Dubai selected to host International Congress of Endocrinology in 2024

Dubai will host the 2024 edition of the International Congress of Endocrinology (ICE), with decision makers awarding the city the important event, thanks in part to the strong local and regional support behind the bid. The congress will take place 1-3 March at Dubai World Trade Centre and is expected to attract approximately 5,000 participants.

The congress is the flagship event of the International Society of Endocrinology (ISE), bringing together renowned endocrinologists, international faculty, acclaimed scientists, industry representatives and partner organisations from around the world.  With the 2020 and 2022 editions of the biennial event being held virtually, the 2024 Congress will be the first to take place physically since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, providing attendees with an opportunity to share knowledge and network in person. 

The bid for the congress was led by the Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Society (EDES); As a member organisation of Dubai’s Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, it worked closely with Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to create an impactful proposal and successfully attract what will be the first ever edition of ICE to take place within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The bid was also supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, the Emirates Medical Association, Gulf Group Study of Diabetes and the MENA IDF group.

In addition to the strong local and regional support behind the bid, ISE cited the excellent destination proposal and the long-standing and solid relations of the EDES with the ISE as key reasons for the awarding of the congress to Dubai in a unanimous decision by its board.


Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the International Congress of Endocrinology in 2024 and thank the International Society of Endocrinology for selecting Dubai and acknowledging the strength of the bid the city was able to put together, spearheaded by the Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Society. This important congress will provide a vital platform for experts and innovators from around the world, with delegates and participants set to enjoy the best-in-class facilities and services that Dubai offers.  

“By supporting local associations and organisations such as EDES, Dubai continues to attract important and impactful international events that can contribute to knowledge and economic growth in the city and further elevate key sectors and professions. Dubai Business Events, the city’s official convention bureau, continues to welcome opportunities to collaborate with local stakeholders to identify, bid for and host international congresses and conferences that align with key sectors of focus.”

Margaret Wierman, ISE President, said: “The Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Society is a valuable and loyal member of ISE with whom we have collaborated successfully in the past, including the launch of the ISE Endocrinology Practice event held virtually in 2021. We are excited to come back to the Middle East in person this time and unite the international community with a vision to shape The Future of Endocrinology together!”
 
Syed Abbas Raza, ISE President-Elect, said: “It is our greatest pleasure to be hosted by EDES for the 2024 International Congress of Endocrinology. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Fatheya AlAwadi the society has proven to be at the forefront of creating member value through innovative events and education programmes for the diabetes and endocrine community in the UAE. I personally believe the scientific programme and the congress overall will be memorable for all ICE delegates from around the world! I am looking forward to experience The Future of Endocrinology”.

Mouza Abdulla AlSharhan, President, Emirates Medical Association, said: “As the national association representing the medical community of the UAE, we are delighted and honoured that ISE has selected Dubai and the UAE for their next world congress. EDES is one of the most active societies and over the last decade has attracted the IDF congress to UAE twice and this new accolade is a testament to its commitment to developing and growing the science for our community here in the UAE and the region. We look forward to supporting this meeting and making it a resounding success for all.”

Dr Fatheya AlAwadi, President of the EDES and member of the ISE Executive Board, expounded on the growing relevance of endocrinology in the region and the need to bridge the sciences across the world: “Having hosted the first regional ISE online meeting last year, it was very evident that we as a community need to come together and bridge the science with our colleagues from around the world. Today UAE is considered a major centre for international meetings and bringing ISE to Dubai helps us become a centre of excellence in our region. On behalf of the board of EDES, we are proud to be the host of this prestigious international congress.”