A disease is considered rare if it has a prevalence of less than 1 in 2000. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 different rare diseases. Although they are uncommon individually, collectively they affect more than 5% of the population. Unfortunately, only 5% of rare diseases have available therapies.

The Middle East and North African (MENA) region includes more than 20 countries with an area of 15 million square kilometers and more than 600 million population. This region shares genetic and cultural factors causing higher prevalence of rare diseases such the common practices of large family size, advanced maternal and paternal age at conception, and high consanguinity rates. People with rare diseases in the MENA region face significant challenges including limited knowledge about their diseases, a long diagnostic journey, inadequate clinical management and support, and poor access to clinical trials and novel therapies.

MENA Congress for Rare Diseases in partnership with Burjeel Medical City is taking place in Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 16 to 19 May 2024. This conference, which is the largest event for rare diseases in the region, lasts for 4 days during which more than 140 speakers, including more than 50 international experts from more than 20 different countries, will give the most up to date knowledge in various fields related to rare disease including diagnostics, therapeutics, research, achievements, challenges, and opportunities. The congress has received high-quality scientific abstracts related to different aspects of rare diseases. The top 7 abstracts have been assigned for oral presentations and others have been assigned to be presented as posters.

We are pleased to have Burjeel Medical City (BMC) as our meeting partner. BMC is a 400-bed multispecialty hospital and quaternary care center located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is the region’s complex care hub with over 60 adult and pediatric specialties, aided by state-of-the-art medical technology and an international team of experts. The 1.2 million-square-foot hospital is a flagship facility under the Burjeel Holdings umbrella. It is renowned for key specialties including oncology, hematology, bone marrow transplantation, neurosurgery, multi-organ transplantation, advanced orthopedic surgery, pediatric subspecialties, fetal medicine, nuclear medicine, and advanced gynecology. The hospital is the first to receive ESMO accreditation as an Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care Center. It is also home to the Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), one of the region’s leading research hubs with a global portfolio of high impact publications, international guidelines, and various observational studies and clinical trials of novel therapeutics designed to improve the outcomes of patients with rare blood disorders (https://burjeel.com/burjeelmedicalcity)

This conference is a unique platform that brings all stakeholders involved in rare diseases to one place to obtain the most updated knowledge, exchange experience, advance research, establish networks, and explore collaborative opportunities aiming ultimately to provide better care for individuals with rare diseases.

We look forward to seeing you among us at the MENA Congress for Rare Diseases.