The 6th Emirates Otorhinolaryngology Audiology and Communication Disorders Congress began in Dubai

• Under the patronage of H.H.  Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Dubai, UAE - January 13, 2016: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority, the 6th Emirates Otorhinolaryngology Audiology and Communication Disorders Congress took place today at the InterContinental Hotel, Festival City.

This year the congress is taking place in collaboration with the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery and is a platform for networking, round table discussions, instructional courses, hands-on workshops and abstract sessions.

The conference was inaugurated in the presence of H E Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority and a number of senior health leaders. More than 2000 participants and 60 lecturers took part in the conference.

In the opening speech of the conference, delivered on behalf of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority, Al Qatami said: “ The DHA is keen to support such conferences which help facilitate knowledge transfer. In line with its vision to host, support and promote international medical conferences, Dubai is keen to host the World ENT Conference in 2021 and is one of the countries that has bid to host this conference. Medical conferences are a unique platform that help exchange-of-information and bring together experts from across the region and the globe to discuss the latest advances and challenges in their field.”

Al Qatami added that there is no doubt that ENT diseases can lead to many other chronic diseases such as pulmonary diseases, without timely and effective treatment. Moreover, the emergence of new strain of viruses some of which are drug resistant reinforces the need to discuss latest treatment methods, new advances, research possibilities and treatment methods in the field of ENT.  Such conferences help to bring together experts from the region and abroad to discuss these issues and device both effective preventive and treatment methods to tackle such diseases.

Dr. Hussain Abdulrahman Al Rand, the Congress President, said: “Now in its 6th year, the congress has become a platform to exchange knowledge and ideas and showcase significant cutting-edge advancements that will shape the future of rhinology and otology. From the wide array of presentations submitted, the scientific committee has chosen 4 best research submissions. Moreover, this year, the congress and workshops have been accredited with 70.25 CME Hours Accredited by Dubai Health Authority and 55 CME Hours Accredited by Ministry of Health.”

He further added, “The support received from major regional societies including GCC ORL Head and Neck Society, Arab Society of Otology & Audiology, Saudi Otolaryngology Society and Pan Arab Rhinology Society has played a key role in shaping and developing the congress into the largest ENT congress in the UAE and neighbouring region.”

Over 250 world-class experts are presenting on more than 50 different topics. Some of the scientific topics include Management of Otological Diseases, Management of Rhinological Diseases, Laryngology, Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction, Paediatric ORL and Rehabilitation. 30 companies and distributors are exhibiting including pharmaceutical companies, suppliers, and distributors specializing in the field of ENT, Audiology, Communication Disorders & Rhinology.

In addition to the congress, several live surgical workshops are taking place on state of the art anatomical specimens. The Temporal Bone Dissection Course and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) are some of the key workshops that provided educational value in decision-making process, surgical instruments and complications incurred. It is an excellent platform for practical learning experience.

The congress is attended by ENT specialists, Otologists, Speech Pathologists, Audiologists, Neurologists, Otolaryngologists, ENT Surgeons, Otorhinolaryngologists, Rhinoplasty Surgeons and other Allied Health Professionals.