Dubai Clinical Nutrition Congress Broadens Regional Reach Arabian Post

Parenteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream when the digestive system cannot be used safely or effectively. Enteral nutrition provides feeding through the gastrointestinal tract, often by tube, when patients cannot consume adequate nutrition by mouth. Both fields require careful assessment, monitoring and coordination among physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, nurses and allied health professionals, particularly in intensive care units, surgical wards and cancer treatment settings.

This year's edition is being held in conjunction with the Emirates Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society under the umbrella of the Emirates Medical Association, strengthening its professional base within the UAE's healthcare sector. Dubai Business Events is the official destination partner, reflecting the city's effort to position itself as a regional centre for medical education, specialist conferences and scientific exchange.

Dr Wafaa Helmi Ayesh, president of the MEAPEN Congress, president of the Emirates PEN Society, vice-president of the Arab Society of Paediatric Clinical Nutrition and consultant clinical dietitian at Tadawi General Hospital, said the congress had developed into a platform for evidence-based clinical nutrition practice. She said the fifth edition would highlight the role of collaboration among physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, nurses, researchers and allied healthcare professionals in improving patient-centred care.

The programme is also linked to continuing medical education, with delegates eligible for 28 CME credits accredited by the Dubai Health Authority. That accreditation is likely to strengthen participation from practising clinicians seeking structured professional development in a field where protocols, feeding thresholds, infection controls and safety standards continue to evolve.

Supporting organisations include the Middle Eastern Association of Nutrition and Obesity Medicine, Omani Nutrition and Dietetics Society, Palestinians Dietitians Syndicate, Palestine Polytechnic University, Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Arab Society of Paediatric Clinical Nutrition, Jordan Society of Parenteral, Enteral and Clinical Nutrition, Egyptian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, University of Sharjah, Emirates Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society and the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital.

Industry participation will include Nestlé Health Science as visionary partner, Eli Lilly as strategic partner, Abbott and Fresenius Kabi as Pearl Sponsors, alongside Dutch Medical Food, Nutricia, B Braun, Baxter and Medtrition. Their presence underscores the commercial and scientific momentum around specialised nutrition products, infusion systems, clinical protocols and disease-specific nutritional therapies.

The congress is organised by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding. Its earlier editions helped build a professional network around clinical nutrition in the region, with the 2026 Dubai meeting expected to expand that platform through abstract submissions, scientific presentations and cross-border professional engagement.