Dubai to host Thoracic Association conference

The fourth International Conference and Exhibition of the Arab Thoracic Association will be held here from November 4-7.
Dubai's Department of Health and Medical Services Director General, Ahmad Atiq Al Jumeiri, said the four-day conference is the first of its kind to be organised in the UAE. The conference has been held twice in Jordan and once in Egypt.
Dr Mirza Al Sayegh, Consultant of Internal and thoracic diseases in DOHMS and Chairman of the conference, said it will focus on common diseases such as bronchial asthma, which with an incidence of 13 per cent is much higher than the world average.
Al Sayegh warned that bronchial asthma could become even more widespread in the UAE thanks to changes in the living environment such as glass buildings, central air-conditioning, carpets, pets in homes and the use of bokhour (perfume with incense). Among other diseases which will be discussed will be different kinds of pneumonitis, cancer, gastric ulcer and tuberculosis, which is spreading among expatriates faster than among UAE nationals.
Al Sayegh said that more than 150 research papers for the conference had been received but only 92 had been approved. Around 40 experts from Arab and other countries will give lectures at the conference which is expected to be attended by over 300 delegates.
A medical seminar will be held alongside the conference on November 4. Al Sayegh said it will focus on general subjects related to thoracic diseases and surgery. There will also be a photo exhibition for children aged between eight and 16 years highlighting the connection between chest diseases and smoking.