sessions on government support programmes for People of Determination and child protection programmes across the various emirates. The congress also seeks to encourage continued adherence to treatment to improve families’ quality of life through its annual recognition of inspiring members of the rare disease community.
She added: “The congress includes a programme addressing quality of life in relation to family stability and advances in treatment, including a discussion of the challenges surrounding marriage for People of Determination. The Ministry of Family will participate in this programme with a specialised study. This will take place alongside family sessions highlighting the stories and journeys of people affected by rare diseases, as well as the role of the UAE Government in supporting them and empowering them in the workplace. The sessions will also feature international participation to facilitate the exchange of expertise. On the third day, the focus will be on family, interactive and disease-specific workshops developed with the participation of specialist physicians, families, affected individuals and advocates.”
In line with the Society’s objectives of supporting families by bringing them together on a single platform, the congress will announce the establishment of two new family support groups for people affected by epidermolysis bullosa, a rare condition commonly known as “butterfly skin disease,” and hypophosphatasia, through dedicated introductory workshops.
The congress will welcome 56 speakers, including 12 international speakers, as part of an integrated programme featuring scientific and family sessions, 42 lectures, nine interactive scientific and family workshops, and six specialised symposia, further strengthening the exchange of expertise and knowledge on rare diseases.
The congress will also witness the signing of a cooperation agreement between the UAE Rare Disease Society and the Moon Voice Association in the Kingdom of Morocco. In addition, artworks created by children affected by rare diseases and members of their families will be displayed, while a dedicated platform will announce the publication of storybooks written by talented members of the rare disease community.
The participation of government entities and national institutions in the congress, particularly in the Family Programme, reflects the integration of institutional efforts to raise awareness of rare diseases, support patients and their families, and expand community and knowledge partnerships. Participating entities include the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Family, Emirates Health Services, Dubai Business Events, Dubai Courts, Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, Sharjah Social Services Department, United Arab Emirates University, and Higher Colleges of Technology, alongside a number of other entities.
Through its theme, “United for Rare,” the congress reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing an integrated and innovative care ecosystem, strengthening its position as a regional hub for advancement in the field of rare diseases, empowering families and advancing care. It also reflects a collective commitment to strengthening support systems, advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient outcomes.
The 4th International UAE Rare Disease Society Congress 2026 is accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) for up to 15 European CME credits.