The 5th Abu Dhabi Brain Conference was successfully held from September 12th to 14th, 2025, at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, offering a comprehensive three-day exploration of the latest advancements and integrative approaches in clinical neuroscience. Endorsed by the UAE University, this premier event gathered neurologists, neurosurgeons, and allied professionals to address the full spectrum of neurological disorders through a blend of foundational workshops, specialized scientific sessions, and forward-looking discussions.
The conference commenced on Day One with dedicated pre-conference workshops, providing essential hands-on skills. Workshop 1, moderated by Dr. Mahfoud Elbashari, focused on the critical role of EEG in the Diagnosis of Epilepsy, guiding participants through pattern recognition and syndrome classification. This was followed by Workshop 2 on Epilepsy Semiology, led by Prof. Naji Riachi, which emphasized the art of correlating clinical seizure manifestations with underlying brain localization.
Day Two opened with a keynote address by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s Global Leadership in Pioneering Neurotechnology and Ethical Innovation. The scientific program featured deep dives into Demyelinating Diseases, with expert talks on cognitive decline, bladder dysfunction, and comorbidities in Multiple Sclerosis from specialists including Dr. Haythum Tayeb. The Headache session offered cutting-edge perspectives, featuring discussions on pediatric migraine from Dr. Deeb Kayed and the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension by Prof. Peter McAllister. The afternoon's Dementia session, moderated by Dr. Josef Alawneh, shifted focus to diagnostic precision and treatment goals, with insights on biomarkers from Dr. Hans Frykman and reversible causes from Dr. Roa Khallaf. The day concluded with a practical workshop on the Management of Spinal Pain Syndromes, bridging neurology and neurosurgical decision-making.
Day Three covered pivotal topics in Movement Disorders, including innovative discussions on Stiff Person Spectrum Disorders and Functional Movement Disorders by Prof. Shilpa Chitnis. The Neuromuscular session provided crucial updates, featuring the latest on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) from Dr. Abdulla Al Salti and highlights from the AAN 2025 conference. The conference concluded with a robust Epilepsy session, addressing modern therapeutic landscapes with an overview of new anti- seizure medications and the unique challenges of managing seizures in hot climates.
By integrating detailed workshops with high-level scientific sessions across neurology's major subspecialties, the 5th Abu Dhabi Brain Conference provided an invaluable platform for education and collaboration. It successfully underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary, technology-informed approach to advancing patient care and solidifying the UAE's role as a hub for neurological excellence.
