Abu dhabi: International experts at the Fifth MENA Congress for Rare Diseases 2026 in Abu Dhabi underscored the transformative impact of genomics and artificial intelligence on the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. These advancements are paving the way for faster and more precise diagnoses, as well as the development of precision medicine.
According to Emirates News Agency, experts from the UAE, Brazil, France, the UK, Qatar, and Bahrain took part in discussions about key developments influencing the future of rare disease care. Topics included the regulation of cell and gene therapies, the potential of umbilical cord-derived technologies in therapeutic innovation, and the UAE's pioneering efforts in rare disease genomics.
Prof. Ayman El-Hattab, Consultant in Genetic and Genomic Medicine and President of the Congress, emphasized the importance of specialized scientific platforms in improving patient care and healthcare outcomes. He mentioned that the Congress aims to raise awareness of rare diseases among healthcare professionals, promote faster and more accurate diagnosis, introduce treatment advances, and encourage collaboration and research in this field.
Prof. Ayman further highlighted the Emirati Genome Programme's role in expanding access to genetic testing, which supports early diagnosis and strengthens efforts to identify genetic and rare diseases at initial stages. He pointed out that the Emirates Drug Establishment is facilitating timely access to advanced treatments, including gene and enzyme therapies, allowing the UAE to benefit from the latest therapeutic developments.
A session titled 'Artificial Intelligence, Research, and Innovation in Rare Diseases' brought together experts to discuss how the integration of genomics and AI can accelerate rare disease discovery and diagnosis. Discussions included the use of genomic data to understand rare disease causes and develop precise therapies, and AI's potential to address research gaps and improve clinical trial access.
Experts reviewed advances in precision medicine and innovative drug development across MENA, along with the roles of AI and genomics in accelerating scientific research and translating discoveries into clinical care. The program also covered emerging gene-editing technologies and research on microbe-driven epigenetic changes and cellular mechanisms in monogenic disorders.
The day featured presentations of research studies on Huntington's disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and late-onset Pompe disease, showcasing advances in translational and clinical research with potential to shape the future of rare disease diagnosis, treatment, and care.