UAE Hosts First International Conference on Medical Genetics in the MENA Region
Dubai – Marking a major milestone in regional healthcare collaboration, the United Arab Emirates hosted the first international conference organized by the MENA Medical Genetic Association (MENA MGA). Held in Dubai, the event brought together over 200 physicians and experts from 40 countries to explore the latest advances in genetic diagnostics, therapy, and precision medicine.
The conference was led by Professor Fatma Al-Jasmi, Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at UAE University and a biochemical geneticist at Tawam Hospital. She emphasized that the event aims to unify regional scientific efforts and improve early detection and treatment of genetic disorders, particularly in populations with high rates of consanguinity. Al-Jasmi also highlighted a pioneering UAE project that uses artificial intelligence—developed in collaboration with Khalifa University—to diagnose rare genetic diseases, describing it as the first of its kind globally.
One of the conference’s most significant contributions was a large-scale study presented by Dr. Naif from Saudi Arabia, analyzing over 1,200 cases of mitochondrial disease. The findings revealed a regional mortality rate of 50%, much higher than the global average of 14%, underscoring the need for locally driven research and medical strategies.
Professor Majid Al-Fadl, Deputy Executive Director of King Abdullah International Medical Research Center and Chair of the Department of Genetic and Research Medicine in Riyadh, stated that the conference is just the beginning of an annual initiative that will rotate across cities in the MENA region. He also noted plans to establish expert committees to develop regional guidelines and physician training programs.
The conference concluded with a clear call to action: collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers are essential to addressing the growing burden of genetic disorders in the Arab world. MENA MGA pledged to publish the event’s recommendations through official platforms and media channels to maximize impact.
With strong governmental support and a rapidly advancing research landscape, the Gulf region is increasingly positioning itself as a global leader in genomic medicine—turning scientific innovation into real-world change for patients and families.
