Dubai to host International Society of Hypertension Scientific meeting for first time in MENA region

Dubai will host the 31st International Society of Hypertension Scientific Meeting, held jointly with the 17th Emirates Cardiac Society Annual Conference (ISH-ECS 2026), from 22–25 October 2026 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. This marks the first time the international meeting has been held in the Middle East and North Africa, representing a significant milestone for the UAE and the region’s medical community.

The Emirates Cardiac Society (ECS), in collaboration with Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) , secured this historic opportunity through a successful joint bid managed by ICOM Event Management. Dubai was selected to host the meeting following a competitive process overseen by the International Society of Hypertension Council. This achievement highlights the partners’ collective efforts to strengthen international collaboration and bring global medical expertise to the region.

 ECS’s leadership includes Dr Juwairia Alalai, President of the Emirates Cardiac Society and Conference Co-Chair, and Prof Abdullah Shehab, Conference Chair and ECS Vice-President, UAE. Together with fellow board members Dr Wael Almahmeed, Dr Nadya Almatrooshi and Dr Safa Almohdar, they represent the society’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine, supporting professional education and strengthening the UAE’s engagement with the international medical community.

Hosting this meeting alongside ECS’s 17th Annual Conference reflects the society’s continued efforts to connect regional healthcare professionals with international scientific networks. It also creates an opportunity to bring the region’s clinical experience, research and healthcare priorities into global discussions on hypertension and cardiovascular care.

Over four days, ISH-ECS 2026 will bring together hypertension specialists, cardiologists, researchers and healthcare professionals for scientific exchange, education and collaboration. The programme will address developments in hypertension research, clinical guidelines, preventive cardiology and integrated cardiovascular care through expert-led sessions, scientific presentations and clinical discussions.

The conference will feature 290 scientific research submissions from more than 70 countries worldwide, including and not limited Pakistan, India, Brazil, the United States, Egypt, Jordan and Kenya etc, It will also bring together 160 speakers from outside the UAE and the Gulf region, alongside 140 UAE-based speakers, reflecting the breadth of international participation and the strong contribution of UAE expertise.

The scientific programme includes more than 380 lectures and five specialised workshops, exploring the latest scientific developments and practical applications in hypertension and cardiovascular medicine.

Dr Juwairia Alalai, President of the Emirates Cardiac Society and Conference Co-Chair, said: “Hosting this global meeting for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa marks an important milestone for the Emirates Cardiac Society and reflects our collaboration with local and international partners. We aspire to extend the conference’s impact beyond its duration by building lasting scientific partnerships, supporting medical research and education, and translating shared knowledge into practical steps that enhance cardiovascular health in the UAE and the wider region.”

Prof Abdullah Shehab, Conference Chair and ECS Vice-President, UAE, emphasised: “The conference brings together global expertise and regional experience to discuss the latest scientific evidence on diagnosing and treating hypertension as well as preventing its complications. We have been keen to deliver a scientific program that bridges research with clinical practice, offering physicians from various specialties a platform to address daily challenges and support the delivery of integrated care tailored to patient needs and the reality of health systems in the region."

Dr Nadya Almatrooshi, Board Member of the Emirates Cardiac Society, added: “Investing in the next generation of cardiologists and researchers is a key priority for the Society. The conference offers young healthcare professionals and researchers the opportunity to present their research, engage directly with experts, and develop their skills through scientific sessions and workshops. Through this participation, we aim to strengthen the presence of Emirati and regional talent within the international scientific community and encourage research collaboration that addresses the health needs of our communities.”

The conference has been accredited by the European Board for Accreditation of Continuing Education for Health Professionals (EBAC), offering participants 23 hours of continuing medical education (CME).

A dedicated focus on young, early-career and mid-career professionals will provide opportunities for scientific participation, professional development and awards, helping to support the next generation of clinicians and researchers.

For ECS, bringing this international congress to the region for the first time represents an important achievement and an opportunity to build lasting scientific partnerships. The meeting reinforces the society’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular knowledge and supporting better care across the UAE and the wider region.