What the IFM White Paper Covers?
  • The Challenge of Atrial Fibrillation (AF): AF is a major, often under-recognized cardiovascular burden in the Gulf region that frequently goes undiagnosed until complications like stroke or heart failure occur.
  • The Role of Primary Care: Family physicians serve as the primary front line to identify high-risk patients (managing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and palpitations) and transition care from reactive treatment to proactive, structured detection and timely cardiology referral.
  • Role of Digital Tools & Challenges: Wearables, smart devices, and AI-enabled diagnostics help monitor rhythms, though consumer alerts require physician confirmation, and broad asymptomatic screening still faces clinical and workflow hurdles.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Under UAE law (Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024), AI and wearable health products are officially classified as medical equipment, requiring authorization via the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE).
  • Proposed Framework: The white paper establishes a practical roadmap for primary care screening, monitoring, specialist collaboration, and regulatory compliance to prevent stroke and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

International Family Medicine Panel Discussion Whitepaper

(Dubai, August 25 – 27, 2026) Supported by: