The MENA Congress for Rare Diseases has become a landmark event dedicated for rare diseases and providing comprehensive coverage including modern diagnostics, novel therapies, supportive management, clinical research, social challenges, and patient advocacy for rare diseases. It is the largest event for rare diseases in the region which typically includes 40 to 50 sessions focusing on variable aspects related to rare diseases and including presentations, panel discussions, and workshops delivered by more than 150 speakers, including more than 50 international experts coming from more than 20 different countries. In addition, the congress hosts about 10 satellite symposia discussing topics related to rare diseases.

The congress is usually attended by more than 1,000 participants with approximately 20% of attendees from outside UAE coming from more than 50 countries. The presentations usually receive very high evaluations with more than 95% of the attendees scoring the presentations as above average. The congress also receives high-quality scientific abstracts related to different aspects of rare diseases. These abstracts are presented as posters during the congress, and the top abstracts are awarded and presented as oral presentations.

The congress receives the support of more than 50 scientific partners including universities, advocacy groups, and associations and organizations supporting rare diseases. In addition, it receives marketing support from 30 media partners and is covered by key media and news outlets during and after the meeting including WAM (the Emirates News Agency), Aletihad, and Albayan. Furthermore, the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rare Diseases is distributed during the opening session of the congress for international and UAE organizations, clinicians, scientists, and advocates with distinguished accomplishments supporting rare diseases.

Our upcoming meeting, the 5th MENA Congress for Rare Diseases 2026, Abu Dhabi, 11-19 April 2026, will continue to be the largest event for rare diseases in the region. It will last for 3 full days with more than 150 speakers with expertise on various topics related to rare diseases including updates on diagnostics and novel therapies, research and innovation, artificial intelligence, rare ophthalmologic disorders, malignancies, immune and blood diseases, Angelman syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington disease, neurodivergence, dental care, nutritional support, rehabilitation, gene and cell therapy, genetic counseling, epidemiology and public health, health economics, insurance coverage, media awareness, education, psychosocial support, inclusion and diversity, success stories, and patients' advocacy.

More than 1500 attendees are expected to participate with more than 25% coming from outside the country. The meeting will be attended by healthcare providers including medical doctors from variable specialties, dentists, nurses, dietitians, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, and genetic counselors, medical and medical sciences students, researchers, scientists, and educators, and individuals with rare diseases and their families. Laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, clinics and hospitals, academic institutions, community services, and support and advocacy groups will also participate.

The upcoming congress will also accept scientific abstracts that will be presented as posters, and the top abstracts will be awarded and presented as oral presentations. Furthermore, the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rare Diseases will be distributed during the meeting to honor pioneers in the field of rare diseases.

This conference is a unique platform that brings all stakeholders involved in rare diseases to one place to obtain the most updated knowledge, exchange experience, advance research, establish networks, and explore new horizons and collaborative opportunities aiming ultimately to provide better care for individuals with rare diseases. We look forward to seeing you among us at the 5th MENA Congress for Rare Diseases 2026.