7
The Fifth MENA Congress for Rare Diseases 2026 has opened in Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 1,500 participants and over 140 speakers specializing in genetic and rare diseases for three days of scientific exchange, collaboration, and discussion on the future of rare disease care and research. The congress is organized in partnership with Burjeel Medical City, Burjeel Cancer Institute, and the Genetics and Rare Disease Center.
Held with the support and participation of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the congress opened in the presence of Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, and Dr. Mujtaba Ali Khan, CEO of Burjeel Medical City. The event also welcomes 40 international experts from more than 20 countries to discuss the latest developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of rare diseases.
Featuring more than 30 scientific sessions, this year’s congress expands the conversation beyond clinical advances to areas including the health economics of rare diseases, insurance coverage, and medical education. Discussions also cover emerging treatments such as enzyme replacement therapy, advances in diagnostic approaches, and the growing role of scientific research, innovation, and artificial intelligence in supporting the diagnosis and management of genetic and rare diseases.
The congress is being held alongside the Third MENA Summit for Genetic Counselors, the Fourth MENA Summit for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the Fourth MENA Summit for Angelman Syndrome, and the Fourth MENA Summit for Huntington’s Disease.
The scientific program highlights advanced therapeutic approaches and technologies, including gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies, hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy, as well as emerging gene-editing approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9.
Sessions also explore clinical trials and the development of innovative medicines in the MENA, genomics and multi-omics, and strategies to improve access to advanced therapies. Together, these discussions connect science, clinical practice, and innovation to help shape the next generation of rare disease care.
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.”
Research from Around the World
The scientific program also features peer-reviewed research abstracts submitted by researchers from around the world. Three winning abstracts, submitted by researchers from Brazil, the United Kingdom, and France, will be recognized and presented during the congress’s scientific sessions.
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.”
Outstanding Achievement in Rare Diseases Awards
On the sidelines of the congress, the Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Rare Diseases recognized individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing the rare disease field.
In the Clinician category, awards were presented to Dr. Arif Khan, Consultant Pediatric Neurology and Director of the Gene Therapy Program at Fakeeh University Hospital, and Dr. Cristina Skrypnyk, Consultant Medical Genetics, Genetics and Inherited Disorders Department, Al Jawhara Center for Molecular Medicine, Bahrain.
Dr. Afsheen Raza, Associate Professor and Director of the Abu Dhabi University Cancer Research Institute, received the award in the Researcher category, while Prof. Mahir Al-Hilali, Senior Corporate Director of Laboratory Services at Mediclinic Middle East, was recognized in the Leader category.
In the Organization category, the award was presented to Chiesi Ltd, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments, including therapies for rare diseases. CENTOGENE GmbH, a global diagnostics company headquartered in Germany that supports the diagnosis of patients with rare and genetic diseases, was also recognized.