The 1st PEARL Conference — Gulf Society of Neonatology (GSN) Annual Conference 2026 takes place from 15–17 December 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Held under the theme "PEARLS – Forming Pearls of Wisdom: Where Every First Breath Becomes a Future", this inaugural conference is a landmark gathering dedicated to advancing excellence in neonatal care across the Gulf region and beyond. It brings together leading neonatologists, paediatricians, neonatal nurses, researchers, educators and trainees to exchange knowledge, share experience and shape the future of newborn care. Inspired by the journey of a pearl — formed through patience, resilience and continuous growth — the meeting celebrates the collective wisdom of the neonatal community.
Conference objectives
- Advance evidence-based neonatal practices and clinical excellence
- Showcase the latest innovations, technologies and research in neonatal medicine
- Promote multidisciplinary collaboration among professionals involved in newborn care
- Enhance patient outcomes through education, quality improvement and knowledge exchange
- Explore emerging trends including artificial intelligence, precision medicine and digital health
- Foster regional and international partnerships that strengthen neonatal healthcare systems
- Support professional development and inspire the next generation of neonatal leaders
Pre-conference workshops — Tuesday 15 December 2026
A dedicated day of interactive, hands-on workshops across five specialised tracks:
- Pearl I: Leadership & Quality Improvement
- Pearl II: Family-Centered & Neurodevelopmental Care
- Pearl III: Smarter Rounds — How AI Is Reshaping Neonatal Care Today
- Pearl IV: High-Risk Follow-Up & Lifelong Outcomes
- Pearl V: Neonatal Nutrition
Main conference — Wednesday–Thursday 16–17 December 2026
Two days of expert-led sessions, panel discussions, case-based learning and scientific presentations covering extreme prematurity and lung protection, neonatal hemodynamics and cardiovascular care, precision medicine and genomics, neonatal sepsis and advanced diagnostics, family-centered and developmental care, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, quality improvement and innovation, neurocritical care and brain protection, neonatal transport and integrated systems of care, plus research presentations, case discussions and scientific awards.
Leadership
Dr. Ali Almudeer (President of the Society) and Dr. Mariam Ayed (Vice President) serve as Conference Presidents, supported by a scientific committee including Dr. Ali Aljabri and Dr. Asma Almazrooei, and an organising committee including Dr. Abdullah AlOnazi and Dr. Sara Alturaif.
Call for abstracts
Original work in neonatal care, quality improvement, education, innovation and healthcare delivery is invited. Submissions open 1 July 2026, with an early deadline of 1 September 2026 and a final deadline of 1 October 2026; acceptance notifications follow on 20 October 2026. Abstracts are limited to 300 words in English with 3–5 keywords, submitted under categories spanning original research, QI projects, case reports, systematic reviews, innovations, medical education, patient safety and digital health/AI. Awards are presented for Best Original Research and Best Quality Improvement Project.
Registration
Delegates may register for the pre-conference workshops, the main conference, or a combined package. Early-bird physician rates start at USD 150 (conference) and USD 100 (workshop), with nurse and fellow/trainee rates from USD 80 and USD 50 respectively; mid and late rates apply from 12 July and 1 December 2026.
