Thursday 12 / November / 2026
Muscat: The 18th edition of the Gulf Heart Association Conference began today at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is hosted by Oman Heart Association from 12 to 14 November, with the participation of 700 to 800 physicians, consultants, experts and specialists in cardiovascular diseases and surgery.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health. It was attended by a number of officials and participants from the Sultanate of Oman, the HCC states and several Arab countries, along with experts and speakers from Europe, the United States and Japan, both in person and via videoconference.
Dr. Kadhim Jaafar, Chairman of Oman Heart Association, said the conference aims to strengthen scientific and professional cooperation and exchange medical expertise at the Gulf and international levels. It also seeks to discuss the latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, review clinical trials and complex and rare medical cases, and benefit from evidence-based therapeutic practices.
He added that the scientific programme includes specialized sessions, lectures and workshops addressing a number of topics. These include heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac catheterization, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease and congenital defects. They also cover the relationship between cardiovascular diseases and kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, as well as cardiotoxicity associated with cancer treatments.
He noted that hosting the conference reflects Oman Heart Association's role in training, qualifying and developing health personnel working in cardiac patient care. It also supports continuing medical education and strengthens scientific and professional cooperation locally and internationally.
The conference includes an accompanying health exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and developments in cardiac surgery. This contributes to the exchange of knowledge and expertise, the development of health competencies and the improvement of services provided to cardiac patients.
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Heart Association, has hosted the Gulf Heart Association Conference three times previously. This year's hosting of the 18th edition is the fourth in the conference's history.
