Under the patronage of His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, the University inaugurated the Qutayba Hamid International Conference on Respiratory Diseases: Management and Control. Organized in collaboration with the Meakins-Christie Laboratories at McGill University, Canada. The event was held at the University’s College of Fine Arts and Design.

This edition of the conference celebrates the remarkable scientific achievements and pioneering contributions of Prof. Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for Medical Colleges and Health Sciences and Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Sharjah who is recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts in respiratory diseases. With over 600 published scientific articles, 150 book chapters, and two authoritative reference books on molecular cell biology and respiratory physiology, his work has significantly shaped the field. His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious international awards.

In his opening address, Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy conveyed the greetings and warm welcome of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, to the attendees and the distinguished international speakers. He emphasized the University’s pride in hosting this prestigious conference, which not only honors the exceptional contributions of Prof. Qutayba Hamid in the field of respiratory medicine but also serves as a vital platform for the exchange of expertise and collaboration in impactful research initiatives. He further highlighted the University of Sharjah’s status as a leading center of medical excellence, ranking among the world’s top 350 universities and first in scientific research within the United Arab Emirates.

The conference featured six keynote speakers: Prof. Paramaswaran Nair from McMaster University, Canada; Prof. Paul O’Byrne, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University, Canada; Dr. Nizar Jarjour from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Professor Monica Kraft from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, USA; Prof. Ratko Djukanovic from the University of Southampton, UK; and Dr. Bassam Mahboub from the Dubai Health Authority.

Convening for two days, the conference hosted four main sessions covering a wide range of topics, including innovations in respiratory sciences, the latest advancements in asthma diagnosis and treatment, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing respiratory diseases, and biological therapies for severe asthma. Key discussions also explored precision medicine in acute asthma, insights from the U.S. acute asthma program, the use of biomarkers in assessing asthma severity, and the impact of cytokine-targeted therapies in the UAE.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Excellency Prof. Al Naimiy honored Prof. Qutayba Hamid in recognition of his contributions. He also presented awards to the distinguished speakers, sponsors, and conference partners, acknowledging their support and collaboration.