The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar recently organized the Third Qatar Diabetes and Obesity Research Symposium in collaboration with the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The event, held at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, was combined with the eighth annual Qatar Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Conference (QDEM-8) to provide a comprehensive experience for participants. With a focus on Type 1 Diabetes, Obesity, and New Discoveries, the Symposium aimed to advance research in screening, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these metabolic conditions in Qatar. This year’s Symposium featured contributions from young researchers in Qatar and attracted over 500 in-person attendees, with an additional 500 engaging online.
During his opening address, Dr. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs at MoPH, highlighted the global threats posed by diabetes and obesity, stressing the impact on individuals’ health and the healthcare system in Qatar. Prof Shahrad Taheri, Chair of the Research Sub-Committee of the National Diabetes Committee, praised Qatar’s research efforts in addressing these challenges and emphasized the importance of collaborations. Prof Abdul Badi Abou-Samra, Co-Chair of the National Diabetes Committee and Director of QMI, highlighted the Symposium’s alignment with the National Diabetes Strategy to improve public health outcomes in Qatar.
The Symposium focused on the role of research in tackling diabetes and obesity challenges, with a particular emphasis on understanding the underlying causes and developing prevention and management strategies. Prof Abou-Samra noted that diabetes and obesity are linked to serious health complications and highlighted the importance of Qatar’s research efforts in addressing these conditions. Dr. Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Clinical Director at the National Diabetes Centre, HMC, emphasized the Symposium’s contribution to the annual Qatar Diabetes and Endocrinology and Metabolic conference, bringing together researchers and clinicians to improve patient care outcomes.
Overall, the Third Qatar Diabetes and Obesity Research Symposium served as a platform for researchers and healthcare professionals in Qatar to share groundbreaking insights, research findings, and collaborate on addressing the challenges posed by diabetes and obesity. The event showcased the dedication of Qatar’s healthcare and academic institutions to advancing research in these metabolic conditions and highlighted the importance of local research efforts in improving public health outcomes. By fostering collaborations and discussions with leading local and international experts, the Symposium played a vital role in advancing research and knowledge in diabetes and obesity in Qatar.
