Al-Ahli Hospital convened its Second Diabetes and Endocrinology Conference on October 19, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, attracting around 360 healthcare professionals from Qatar and abroad. The one-day event focused on recent advancements in diabetes management, endocrinology, obesity treatment, and metabolic health, under the theme “Informed Decisions, Impactful Outcomes.”
The conference featured 11 scientific presentations covering topics such as diabetes diagnosis and treatment, continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump technologies, obesity management strategies, and prevention of diabetes-related complications. The event aimed to foster scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuing medical education, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to enhancing patient care.
A significant point of discussion was emerging data indicating that roughly 30% of children in Qatar may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes linked to obesity. This finding underscored the need for early intervention and coordinated efforts among healthcare providers, families, and educational institutions to address childhood obesity and reduce its long-term health impacts.
In his opening remarks, Khalid Mohamed al-Emadi, CEO of Al-Ahli Hospital and Medicare Group, stressed the importance of advancing medical knowledge, preventive healthcare, and public awareness regarding key health challenges in the community. He highlighted the value of conferences in facilitating expertise exchange and strengthening partnerships within Qatar’s healthcare sector.
Deputy CEO and director of Projects, Engineer Jamal Hammad, emphasized that diabetes prevention demands combined efforts from healthcare professionals and families. He advocated for raising parental awareness about obesity-related risks, promoting physical activity, and encouraging balanced diets from an early age. The conference also addressed links between sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and rising obesity rates among children and adolescents.
Medical Director Dr. Abdulaziz Abdulwahab highlighted the role of such gatherings in bringing together experts from both public and private sectors to explore innovations in diabetes and obesity care. He discussed new medical therapies for obesity, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment plans that integrate lifestyle changes with medical interventions.
The conference’s scientific program highlighted recent progress in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including advancements in continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pump technologies, and pharmaceutical treatments. Presenters also examined diabetes-related complications affecting various organs and associated metabolic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance.
Dr. Mohamed Elrishi, head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Al-Ahli Hospital and conference chair, emphasized the necessity of equipping healthcare providers with updated clinical knowledge while encouraging patient empowerment for better disease management. He announced plans to launch a dedicated insulin pump clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital, further expanding specialized diabetes services for patients needing advanced insulin therapy.
The conference awarded participants eight accredited continuing medical education (CME) points, supporting ongoing professional development across the public and private healthcare sectors. A presentation by Dr. Turki al-Hababi, head of Obesity Medicine at Qatar Obesity Centre and director of the National Obesity Treatment Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation, highlighted efforts to strengthen collaboration between secondary care specialists and primary healthcare providers in obesity management.