Dubai: The 5th edition of the Middle Eastern Alliance for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Congress (MEAPEN 2026) officially opened in Dubai, UAE. The event brings together regional and international healthcare leaders, researchers, clinicians, academics, and industry experts to advance clinical nutrition, multidisciplinary healthcare practices, and patient-centered care.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening ceremony was graced by Sheikha Shamsa bint Hasher Al Maktoum, Member of the UAE Volleyball Association, who underscored the critical role of clinical nutrition in modern healthcare. She highlighted Dubai and the UAE's reputation as hubs for scientific exchange, healthcare innovation, and international medical collaboration. The congress, held at the Intercontinental Hotel Festival City, Dubai, is welcoming over 500 healthcare professionals and participants from more than 15 countries, with over 70 speakers contributing to 17 scientific sessions.
The congress, organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions in collaboration with the Emirates Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society (UAESPEN) under the Emirates Medical Association, is supported by Dubai Business Events as the Official Destination Partner. It underscores Dubai's emerging role as a center for healthcare education, scientific exchange, medical innovation, and international collaboration.
The opening ceremony featured presentations from healthcare leaders, representatives from medical organizations, and delegates from the healthcare sector. Discussions focused on nutrition as a central pillar of patient-centered healthcare and emphasized the significance of multidisciplinary approaches to improve health outcomes.
Dr. Wafaa Helmi Ayesh, President of MEAPEN Congress, stressed the congress's theme, "Advancing Clinical Nutrition: Bridging Science, Technology, and Patient-Centered Care," reflecting the transformation in clinical nutrition. The comprehensive scientific program combines evidence-based science with clinical applications, featuring experts from around the world. Dr. Ayesh highlighted partnerships with organizations like the Emirates Medical Association, ASPEN, and ESPEN to promote clinical nutrition in modern healthcare.
The scientific program on the opening day included keynote lectures, panel discussions, and specialized sessions on advancements in clinical nutrition and multidisciplinary healthcare. Discussions explored developments in enteral and parenteral nutrition, ICU nutrition, paediatric and neonatal nutrition, oncology nutrition, and more.
The congress also addressed the integration of artificial intelligence, digital health technologies, and technology-driven nutrition assessment tools in clinical decision-making. Experts discussed evolving nutrition guidelines, innovations in complex medical conditions, and collaborative care models to improve recovery and support long-term health outcomes.
MEAPEN 2026 provides a platform for emerging research in clinical nutrition, featuring over 50 poster presentations showcasing studies, case reports, and scientific developments. The congress attracts a diverse array of participants from various medical fields, offering 28 CME Credits accredited by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
The congress is supported by leading organizations, including the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) and several regional nutrition societies. Partners and exhibitors such as Nestl© Health Science, Eli Lilly, Abbott, Fresenius Kabi, Dutch Medical Food, and Nutricia further enhance the event's collaborative scientific platform.