Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The 5th Middle Eastern Alliance for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Congress (MEAPEN 2026) commenced on June 4 in Dubai, uniting leaders and experts from the healthcare sector to explore the future of clinical nutrition and patient-oriented approaches.
Spanning two days on June 4 and 5 at the InterContinental Hotel Festival City Dubai, the congress has drawn over 500 healthcare professionals from more than 15 countries. Attendees can engage with more than 70 speakers across 17 scientific discussions, all centered on evidence-based practices in clinical nutrition and innovation in healthcare.
During the inauguration, Sheikha Shamsa bint Hasher Al Maktoum, a representative of the UAE Volleyball Association, remarked on the crucial role of clinical nutrition in healthcare today. She highlighted Dubai and the UAE’s prominence as international hubs for medical advancements and cooperation. Following the opening ceremony, she toured the exhibition area and engaged with representatives from participating organizations.
Organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, in collaboration with the Emirates Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society (UAESPEN) and supported by the Emirates Medical Association, the congress receives backing from Dubai Business Events as the Official Destination Partner.
Prominent figures from healthcare organizations, science committees, and various partners attended the opening ceremony, which fostered dialogues around the significance of nutrition in patient care and the necessity for collaborative healthcare practices to enhance outcomes.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Wafaa Helmi Ayesh, who leads the MEAPEN Congress and the Emirates PEN Society, articulated this year’s theme, “Advancing Clinical Nutrition: Bridging Science, Technology, and Patient-Centered Care,” emphasizing the rapid evolution within the field of clinical nutrition globally.
She expressed that nutrition therapy has become essential for enhancing patient recovery, quality of life, and building sustainable health systems. The congress showcases a comprehensive program that merges leading-edge research with practical applications from global experts.
The first day was packed with keynote speeches, panel discussions, and scientific presentations covering a wide spectrum of clinical nutrition topics.
Among the discussions were advancements in enteral and parenteral nutrition, critical care nutrition, oncology nutrition, and personalized dietary approaches. A significant emphasis was placed on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies that enhance clinical decisions and patient care.
Speakers also addressed updated nutrition guidelines and collaborative healthcare frameworks aimed at improving health outcomes and recovery.
Throughout the congress, the emphasis was on the vital role of nutrition in disease management, recovery, and long-term healthcare strategies, alongside the necessity of cooperative efforts among various healthcare professionals.
This congress also serves as a stage for new research, featuring over 50 poster presentations that encapsulate various studies and developments in nutrition science and healthcare.
Participants encompass clinical dietitians, physicians, researchers, and healthcare policymakers from the Middle East and beyond.
Attendees can earn up to 28 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits accredited by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), supporting their continued professional development.
MEAPEN 2026 boasts support from key organizations and partners, including the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), the Indian Association for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition, and several leading industry names like Nestlé Health Science and Eli Lilly.
With a strong international presence and a commitment to innovation and collaboration, MEAPEN 2026 is poised to reinforce its status as a premier event in the field of clinical nutrition in the Middle East.
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