Abu Dhabi, UAE – August 2026 – SEHA CLINICS, part of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, shared key clinical insights on the importance of prevention, early intervention and healthy habits following presentations at the SEHA CLINICS Annual Research and Education Conference 2026 AREC26, which brought together more than 4,000 healthcare professionals to exchange the latest evidence and best practices in patient care.
The fully virtual conference connected regional and global healthcare professionals, researchers, and experts, creating a platform for multidisciplinary learning and knowledge exchange. Featuring 30 expert speakers and 21 research abstracts, the conference hosted by SEHA CLINICS covered a range of healthcare priorities, including child health, chronic disease prevention, lifestyle medicine, digital innovation, and patient-centred care.
The discussions reinforced the value of early intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration. Among the key themes explored was children’s health, with experts discussing childhood obesity, anaemia, dyslipidaemia, recurrent abdominal conditions, and the early identification of chronic health concerns.
Dr. Salama Al Hosani, Acting Chief Medical Officer at SEHA CLINICS, said: “Many of the health challenges we see in adulthood begin much earlier in life. The conversations at AREC once again highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors early, supporting healthy behaviours from childhood, and ensuring families have access to trusted healthcare services within their communities. Childhood obesity, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic health conditions are becoming increasingly important public health priorities worldwide. Through regular screening and continuous family-centred care, we can help children achieve healthier outcomes throughout their lives.”
At AREC26, experts discussed a number of challenges affecting children’s health, including childhood obesity, anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, dyslipidaemia, recurrent abdominal conditions, and the early recognition of chronic diseases. Across these discussions, a consistent message emerged: timely screening, early intervention, and strong partnerships between healthcare providers, schools, and families are essential to improving long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Latifa Mohammed Al Ketbi, Chair of Academic Affairs at SEHA CLINICS, added: “The UAE population has unique risk factors for developing chronic diseases, and the conference included important updates from local research conducted in Abu Dhabi. The research identified the prevalence and determinants of a number of chronic diseases. Participating researchers presented findings showing a high prevalence of dyslipidaemia among younger people, as well as important determinants of kidney health, diabetes, hypertension, and vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies. These identified risk factors provide an opportunity for prevention and early management. AREC26 gave healthcare professionals the opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss the latest evidence so we can continue improving prevention, patient care, and ultimately the health of our communities.”
The insights shared at AREC26 reinforce the important role of community healthcare in identifying health concerns early and supporting families before conditions become more serious. Across Abu Dhabi, SEHA CLINICS delivers this approach through its network of healthcare centres, school health services, preventive screening programmes, and specialised paediatric care.
About SEHA CLINICS:
SEHA CLINICS is Abu Dhabi’s largest primary care network, operating under SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East.
With 37 multi-specialty healthcare centres, 2 dental specialty centres, 20 Visa Screening centres, school health services (SHS) at 250 public schools, and 5 mobile clinic solutions across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra Regions, SEHA CLINICS provides comprehensive care, including family medicine, specialised services, screening, and diagnostics. Serving over 3.5 million people annually, it plays a vital role in delivering accessible, high-quality care to communities across the emirate.
