The inaugural Dubai Anesthesia Conference and Exhibition (DACE 2026) officially opened today in Dubai, drawing together more than 350 healthcare professionals from 14 countries. The two-day event, which concludes on September 6, features insights from over 35 regional and international speakers and showcases contributions from more than 20 participating companies. Organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Org., a subsidiary of INDEX Holding, the event is supported by the Pan Arab Federation of Societies of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Management (PAFSA).
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Ambassador Professor Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of INDEX Holding and Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region; Dr. Mansour Nadhari, Chairman of DACE; and Dr. Abdelkarim AlOweidi Al-Abbadi, President of PAFSA. The gathering reinforces Dubai's status as an important regional hub for advanced medical education and collaborative scientific exchange.
Throughout the event, attendees will explore innovations in anaesthetic practices, regional anaesthesia, perioperative care, patient safety, and chronic pain management. The scientific schedule is highly detailed, encompassing 10 distinct scientific sessions, two workshops, and 16 poster presentations. The event has been accredited by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for up to 27.5 Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours across its main programme and workshops.
On the first day, the conference focused on critical topics such as precision anaesthesia, maternal emergencies, pain science, and enhanced recovery protocols. Discussions addressed nutritional management for critically ill surgical patients, updates to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in cardiac procedures, and the neurobiology and pharmacological treatment of pain. Experts also reviewed maternal emergencies, including obstetric shock and postpartum haemorrhage blood management. Additionally, Day One featured a Difficult Airway Management Workshop, providing hands-on instruction in paediatric and adult oxygenation and intubation.
Dr. Mansour Nadhari, Chairman of DACE, emphasized that the conference unites interconnected disciplines that dictate a patient's surgical experience. He noted that the forum allows specialists to leverage cross-disciplinary advancements to improve clinical decision-making, patient safety, and overall treatment outcomes.
On the second day, the conference will shift focus to cardiac risk assessment, paediatric and regional anaesthesia, and neuropathic pain management. Key presentations will look at myocardial injury following non-cardiac surgeries, non-invasive cardiac output monitoring, gastric ultrasound, and the potential links between anaesthetic methods and cancer recurrence. A dedicated hands-on workshop on ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia will also take place, covering nerve blocks and catheter techniques.
