The Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at the American University in Dubai, in partnership with Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and the Mayo Clinic Florida PKD Center of Excellence, convened a PKD Expert Forum held virtually.
The forum brought together leading nephrology experts from across the UAE and international collaborators, as well as clinicians from leading government and private healthcare institutions, to advance research and improve the management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) through an ongoing AUD–Mayo Clinic partnership supported by M42, Abu Dhabi Biobank, and Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
It opened with remarks by Dr. Kyle Long, President of AUD, who underscored the University’s commitment to advancing healthcare research and strengthening academic-clinical collaboration in support of national healthcare priorities.
Dr. Muriel Tahtouh Zaatar, Chair of the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at AUD, said:
“ADPKD continues to present significant clinical and diagnostic challenges, particularly in terms of early detection and long-term disease management. This forum brought together leading local and international expertise to exchange evidence-based insights and strengthen collaborative approaches that can directly improve patient outcomes.”
Dr. Fouad T. Chebib, Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and Director of the Mayo Clinic Florida PKD Center of Excellence, added: “Collaborative forums such as this are essential to advancing the understanding and management of ADPKD. Bringing together international and regional expertise allows us to share knowledge, compare clinical approaches, and strengthen efforts to improve earlier diagnosis, optimise care pathways, and ultimately enhance outcomes for patients.”
The program was structured around two focused expert discussions; the first session, moderated by Dr. Mona Alrukhaimi, President of the Emirates Medical Association – Nephrology and Transplantation Society, examined current clinical practice and the patient journey in the UAE, highlighting approaches to diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment, as well as variations in care across healthcare settings.
The second session, moderated by Dr. Mohamad Al Seiari, Chief Medical Officer at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, focused on key challenges and opportunities to improve ADPKD care, including early detection, access to specialised services, integration of real-world data, and alignment with international guidance such as KDIGO.
A key outcome of the forum was the exchange of practical, cross-institutional insights that contributed to a clearer understanding of ADPKD management in the UAE. Experts also highlighted the importance of strengthening access to data to better characterise disease burden, treatment patterns, and patient outcomes, as well as the need to develop clearer pathways for screening and improved patient classification.
The forum marked an important step in advancing collaborative research in ADPKD, with insights expected to inform ongoing work that integrates local clinical expertise with international research. Discussions also explored the potential for a UAE-aligned approach to ADPKD management, building on existing evidence and evolving global guidance.
ADPKD is one of the most common inherited kidney disorders and a leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, where early identification and appropriate management remain critical to slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes.
This initiative reflects AUD’s continued commitment to supporting healthcare research and collaboration, and contributing to the UAE’s broader efforts to advance patient-centred, data-driven care.
