GCC Rheumatology Conference 2026 Opens In Jeddah With International Experts

The GCC Rheumatology Conference 2026 has opened in Jeddah at the Hilton Jeddah Hotel, under the patronage of Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Makkah Region Governor Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz. The event focuses on rheumatic diseases and gathers specialists from Saudi Arabia, GCC states, and other countries.

More than 120 speakers and session chairs are taking part over four days, including experts from the Kingdom and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. International participation includes specialists from Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, France, and Türkiye, highlighting broad scientific engagement on rheumatic diseases.

Conference Chairperson and Saudi Society for Rheumatology President Dr. Hanan Al-Rayes stated that the GCC Rheumatology Conference 2026 is a key scientific forum for rheumatic diseases. Al-Rayes explained that discussions address new methods in diagnosis and treatment, while also supporting cooperation between regional and international centres concerned with these chronic conditions.

Al-Rayes indicated that the GCC Rheumatology Conference 2026 attracts a strong group of local and GCC speakers, alongside experts from several foreign countries. This diversity in rheumatic diseases expertise supports scientific integration, helps exchange clinical experience, and strengthens the Kingdom’s status as a centre for specialised medical gatherings.

The organisers designed the GCC Rheumatology Conference 2026 around two parallel scientific events focused on rheumatic diseases, one for adult rheumatology and another for paediatric rheumatology. This structure supports sub-specialisation, allowing more targeted sessions and encouraging better health services for both adult and child patients living with rheumatic conditions.

The GCC Rheumatology Conference 2026 programme on rheumatic diseases includes more than 150 scientific papers and research posters, along with accredited workshops that provide continuing medical education hours. Activities also target young researchers through a Saudi Society for Rheumatology initiative supporting scientific research, which is now entering its sixth consecutive year.

The broad participation in the GCC Rheumatology Conference 2026, the focus on rheumatic diseases, and the link with Saudi Vision 2030 goals underline the Kingdom’s growing role in specialised healthcare knowledge. The conference supports improved clinical practice, encourages research, and contributes to ongoing development of rheumatology services within Saudi Arabia and across the GCC region.

With inputs from SPA