Dubai, United Arab Emirates —
The Middle East Regional Conference on Gastroenterology & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (MERC 2026) concluded with outstanding success on January 23–24, 2026, at the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, establishing itself as the most successful and scientifically advanced gastroenterology conference held in the region in recent years.
The conference attracted over 1,700 physicians and healthcare professionals, reflecting unprecedented regional and international engagement and confirming MERC’s position as a premier scientific platform for gastroenterology, hepatology, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
MERC 2026 was held under the supervision of:
• Dr. Abdelhakim Elganyni, Gastroenterologist and Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Unit, Emirates Specialty Hospital – Dubai Healthcare City
• Dr. Piyush Somani, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Advanced Endoscopist, and Head of the Gastroenterology Department, Emirates Specialty Hospital – Dubai
The scientific program was distinguished by its exceptional faculty, bringing together a unique mix of senior UAE-based gastroenterologists, regional leaders, and internationally renowned experts. This blend ensured that the program was not only globally relevant but also highly aligned with regional clinical practice and healthcare priorities.
Emirates Specialty Hospital participated as a strategic partner, actively supporting the scientific agenda and reinforcing its commitment to advancing medical education, research, and clinical excellence in gastroenterology and IBD care across the Middle East.
A Cutting-Edge Scientific Program
MERC 2026 delivered a state-of-the-art scientific agenda, presenting the most up-to-date evidence, guidelines, and clinical innovations in gastroenterology and hepatology, including:
• Latest advances in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) management
• Innovations in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
• The evolving role of the gut microbiome and immunology
• Pediatric gastroenterology
• Obesity and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH)
• Emerging biologic therapies and pivotal clinical trials
• Gastrointestinal oncology and screening strategies
The program was further enriched by live endoscopy demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and multidisciplinary panel discussions, providing delegates with practical, real-world exposure to advanced techniques and complex case management.
Industry Partnership and Knowledge Exchange
The conference was supported by leading global pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, including:
Amgen, Johnson & Johnson, Sandoz, Lilly, AbbVie, and Pentax,
whose collaboration significantly enhanced the scientific depth of the program and facilitated meaningful knowledge exchange between clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders.
Key Outcomes
MERC 2026 successfully achieved and exceeded its objectives by:
• Strengthening regional and international collaboration
• Promoting evidence-based and guideline-driven clinical practice
• Advancing hands-on clinical and endoscopic expertise
• Supporting continuous medical education, innovation, and research in gastroenterology
The conference was organized by iConference, a leading UAE-based professional conference organizer specializing in high-impact medical and scientific events, dedicated to advancing education, collaboration, and innovation across the healthcare sector.
MERC 2026 has firmly established itself as a flagship gastroenterology conference in the Middle East, setting new standards for scientific excellence, clinical relevance, and international collaboration.