PRE-CONGRESS WORKSHOPS
September 18, 2026 - Friday
Le Meridien Dubai Hotel
WORKSHOP 1
14:00-15:00
Diet as Management of Rare Diseases
Ms. Masooma Al Jasmi
Head of Clinical Nutrition Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of selected rare and inherited metabolic diseases.
- Identify disease-specific dietary interventions and their clinical indications.
- Develop individualized nutritional management plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Recognize common nutritional challenges across different stages of life and strategies to optimize long-term health outcomes.
- Educate patients and families on dietary adherence, monitoring, and available nutritional support resources.
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WORKSHOP 2
14:00-15:00
Genetic Counseling in Rare Diseases: Principles and Practice
Dr. Richa Soni
Physician Clinical Geneticist Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital Emirates Health Services (EHS), Sharjah,
Learning Objectives
This workshop equips participants with practical genetic counseling skills for rare diseases.
Participants will:
- Understand the core principles and process of genetic counseling in the context of rare disease;
- Learn to assess genetic risk through family history and pedigree analysis, including recognition of key inheritance patterns;
- Develop clear, non-directive communication strategies for disclosing genetic results and uncertainty to patients and families;
- Examine the ethical and psychosocial dimensions of genetic counseling;
- Apply these skills through case-based discussion
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WORKSHOP 3
15:00-16:00
Metabolic Emergency Management
Dr. Mahra Al Fattan
Fellow/ Specialist SEHA, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dr. Dalia Ra’a Said
Clinical Genetics Fellow Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the early clinical signs and symptoms of metabolic emergencies in children and adults.
- Implement evidence-based emergency management strategies for common inherited metabolic disorders.
- Apply standardized emergency protocols to prevent metabolic decompensation and associated complications.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary care during acute metabolic crises to optimize patient outcomes.
- Educate caregivers on emergency preparedness, sick-day management, and timely access to emergency care.
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WORKSHOP 4
15:00-16:00
Genetic Testing Results: How to Interpret ?
Dr. Azza Attia
Clinical Geneticist, Head of Clinical genomics, G42
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate the various types of genetic tests commonly used in rare disease diagnosis.
- Interpret genetic test reports, including pathogenic, likely pathogenic, benign, and variants of uncertain significance (VUS).
- Correlate genetic findings with clinical presentation to support accurate diagnosis and management.
- Recognize the limitations and challenges of genetic testing and their implications for patient care.
- Communicate genetic test results effectively to patients and families while supporting informed clinical decision-making.
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WORKSHOP 5
16:15-17:45
Approach to Bleeding Disorders
Dr. Eman Alshamsi
MBBS, RCPCH Consultant & Acting Head of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the clinical presentation and diagnostic approach for inherited bleeding disorders.
- Apply current evidence-based management strategies for hemophilia and other rare bleeding disorders.
- Identify and manage bleeding emergencies using appropriate treatment protocols.
- Promote multidisciplinary care that supports long-term health, rehabilitation, and quality of life.
- Empower patients and caregivers through education on bleeding prevention, treatment adherence, and self-management.
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WORKSHOP 6
16:15-17:15
How to Apply for IRB / DSREC Ethics Review for Your Clinical Research
Dr. Badria Almurshidi
Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai, UAE
Learning Objectives
The workshop provides a practical overview of how to successfully apply for ethical approval from the Dubai Scientific Research Ethics Committee (DSREC) for clinical and health research conducted in Dubai. It introduces the role of the Medical Education and Research Department (MERD) as the central body supporting ethical, high quality research within Dubai Health Authority. Participants are guided through eligibility criteria, submission pathways, and the distinctions between exempt, expedited, and full board reviews, using risk based decision principles.
The session focuses on helping researchers prepare complete and compliant applications, including required documentation, specialized forms, checklists, and fee structures. It also outlines the step by step submission process, consultation support services, and common pitfalls that lead to application delays.
By the end of the workshop, participants gain the knowledge required to navigate DSREC requirements confidently, ensure ethical protection of research participants, and submit well prepared applications that meet regulatory and governance standards.
Scan and Register Now
WORKSHOP 1
14:00-15:00
Diet as Management of Rare Diseases
Ms. Masooma Al Jasmi
Head of Clinical Nutrition Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of selected rare and inherited metabolic diseases.
- Identify disease-specific dietary interventions and their clinical indications.
- Develop individualized nutritional management plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Recognize common nutritional challenges across different stages of life and strategies to optimize long-term health outcomes.
- Educate patients and families on dietary adherence, monitoring, and available nutritional support resources.
WORKSHOP 1
16:15-17:15
Bleeding Disorders
Dr. Eman Alshamsi
MBBS, RCPCH Consultant & Acting Head of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of nutrition in the prevention and management of selected rare and inherited metabolic diseases.
- Identify disease-specific dietary interventions and their clinical indications.
- Develop individualized nutritional management plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Recognize common nutritional challenges across different stages of life and strategies to optimize long-term health outcomes.
- Educate patients and families on dietary adherence, monitoring, and available nutritional support resources.