The 5th Emirates International Annual Conference and Arab Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging was held from April 19th to 20th, 2025, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai, UAE. This pivotal gathering, led by Conference Chair Prof. Dr. Batool Albalooshi, united regional and international experts to chart the course of theranostics and advanced imaging, solidifying the UAE's role as a hub for nuclear medicine innovation.
Day One commenced with a prestigious opening ceremony featuring welcome addresses from global society presidents, including Prof. Dr. Diana Paez of the IAEA. The scientific program dove into the future with Session 1, where Prof. Habib Zaidi explored the wonders of AI-powered molecular imaging. The transformative potential of theranostics was immediately highlighted through discussions on advanced neuroendocrine tumor therapy with 177Lu/225Ac-DOTATATE by Dr. Majid Assadi. The focus then shifted to urologic oncology in Session 2, with Prof. Dr. Med. Hojjat Ahmadzadehfar providing a comprehensive overview of the past, present, and future of Lu-PSMA therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), while Dr. Yehia Omar addressed its practical challenges. The afternoon sessions covered critical applications in cardiology, with expert insights on imaging cardiac amyloidosis, and essential operational topics like radiation emergency preparedness and regulatory frameworks from FANR.
Day Two was dedicated to deep dives into specific theranostic pathways. The morning’s Session 6 on Thyroid Cancer provided a masterclass in building a successful program from Dr. Diana Paez, followed by cutting-edge discussions on surgery, radioiodine complications, and novel molecular targets led by experts like Prof. Dr. Michael C. Kreissl. Session 7 returned to prostate cancer with forward-looking perspectives, debating the future of radioligand therapy over the next decade with Prof. Sze Ting Lee and comparing next-generation radionuclides like Lu-177 vs. Tb-161 with Dipl.Ing.Chem. Stephan Maus. The final sessions broadened the scope to Liver Cancer, featuring interventional radiology collaborations and regional experiences with Y-90 radioembolization, and concluded with Advances in Imaging, highlighting the role of PET-CT in personalized medicine and the expanding utility of PSMA imaging beyond prostate cancer.
By seamlessly integrating foundational physics and regulation with groundbreaking clinical theranostics, the conference provided an unparalleled platform for education and collaboration. It powerfully underscored the Arab Society of Nuclear Medicine's mission to advance precision oncology and personalized patient care, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine.
