Academy
Blood transfusion medicine & cellular therapy conference: A milestone event in Dubai
On February 13, 2026, the Blood Transfusion Medicine & Cellular Therapy Conference marked a significant milestone as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of WHX Labs Dubai. Held at the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centre, the event brought together over 400 attendees from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field of transfusion medicine and cellular therapy.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of renowned experts and thought leaders who shared their insights on cutting-edge advancements and challenges in the field. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from bone marrow transplants to the future of gene and cellular therapies, reflecting the rapid evolution of medical science in this domain.
Key Highlights of the Conference
1. Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy in the UAE Inas El Najjar, Director of Postgraduate and Undergraduate Training and Hematology Consultant at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, delivered an insightful presentation on the advancements in bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy within the UAE. Her session highlighted the country’s growing capabilities in this field, emphasizing the importance of local expertise and infrastructure in providing cutting-edge treatments to patients. 2. The Future of Cord Blood and Cellular Therapy Abba Zubair, a Consultant in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, explored the transformative potential of cord blood and cellular therapy. His session delved into the latest research and innovations, offering a glimpse into how these therapies could revolutionize the treatment of various diseases in the near future.
3. Gene Therapy in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Thalassemia (TDT)
Mohsen Al Zahrani, a Clinical Hematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) specialist from the National Guard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, discussed the promising advancements in gene therapy for SCD and TDT. His presentation underscored the potential of these therapies to provide curative solutions for patients suffering from these genetic blood disorders. 4. Red Cell Phenotyping and Antibody Identification Using Flow Cytometry Robert Liwski, Head of the Division of Hematopathology and Medical Director of the HLA Typing Laboratory at Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Canada, presented on the application of flow cytometry in red cell phenotyping and antibody identification. His session highlighted the critical role of advanced diagnostic techniques in improving transfusion safety and patient outcomes. 5. Patient Blood Management Rachel Moss, Chair of the Transfusion Practitioner Subgroup at the International Society of Blood Transfusion in London, UK, led a thought-provoking discussion on patient blood management. She emphasized the importance of optimizing blood use to improve patient care and reduce unnecessary transfusions, aligning with global best practices. 6. Donor Health and Management The conference concluded with an engaging session on donor health and management, co-led by Martin Smid from the International Society for Blood Transfusion and Reem Al Radwan, Director of Blood Transfusion Services at the Ministry of Health, Kuwait. The session focused on strategies to ensure the well-being of blood donors and the sustainability of blood donation programs.
Honoring Naima Oumeziane for her remarkable dedication and contributions as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
A big thank you to May Raouf, the scientific chair, for her exceptional leadership and dedication in organizing such a successful event
A Special Moment of Appreciation A heartfelt moment during the conference was the recognition of Dr. Naima Oumeziane, the scientific co-chair of the event, for her invaluable contributions to the field. As she retires, the attendees expressed their gratitude for her generosity and dedication, wishing her the very best in her future endeavors.
Additionally, special thanks were extended to Dr. May Raouf, the scientific chair of the conference, for her exceptional leadership and dedication in curating a program of such high caliber. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring the success of the event and fostering meaningful discussions among the attendees.
The Blood Transfusion Medicine & Cellular Therapy Conference was a resounding success, fostering collaboration and innovation among experts and practitioners in the GCC and beyond. As part of WHX Labs Dubai’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the event not only showcased the latest advancements in transfusion medicine and cellular therapy but also reinforced Dubai’s position as a hub for medical excellence and innovation.
