Primary care and longevity: 9th EFMS Congress opens in Abu Dhabi

Primary healthcare is undergoing a major global shift, moving beyond basic symptom management to serve as the frontline for preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and healthy longevity.

This evolution took centre stage on Thursday as the 9th Emirates Family Medicine Society (EFMS) Congress 2026 officially opened in Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage and in the presence of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the event has gathered approximately 1,200 physicians and healthcare professionals alongside leading medical experts from 30 countries.

Running from 8 to 10 October at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the three-day congress is organised by the Emirates Family Medicine Society, a member of the Emirates Medical Association. It provides a vital platform for international collaboration, scientific exchange, and professional development across primary healthcare.

Aligning primary care with theUAE's Year of the Family

As the first point of contact for patients, family physicians deliver continuous care across every stage of life. This foundational role carries particular weight in 2026, which has been designated as the UAE's Year of the Family. The national initiative highlights the leadership's dedication to strengthening social cohesion, care, stability, and family wellbeing to build a compassionate, resilient society.

In her opening address, Sheikha Dr. Noura Khalid Saqr Al Qasimi, President of the Emirates Medical Association, noted that the discipline is expanding into a cornerstone of early detection, preventive healthcare, and community health. The congress is designed to equip practitioners with the expertise, knowledge, and tools required to match rapid scientific advances while maintaining comprehensive, family- and patient-centred care.

"We are proud of the remarkable progress achieved by the Emirates Family Medicine Society over the years, establishing itself as an increasingly important professional platform for family physicians and healthcare professionals across the UAE and the region," she said.

"What began as a commitment to advancing family medicine has evolved into a vibrant professional community dedicated to education, collaboration and innovation to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. As healthcare continues to evolve through advances in medical science, technology, digital health, prevention and personalised care, we must ensure that patients and families remain at the heart of everything we do."

Merging family practice with longevity science

To address everyday clinical challenges and support healthier, more sustainable communities, the programme features scientific abstract presentations and interactive discussions alongside more than 30 lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and scientific sessions delivered by approximately 30 specialists, physicians, and expert speakers.

Dr. Wadeia Mohammed Sharief, President of the Emirates Family Medicine Society and Congress Chair, explained that the gathering connects local, regional, and international expertise, helping practitioners adopt best practices and explore clinical developments that elevate healthcare quality.

"This year's congress coincides with the UAE's Year of the Family and is being held under the theme 'Family and Longevity', reflecting our wise leadership's vision to advance healthcare excellence and strengthen the UAE's position as a global destination for medical innovation," she said.

"Our approach to family health must be comprehensive, extending from prevention and early intervention to treatment, recovery and the promotion of long-term wellbeing."

Dr. Sharief added: "We are witnessing a fundamental transformation in healthcare. Medicine is no longer focused solely on treating disease, but increasingly on preventing illness, enhancing the body's ability to recover, and maintaining health and vitality throughout life.

"The integration of family medicine with regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies and longevity science is opening new possibilities for prevention and treatment, helping improve quality of life and extend the number of years people live in good health."

Key clinical topics and programme highlights

The scientific agenda covers a diverse spectrum of medical topics and healthcare advancements:

• Cardiometabolic and Chronic Conditions: Cardiovascular disease and risk assessment, diabetes, obesity, metabolic health, hypertension, and respiratory, kidney, and liver diseases, alongside a dedicated workshop on primary healthcare's contribution to cardiometabolic health.
• Neurological and Mental Health: Brain health, early detection of Alzheimer's disease, mental health, and personality disorders.
• Specialised Clinical Practice: Paediatric emergencies, dermatology, musculoskeletal conditions, allergies, hormone replacement therapy, and preoperative assessment for non-cardiac surgery.
• Healthcare Systems and Longevity: Evidence-based clinical practice, healthcare economics and management, lifestyle medicine for adding years to life and life to years, and a headline session titled "Unified Leadership, Stronger Communities: The Future of Family Medicine in the UAE".

Fostering inclusion and recognising excellence

The opening ceremony also delivered practical progress for inclusive healthcare, as H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Sultan Al Nahyan witnessed an agreement signed between Special Olympics UAE and the Emirates Family Medicine Society to provide medical support for People of Determination.

Additionally, distinguished healthcare professionals and physicians were honoured with awards across six categories:

• Academic and Educational Excellence

• Best Scientific Research

• Clinical Excellence

• Community Engagement

• Leadership and Recognition

• Digital Health Excellence

Alongside researchers, specialists, and senior healthcare executives from the UAE and abroad, the ceremony was attended by H.E. Talal Al Hashmi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE; Prof. Dr. Suleiman Mohammed Al Hammadi, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences; Dr. Sheikh Al Siddiq Badr; Dr. Maher Al Homsi, Adviser to the Secretary-General of the Arab Board of Health Specializations; Dr. Mohammed Al Azmi, President of the Gulf Association of Family Medicine; and Prof. Faisal Al Nasser, President of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) Eastern Mediterranean Region.