World Arthritis Day 2026: MEAF Calls for Early Diagnosis and Action in the UAE

Around half a billion people worldwide live with arthritis, yet the condition’s impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, work and everyday independence is often underestimated. Ahead of World Arthritis Day 2026, the Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) is calling for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and informed treatment.

MEAF will host its annual World Arthritis Day community event from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on October 24, 2026, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. The event will follow this year’s global “Achieve Your Dreams” theme, encouraging people living with arthritis to continue pursuing their personal and professional goals with the right medical care and community support.

MEAF Highlights Importance of Early Arthritis Diagnosis

MEAF is urging people to recognise potential arthritis symptoms and seek medical advice before the condition begins to affect mobility and independence.

Arthritis is sometimes viewed as a condition that only affects older people. However, several forms of arthritis can develop much earlier in life. Ankylosing spondylitis, for example, commonly begins during the teenage years or in young adulthood, while juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects approximately one in 1,000 children under the age of 16.

Inflammatory arthritis can also be difficult to identify because symptoms may sometimes be present even when routine laboratory results appear normal. MEAF therefore stresses the importance of seeking specialist advice from a rheumatologist when symptoms persist.

Without appropriate treatment, inflammatory forms of arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage and long-term disability. Certain forms can also affect organs beyond the joints, including the eyes, lungs, heart and kidneys.

Arthritis Can Affect Work, Family Life and Mental Wellbeing

The impact of arthritis can extend well beyond physical pain.

Through its patient support work, MEAF has seen how symptoms such as chronic fatigue, morning stiffness and unpredictable flare-ups can interfere with employment, exercise, travel and everyday activities.

Simple tasks can also become challenging. Pain affecting the hands, for example, can make cooking, writing or holding everyday objects difficult. The uncertainty associated with chronic symptoms may also contribute to anxiety, social isolation and emotional stress.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, rates of depression and anxiety among people with arthritis-related diseases can be significantly higher than in the general population.

At the same time, physical activity does not necessarily make arthritis worse. With appropriate guidance, low-impact activities can help people maintain strength, flexibility and mobility.

World Arthritis Day Event to Offer Medical and Lifestyle Guidance

MEAF’s 2026 World Arthritis Day event will bring together healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers for a programme combining medical education, practical activities and personal experiences.

Attendees will have opportunities to speak directly with specialists and learn strategies for managing arthritis in everyday life.

The programme will also include dedicated guidance for women living with arthritis, including issues related to fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care.

Other sessions will focus on the role of:

• Nutrition and healthy eating

• Physical activity and mobility

• Mental wellbeing and resilience

• Tai Chi

• Accessible dance

• Sound healing

A practical nutrition workshop will also be led by a clinical dietitian.

Dr Humeira Badsha Urges People to Seek Care Earlier

Dr Humeira Badsha, Founding Member of the Middle East Arthritis Foundation, said that arthritis can gradually affect many aspects of a person’s life if it is not recognised and managed appropriately.

“Over three decades of treating people with arthritis, I have seen how quietly the condition can change a life. Pain may appear first, but fatigue, reduced mobility and emotional strain can gradually affect work, relationships and independence. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are autoimmune conditions, and early diagnosis is critical to managing them effectively, avoiding joint damage and preventing long-term disability.”

She added that World Arthritis Day provides an opportunity to improve awareness of symptoms and encourage people to seek medical care sooner.

“With the right treatment, practical lifestyle guidance and a supportive community, people can manage their condition with confidence and continue pursuing the goals that give their lives meaning,” Dr Badsha said.

MEAF Partners With Emirates Society for Rheumatology

For World Arthritis Day 2026, MEAF has collaborated with the Emirates Society for Rheumatology to strengthen public awareness about arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis.

Dr Amel Ginawi is leading public awareness activities for the Society as part of the initiative.

The event will also give participants an opportunity to connect with others living with arthritis and share their experiences.

One of the creative highlights will be the RM Dreams Poster Competition, where participants can express their dreams and experiences through posters. Attendees will vote for their favourite entries, with awards presented to the winners.

“Achieve Your Dreams” Theme Highlights Life Beyond Arthritis

The “Achieve Your Dreams” theme aims to challenge the idea that arthritis should determine what a person can achieve.

By bringing patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals together, MEAF hopes to address misconceptions surrounding arthritis while providing practical information that can help people manage the condition.

The Foundation also aims to reduce the isolation that can accompany living with a chronic condition by creating opportunities for patients to connect with healthcare professionals and others who understand their experiences.

For more information about the Middle East Arthritis Foundation, visit arthritis.ae or follow the Foundation on its official social media channels.

Sources: Arthritis Foundation; American College of Rheumatology; PubMed/Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.