Dubai: Dubai today hosted the First International Congress for Diastasis Recti: Advancing Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, organised as part of the Dubai Hernia Summit, in collaboration with American Hospital Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the landmark scientific event brings together leading international surgeons and specialists to discuss the latest medical and surgical advancements in the management of diastasis recti and abdominal wall reconstruction. Often misunderstood as a purely cosmetic concern, diastasis recti-the structural separation of the rectus abdominis muscles-is a clinically significant condition that can affect core stability, physical function, posture, and long-term quality of life. The congress aims to reposition the condition within its proper medical and surgical context, supported by evidence-based practice and advanced reconstruction techniques.
The congress is being held from January 30th to 1st February, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), serving as a global platform for scientific exchange, innovation, and collaboration in abdominal wall surgery. Dr Hatem Moussa, Scientific Chair of the Dubai Hernia Summit and Head of the Department of Surgery at American Hospital Dubai, said the congress represents a pivotal step forward for a condition that has long existed in a clinical grey zone.
Dr Moussa stated that for many years, diastasis recti lacked a unified clinical framework, affecting both diagnosis and treatment pathways. He noted that with advances in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, greater precision, improved functional outcomes, and significantly shorter recovery periods-often measured in days rather than weeks-are now achievable. The congress brings global expertise together to define best practices and raise standards of care worldwide.
Dr Mohammed Abdulla Alqaydi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates General Surgery Society (EGSS), emphasized that the congress brings together leading international surgeons to consolidate global expertise, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, unify medical standards, and support the development of local surgical capabilities. He added that such initiatives reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for specialised medical conferences and advanced healthcare innovation.
A defining feature of the congress is its strong focus on robotic-assisted and advanced minimally invasive surgery, positioning the event as one of the most comprehensive scientific platforms dedicated to modern abdominal wall reconstruction. The programme includes specialised workshops offering practical exposure to the latest surgical technologies and techniques.
The congress is supported by American Hospital Dubai, alongside leading global medical technology companies such as Medtronic, Intuitive, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), Johnson and Johnson, and Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR). These companies are showcasing the latest robotic platforms, surgical instruments, and innovative solutions supporting abdominal wall repair and functional reconstruction.
The congress is scientifically supported by several prominent organisations, including the Emirates General Surgery Society (EGSS), the International Association for Ambulatory Surgery, AWR Surgeons, and the Kuwait Association of Surgeons, reflecting a strong commitment to international collaboration and academic excellence.
During the event, American Hospital Dubai signed an agreement with Al Naghi Medical Company to acquire the da Vinci 5 system, the latest and most advanced generation of robotic surgery technology. This agreement represents a strategic step that further strengthens the hospital's position as a leading regional centre for robotic-assisted surgery and underscores its commitment to providing patients with access to the most advanced surgical technologies available globally.
By hosting the First International Congress for Diastasis Recti, Dubai continues to strengthen its role as a global destination for advanced medical education, innovation-driven collaboration, and specialised surgical care.