Dubai's Third International Conference of the Emirates Rare Diseases Society brought together more than 300 medical professionals, researchers, and patients to examine how AI rare disease diagnosis tools are reshaping care in the UAE. Organised by the Ministry of Health and Prevention alongside the Dubai Health Authority, the two-day event underscored the country's ambition to lead the region in AI-driven healthcare.
AI Takes Centre Stage at Dubai Rare Disease Summit
Al Jalila Hospital CEO Dr. Abdullah Al Khayyat opened the conference by addressing the severity of rare conditions that frequently manifest in early childhood and cause lifelong disabilities. He outlined how artificial intelligence is transforming the diagnostic pipeline — improving precision, accelerating research timelines, and giving clinicians faster access to pattern recognition that was previously impossible at scale.
Dr. Iman Taryam Al Shamsi, serving as conference president, presented a packed scientific programme comprising 28 sessions and specialised workshops led by leading medical professionals. Topics ranged from advanced treatment protocols and early warning indicators of uncommon diseases to the social and psychological burdens carried by patients and their families.
Patient-Centred Sessions and Global Industry Presence
A highlight of the final day was a direct dialogue between specialists and patients along with their families. Attendees discussed everyday challenges and collaborated on practical solutions — a format that reflects the Emirates Rare Diseases Society's stated commitment to placing patient welfare at the heart of its work.
Nafisa Tawfiq, representing the society's leadership, reinforced its resolve to expand patient care and raise public awareness of rare conditions in the UAE. An accompanying exhibition showcased innovative pharmaceutical products from 13 international companies, giving attendees exposure to the latest advances entering the global rare disease market.
Dubai's Commitment to AI-Powered Healthcare
The conference reinforced Dubai's position as a hub for medical innovation. By focusing on UAE healthcare AI applications in rare disease settings — where patient populations are small and data is scarce — organisers signalled that artificial intelligence offers a credible path to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients in the region.
