Brief
UAE experts urge broader early screening for chronic diseases
Over 600 officials and specialists at a Dubai conference recommended wider early screening and stronger primary‑care links.
By Felo News Desk · Published
More than 600 government officials, doctors, public‑health specialists, researchers and academics gathered at a three‑day conference on non‑communicable diseases in Dubai, concluding with recommendations to expand early screening for diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular, kidney, respiratory and mental‑health conditions.
What happened
The conference, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), brought together experts who discussed risk‑factor identification, coordination between primary care and specialist services, and the use of health data and artificial intelligence to flag at‑risk individuals.
What the reports add
According to Gulf News, Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP and conference president, stressed the need to turn health data into practical programmes. Dr Buthaina Bin Belaila, head of MoHAP’s Non‑Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Department, highlighted that data must be used to understand patterns, detect risks and guide action.
What was said
Dr Al Rand told Gulf News that primary healthcare plays a crucial role in reducing risk factors and managing chronic diseases. Dr Bin Belaila added that AI should be employed responsibly under clear governance and patient‑data protection rules.
How it came about
The conference follows earlier UAE health initiatives such as the free breast‑cancer‑screening Pink Caravan campaign launched in October and recent warnings about hidden heart disease in young adults, both covered by Felo News.
Key facts
- More than 600 specialists attended the Dubai NCD conference. (gulfnews.com)
- The conference recommended expanding early screening for chronic diseases across the UAE. (gulfnews.com)
- Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand called for better coordination of health data into programmes. (gulfnews.com)
- Dr Buthaina Bin Belaila urged responsible AI use with clear governance. (gulfnews.com)
Timeline
- 2026-09-30 — Free breast‑cancer‑screening Pink Caravan campaign launched.
- 2026-09-30 — UAE doctors warned about hidden heart disease in fit adults.
- 2026-10-02 — Dubai NCD conference concluded with screening recommendations.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE experts call for wider early screening for diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases”
