MENA Microbiome 2026

From Biomarkers Discovery to Microbiota-based Therapeutics
17–18 October 2026 | Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), Auditorium 3 | Doha, Qatar

Overview

Sidra Medicine proudly hosts the second edition of the MENA Microbiome Conference in October 2026, building on the remarkable success of the inaugural 2024 event.

Under the theme “From Biomarkers Discovery to Microbiota-based Therapeutics,” MENA Microbiome 2026 brings together world-leading scientists, clinicians, and innovators to translate microbiome research into clinical applications relevant to the Middle East and North Africa region.

As microbiome science rapidly evolves, this edition focuses on emerging host–microbiome interactions, early-life programming, women’s health, and cutting-edge therapeutic strategies. The conference aims to accelerate translational research and foster strategic collaborations tailored to the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle characteristics unique to MENA populations.

MENA Microbiome 2026 continues Sidra Medicine’s commitment to advancing precision medicine and positioning Qatar as a regional hub for microbiome innovation.

Scientific Tracks

The 2026 edition will focus on four major tracks:

Microbiome in Women’s Health
The Foundational Role of Microbiome in the First 1000 Days of Life
Gut–Organ Axis Discoveries and Systems Biology Approaches
Innovative Host–Microbiome Therapeutic Strategies

Conference Objectives

Identify the role of the microbiome in women’s health
Illustrate the latest discoveries in gut–organ axis research
Evaluate microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies
Advance regional collaboration in microbiome research
Translate microbiome discoveries into clinical impact

Plenary & Keynote Speakers

MENA Microbiome 2026 features internationally renowned experts, including:

Dr. Martin Blaser – Plenary Speaker
Dr. Rob Knight – Plenary Speaker
Dr. Maria Dominguez-Bello – Keynote Speaker

Additional speakers include leading researchers from Europe, North America, and the MENA region across clinical microbiology, genomics, gastroenterology, women’s health, pediatrics, and systems biology.

Abstract Submission (Open)

Submission Deadline: 15 March 2026
Email: MENAMicrobiome@sidra.org
Abstracts must be structured (Background/Objectives, Methods, Results, Conclusion)
Maximum 300 words
Oral and Poster presentation categories

All submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee based on scientific merit, originality, and relevance to conference objectives.

Target Audience

Physicians
Nurses
Pharmacists
Allied Health Professionals
Researchers and Scientists
Graduate Students

Building on Success

Following the 2024 edition, which welcomed approximately 800 attendees and initiated the formation of a regional microbiome consortium, MENA Microbiome 2026 further strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in the region.

By convening global expertise in Doha, this conference continues to advance microbiome science, precision nutrition, and translational medicine for improved health outcomes across MENA and beyond.