Dubai, UAE, October 2026: H.H. Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences organised a specialised training workshop entitled “Nutritional Management of Phenylketonuria (PKU)” at its headquarters in Dubai, bringing together healthcare professionals to strengthen scientific knowledge and practical skills in the nutritional management of inherited metabolic disorders.
The workshop was accredited by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for three Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, reinforcing its role in supporting ongoing professional education and enhancing the competencies of healthcare practitioners.
The three-and-a-half-hour workshop was delivered by Dr. Hanadi Algabeesh, Senior Clinical Dietitian at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and covered a range of scientific and practical topics related to phenylketonuria, an inherited metabolic disorder characterised by the body’s inability to properly metabolise phenylalanine. Without appropriate management, elevated phenylalanine levels in the blood can lead to serious neurological and health complications.
The workshop reviewed the fundamental principles of nutritional management for PKU, including the development of appropriate dietary plans and meal planning for different age groups.
The programme also addressed the specific nutritional considerations for children, adolescents and women during pregnancy, as well as recent developments in available treatment options. It included practical case studies and interactive exercises on meal planning, food-label reading and estimating daily nutritional requirements, helping healthcare professionals strengthen their ability to provide appropriate nutritional care for patients.
Dr. Salama Al Muhairi, Director of the Medical Excellence Department at Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, said that the workshop forms part of the Foundation’s medical initiatives aimed at supporting the continued development of the healthcare sector and enhancing the capabilities of medical and allied health professionals by providing opportunities for continuing professional education and the exchange of specialised knowledge and expertise.
Dr. Al Muhairi said: “This workshop reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the continuing professional development of healthcare professionals and promoting the exchange of specialised knowledge and expertise in clinical care and medical nutrition therapy. Such specialised learning opportunities contribute to strengthening professional practice and enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.”
The workshop concluded with an interactive session addressing key practical challenges encountered by healthcare professionals in managing PKU cases, while also examining effective strategies for nutrition education and support for patients and their families. The session further highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in ensuring continuity of care and achieving optimal health outcomes.
The workshop forms part of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences’ broader efforts to advance excellence in the healthcare sector through scientific and professional initiatives that support knowledge exchange, strengthen professional capabilities and contribute to improving the quality of medical practice and healthcare.
