Dubai: The 13th edition of the International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition (IFM 2026) opened today at Dubai World Trade Centre. The three-day event focuses on the latest developments in family medicine and healthcare, bringing together more than 900 professionals and participants from 10 countries, alongside leading experts and specialists in the field. The event provides a platform for exploring the latest developments and practices that can advance healthcare systems and strengthen prevention and community health.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference gathers more than 45 speakers for a scientific programme comprising over 18 scientific sessions and the presentation of more than 70 scientific posters, with participants eligible to earn 21 CME credits. Amb. Prof. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of the International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition (IFM), Chairman of the Global Scientific Family Medicine Alliance (GSFMA), Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region, emphasized the critical role of family medicine, describing it as the foundation of community health and sustainable healthcare systems. He highlighted the importance of investing in prevention, early detection, and building enduring physician-patient relationships based on knowledge and trust.
In her opening address, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Chairperson of the Scientific Committee of IFM 2026, underscored the necessity for adopting an integrated, proactive approach centered on prevention, early detection, and improving patients' quality of life. She pointed out the rapid transformation within the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for more integrated and flexible models of care delivery, with family medicine serving as the first point of contact between patients and the healthcare system.
Presented through a single scientific track, the conference offers a comprehensive programme exploring new horizons across a range of health topics, including wearable devices and artificial intelligence, travel medicine, brain performance, longevity and brain health, psoriasis, aesthetic and functional medicine, cardiometabolic diseases, the role of the TKTL1 enzyme in cancer detection, gut health, women's health, drug addiction, diabetes and obesity, functional and integrative medicine in family medicine, health, climate, and migration, and irritable bowel syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Alongside the scientific programme, an accompanying specialised exhibition features several leading international organisations in healthcare and medical technology, including American Hospital Dubai, Seers Tech, and Omron. This industry showcase is complemented by a selection of scientific research conducted by physicians and students, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and the presentation of the latest innovations and solutions in the healthcare sector.
The first day includes specialised sessions such as "One Enzyme, Multiple Answers: TKTL1 in Cancer Detection," examining a blood-based test measuring the expression of the TKTL1 enzyme. This session highlights its potential to detect cancer-related metabolic changes, facilitate early detection, monitor treatment response, and assess the likelihood of disease recurrence. Another session, "Digital Arrhythmia Detection and AI-Enabled Screening in Primary Care," presents advances in digital electrocardiography and wearable technologies, exploring the role of artificial intelligence and continuous remote monitoring in early detection of cardiac arrhythmias.
Additionally, the conference features a session titled "Functional Medicine: Evidence-Based Approaches in Family Practice," which examines ways to integrate evidence-based functional medicine principles into primary care. The first day also includes a session by Dr. Matthew Tracey, 'Autism and ADHD', presenting the latest evidence-based approaches to early identification, assessment, and management of these conditions.
The International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition (IFM 2026) underscores the importance of advancing family medicine practices and strengthening the exchange of knowledge and expertise among professionals. Organised by IINDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Org., a member of INDEX Holding, the event supports scientific and medical advancement and strengthens Dubai's position as a leading global destination for innovation and knowledge in healthcare.