Abu Dhabi Hosts First Middle East Urology Conference

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Abu Dhabi has taken a historic step in healthcare by hosting the first-ever Middle East Urology Conference, a landmark event jointly organized by the International Continence Society (ICS) and the Emirates Urological Society (EUS). The four-day gathering marks a turning point for the region, shining a spotlight on continence care, advanced treatments, and the urgent need to address one of the most sensitive but common health challenges—urinary incontinence.

A New Beginning for Urology in the Middle East

The ICS-EUS Conference is not just a scientific meeting—it is being celebrated as a movement to break the silence around incontinence, reduce the stigma patients face, and create real-life solutions that improve quality of life. Experts from across the globe have flown in to Abu Dhabi to share their knowledge, research, and experience, making this event one of the most inclusive and impactful medical summits in the GCC.

Dr. John Heesakkers, General Secretary of ICS, captured the spirit of the event, saying, “ICS-EUS is more than a scientific meeting—it’s a chance to bring practical solutions to patients’ lives and open conversations about conditions people often feel too shy to discuss.”

Who Is Participating?

The conference brings together a wide variety of healthcare professionals. Urologists, gynecologists, geriatric doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, and other allied health specialists are all part of the event. What makes this unique is that the focus is not only on medical theory but also on hands-on learning. Delegates are attending interactive workshops, expert-led roundtables, and lectures, designed to give them tools they can immediately use in their practice.

For instance, young doctors and specialists will have the chance to test new techniques, discuss challenging patient cases, and learn directly from world leaders in the field of urology. This combination of learning, mentorship, and networking is expected to build stronger healthcare systems across the Gulf.

Exploring the Digital Future of Continence Care

One of the most exciting aspects of the conference is its focus on digital health. Delegates are exploring the role of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, mobile health monitoring tools, and personalized treatment plans. These technologies are transforming the way doctors can track, predict, and manage urinary problems, giving patients faster and more accurate treatment.

Dr. Yasser Saeedi, President of EUS, explained the importance of this innovation: “ICS-EUS 2025 offers a unique opportunity for clinicians to gain insights, exchange best practices, and connect with both regional and international peers.”

Four Workshops and Four Roundtables

EUS has designed a program that covers almost every major sub-specialty in urology. Delegates can take part in four hands-on workshops and four expert-led roundtables, which focus on:

• Andrology – covering male reproductive health and fertility issues.
• Urolithiasis – looking at kidney stones and ways to prevent and treat them.
• Uro-Oncology – focusing on cancers of the urinary system and new treatments.
• Urotechnology – showcasing the latest tools, devices, and innovations in urology.

These sessions allow doctors to practice new methods, discuss their doubts, and walk away with practical skills rather than just theories.

Why This Conference Matters in the UAE and GCC

Incontinence is often overlooked as a health condition, mainly because people feel embarrassed to talk about it. However, medical research shows it is far more common than many believe. Studies indicate that overweight women are 35% more likely to develop urinary incontinence, and in cases of obesity, the risk almost doubles.

This makes the issue especially important in the UAE, where almost 30% of adults are obese and more than 17% live with diabetes. Both conditions increase the burden of incontinence. By addressing these challenges openly, the conference is helping patients, families, and healthcare providers to better understand the scale of the issue and find long-term solutions.

Breaking the Stigma and Supporting Patients

A core goal of the conference is to reduce the shame and silence that patients often feel. Many people suffer quietly, avoiding conversations with doctors because they think incontinence is a “normal” part of aging or a private matter not to be shared. The ICS-EUS gathering is actively working to change this mindset by raising awareness, educating doctors, and showing patients that treatment is available.

As Dr. Heesakkers highlighted, creating open dialogue is just as important as creating new medicines or devices. When stigma is reduced, more people will come forward for help, and fewer will live with unnecessary suffering.

A Strong Step Forward for Regional Healthcare

The success of this event in Abu Dhabi highlights the UAE’s growing role as a hub for medical innovation, research, and patient-centered care. By hosting such a globally recognized conference, the Emirates are showing commitment not only to advanced healthcare but also to addressing real community challenges.

The conference also strengthens cooperation between international experts and GCC-based doctors, ensuring that the latest innovations are accessible to patients across the region, not just in Europe or North America.

Looking Ahead

As the four-day program continues, participants are expected to carry the knowledge gained back to their hospitals, clinics, and research centers. This means that thousands of patients across the Middle East could soon benefit from the breakthroughs, technologies, and awareness raised at this historic event.

For Abu Dhabi and the UAE, hosting the ICS-EUS conference is more than just a proud moment—it is a step toward building a healthier, more informed society where silent health struggles are finally given the attention they deserve.