Welcome Messages
Dear Colleagues,
We are thrilled to invite you to The 8th SASMBS Annual International Congress of the Saudi Arabian Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (SASMBS), taking place from February 07 to 09, 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel in Alkhobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Join us during the best time of the year, when you can enjoy moderate temperatures and sunny skies typical of the warm Middle Eastern winter. This congress promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for learning, networking, and collaboration among professionals dedicated to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
As you may know, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region have one of the highest prevalence rates of obesity and metabolic diseases in the world. Therefore, we anticipate this congress will serve as a vital forum for the exchange of ideas on the management of this complex disease. With recent shifts in the guidelines—where international, regional, and local societies have reduced the threshold for intervention encouraged by level I evidence of the benefit of therapy, and coupled with the emergence of numerous therapeutic modalities, this exchange becomes even more critical, which is expected to take place in the pre-congress workshop on new algorithms in bariatric therapy.
The main scientific sessions in the congress will feature leading international and local experts providing insight on the role of each therapy and interactive panel discussions focusing on challenging patient scenarios, allowing active attendee participation. Additionally, winning digital abstracts will be presented, offering an excellent opportunity to share innovative research and local experience and results.
We are excited to announce that this conference will include two hands-on workshops focused on the futuristic robotic and endobariatric interventions in primary and recurrent obesity, led by expert instructors. The workshops shall provide invaluable understanding, training, and skill development in how to successfully utilize the latest cutting-edge technology in practice.
In addition, SASMBS will be joined this year by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), Middle East – North African Chapter (MENAC) , the Gulf Obesity Surgery Society (GOSS), and the International Bariatric Club (IBC) . This collaboration underscores the importance of our congress and SASMBS’s role as a regional leader in this vital field.
We look forward to hosting you in Alkhobar and making this a memorable experience filled with insightful discussions, hands-on learning, and the latest advancements in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Warm regards,
Prof. Aayed Alqahtani
Chairman of the Board SASMBS
I am honored to extend a warm invitation to you to join us for this pivotal congress. We stand at a critical juncture in our pursuit of knowledge and innovation in the fight against a disease that represents one of the greatest pandemics facing mankind today.
I promise you a rich scientific program. Our sessions will feature thought leaders from both within the surgical discipline and beyond, showcasing diverse perspectives and innovative approaches in prevention and treatment. This collaborative knowledge-sharing is crucial as we work together to combat this multifaceted challenge.
Moreover, we recognize the immense value of networking and partnerships, not just among scientists and practitioners, but also with non-scientific communities. By joining forces, we can raise awareness and advocate for effective solutions that address the serious health implications associated with obesity. I look forward to welcoming you to this important event in my hometown of Alkhobar.
Dr. Sultan AlTemyatt
President, 8th SASMBS Annual International Congress
Chair Education Committee, SASMBS
The success of this year’s congress relies primarily on your valuable submission. We are keen that the program addresses the latest controversies in bariatric therapy including surgery. Moreover, the overlap between different treatment modalities mandates we establish clear algorithms for best practice.. We have integrated real patient scenarios into the conference of complete digital case files that include imaging, endoscopy, and relevant information made available pre-congress to foster active participation in the decision-making.
We encourage conference participants to submit local research and case scenarios of interest to the scientific committee. Artificial intelligence will be present and utilized in most sessions.
Please subscribe to our newsletter to remain updated, and feel comfortable to reach us with your valuable input and suggestions.
Dr. Osama Alsanie
Vice President, 8th SASMBS Annual International Congress
Chair Accreditation & Guidelines SASMBS
I am excited to share our preparations to ensure an unforgettable experience for all our esteemed guests. Our guests deserve nothing but the best, and we are committed to providing VIP treatment from the moment they arrive in our vibrant city.
Our team has carefully organized a seamless arrival experience at the airport, complete with dedicated transportation services that will take our guests directly to their accommodation at the conference facility. The conference venue has been selected for its stunning sea view and proximity to a variety of attractions offering a rich dining experience of exquisite seafood options our town is renowned for.
In the evenings, we have curated a special social program that will allow attendees to immerse themselves in the local traditions, sample delicious cuisine, and enjoy our bustling atmosphere with its vibrant dining scene and picturesque waterfront. We are genuinely excited about the upcoming event and have spared no effort in ensuring that every aspect of the congress meets the highest standards of excellence.
Dr. Ahmad Algarzae
Chair Organizing Committee, 8th SASMBS Annual International Congress
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, lectures and presentations often fall flat if they do not resonate with attendees.
This conference is designed to create dynamic discussions that reflect the challenges we have experienced past three decades and how to prepare for digitization, automation, and precision in the future. Groundbreaking topics such as digital robotic surgery and the integration of artificial intelligence—into our practice from the minute a patient arrives till treatment is completed. It became evident that innovation is no longer optional. Whether or not your hospital currently utilizes robotic technology, it is imperative that you stay informed and engaged with these advancements to
remain relevant in our field. We are excited to introduce a hands-on experience on the two leading robotic platforms. The sessions will not only demonstrate systems capabilities but also power you to understand how to incorporate such technologies into your own practices effectively in a open dialogue format.
Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi
Chair Scientific Committee,
8th SASMBS Annual International Congress