About the masterclass
The IBD Masterclass is the Saudi Gastroenterology Association's dedicated meeting on inflammatory bowel disease. The 2026 edition, held at Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC on 11–12 September, brings together international and regional IBD experts, gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, IBD nurses, dietitians, and trainees. Across two days of lectures, tandem talks, and case-based panel discussions, the programme covers advanced therapies and positioning, biosimilars, JAK inhibitors, stricture management, nutritional therapy, functional overlap, clinical trials in the Middle East, IBD in pregnancy, upper GI Crohn's disease, transition of care, IBD MDT models, and intestinal ultrasound (IUS).
Learning objectives
- Position anti-TNFs, IL-12/23 & IL-23 selective agents, JAK inhibitors, and biosimilars within a 2026 treatment algorithm
- Apply strategic, evidence-based therapy selection tailored to individual IBD patients
- Manage complex scenarios: strictures, functional overlap, IBD mimickers, upper GI Crohn's disease
- Integrate nutritional therapy and multidisciplinary IBD care into routine practice
- Optimise IBD care in special populations — pregnancy, transition from paediatric to adult, treatment failure
- Design and interpret clinical trials and real-world IBD research in the Middle East
- Use intestinal ultrasound (IUS) at the point of care
Scientific themes
Scientific programme
Day 1 — Friday, 11 September 2026
Session 1
Chairpersons: Prof. Yousef Qari · Dr. Ahmed Al Fadhli · Dr. Mohammad Khan · Dr. Khalid Al Aji
13:00–13:20
LectureAnti-TNF Therapy in 2026: Still Foundational or Fading Frontier?
Speaker: Dr. Othman Al Harbi
13:20–13:40
LectureNavigating the IL-12/23 and IL-23 Pathways: When, Why, and How to Choose
Speaker: Dr. Abdulelah Al Mutairdi
13:40–14:00
LectureJAK Inhibitors in IBD: Selective or Non-Selective — Rationale and Clinical Application
Speaker: Prof. Ala' Sharara
14:00–14:20
LectureBiosimilars: Replacement Strategy or Complementary Option
Speaker: Dr. Mashary Attamimi
14:20–14:40
Q&AQ&A
14:40–15:10
Industry Symp.Industry Symposium
15:10–15:30
BreakBreak
Session 2
Chairpersons: Prof. Majid Al Madi · Dr. Nabbel Quraishi · Dr. Ahmad Al Darmki
15:30–15:50
LectureStrategic Therapeutic Selection in IBD — From Evidence to Personalised Care
Speaker: Prof. Peter Irving
15:50–16:20
Tandem TalkTandem Talk: Stricture Management in IBD — Surgery, Endoscopy, or Optimised Medical Therapy?
Speakers: Dr. Humoud Al Ghamdi · Dr. Noorah Al Hassan
16:20–16:30
Q&AQ&A
16:30–17:00
Industry Symp.Industry Symposium
17:00–17:40
Case & PanelCase Presentation & Panel Discussion: Integrating Nutritional Therapy into IBD Care — Evidence, Experience, and Practice
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Sharkey
Panel: Prof. Peter Irving · Prof. Ala' Sharara · Dr. Bashaar Al Ibrahim
17:40–18:10
BreakBreak
18:10–18:40
Industry Symp.Industry Symposium
18:40–19:10
Case & PanelCase Presentation & Panel Discussion: Is It Truly IBD? Diagnostic Dilemmas and Mimickers in Clinical Practice
Presenter: Dr. Maan Al Khattabi
Panel: Dr. Kristina · Dr. Meshaal Shwaiar · Dr. Fatimah Al Alawi
19:30
MealDinner
Day 2 — Saturday, 12 September 2026
Session 3
Chairpersons: Dr. Omar Saadah · Dr. Hussain Al Amin · Dr. Mohammad Al Ahmari · Dr. Mohamed Khorshid
08:30–08:50
LectureClinical Trials 2026: Innovations Shaping the Next Era
Speaker: Dr. Turki Al Ameel
08:50–09:10
LectureMy Patient Failing Treatment: Turning Setbacks into Success
Speaker: Dr. Badr Al Bawardy
09:10–09:40
Tandem TalkTandem Talk: IBD MDT & Surgical Joint Clinic — Coordinated Care That Works
Speakers: Dr. Eman Al Sulais · Dr. Faisal Al Rashed
09:40–10:00
LectureTransitioning Youth to Adult IBD Care: Models for Continuity and Empowerment
Speaker: Dr. Mariam Mokhtar
10:00–10:15
Q&AQ&A
10:15–10:35
BreakBreak
Session 4
Chairpersons: Prof. Majid Al Madi · Dr. Mohammad Malik · Dr. Mohamed Al Sulimi
10:35–10:55
LectureFunctional Overlap in IBD: Recognition, Differentiation, and Management
Speaker: Dr. Dimah Al Askar
10:55–11:25
Tandem TalkTandem Talk: Clinical Trials and Real-world IBD Research in the Middle East — Limitations, Lessons and the Road Ahead
Speakers: Prof. Mahmoud Mosli · Dr. Mohammad Shehab
11:25–11:55
LectureState of the Art: Translating Innovation into the Future of IBD Care
Speaker: Prof. Peter Irving
11:55–12:10
Q&AQ&A
12:10–12:40
Industry Symp.Industry Symposium
12:40–13:20
MealLunch Break
Session 5
Chairpersons: Dr. Heba Al Farhan · Dr. Yaser Meeralam
13:20–13:40
LectureIUS Talk — Intestinal Ultrasound in IBD
13:40–14:20
Case & PanelCase Presentation & Panel Discussion: IBD in Pregnancy — Optimising Pre-Conception, Gestational, and Post-Partum Outcomes
Presenter: Dr. Sara Al Ouli
Panel: Dr. Kristina · Dr. Lisa Sharkey · Dr. Mansour Al Tuwaijri
14:20–15:00
Case & PanelCase Presentation & Panel Discussion: Upper GI Crohn's Disease — Clinical Challenges and Management
Presenter: Dr. Shalaan Al Aklabi
Panel: Prof. Peter Irving · Prof. Ala' Sharara · Dr. Faisal Al Rashed
15:00
ClosingClosing Remarks
Committees
Organizing Committee
Prof. Nahla Azzam
Organizing Committee
King Saud University
Dr. Othman Al Harbi
Organizing Committee
King Saud University
Prof. Mahmoud Mosli
Organizing Committee
King Abdulaziz University · Jeddah
Prof. Majid Al Madi
Organizing Committee
King Saud University
Scientific Committee
Dr. Eman Al Sulais
Scientific Committee
Saudi Gastroenterology Association
Dr. Turki Al Ameel
Scientific Committee
Saudi Gastroenterology Association
Dr. Badr Al Bawardy
Scientific Committee
Saudi Gastroenterology Association
Faculty
International and regional IBD experts
Registration
Limited to 150 delegatesEarly-bird until July 15, 2026 · Regular until September 1, 2026
Conference
Two days · 11–12 September
| Non-member | SAR 1,000 |
| SGA Member | SAR 500 |
| Nurse / Trainee | SAR 300 |
Workshops (optional)
Add-on to conference
| Non-member | SAR 500 |
| SGA Member | SAR 300 |
| Nurse / Trainee | SAR 150 |
Hands-On IBD Research Workshop 2026
From Local Question to Evidence Generation · Friday, 11 September 2026 · 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Limited to 40 seats · tick "workshops" in the registration form to reserve.
Payment is by bank transfer — the secretariat will email you the transfer details after you submit the form.
Venue & accommodation
Venue
Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC
Riyadh Digital City (RDC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
View on mapHotel website →Accommodation
Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC (conference venue)
Your guide to Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is the country's largest city and the economic and cultural heart of the Kingdom. Delegates travelling to the IBD Masterclass 2026 will find a modern, easy-to-navigate metropolis with world-class hotels, an efficient international airport, on-demand ride-hailing everywhere, and a growing metro network. This section brings together practical information to help you plan your trip.
Kingdom Centre
Diriyah (UNESCO)
King Abdullah Financial District
National Museum
Al Bujairi Terrace
Edge of the World
City highlights
Historic Diriyah (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Al Masmak Fortress, King Abdullah Financial District, and the vibrant Boulevard Riyadh City entertainment zone. All within a 30-minute drive of the venue.
Weather in September
Warm and dry. Daytime temperatures typically range from 32 to 40 °C and evenings cool to 22 to 28 °C. Light business attire is recommended for the venue; sunglasses and sun protection are advisable outdoors.
Currency & payments
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is fixed at approximately 3.75 SAR to 1 USD. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere. The national payment network Mada powers most cards. Tipping is not required but is appreciated for good service.
Entry & visa
GCC nationals enter visa-free. Citizens of 60+ countries (including UK, USA, Canada, EU states, and most of Southeast Asia) can obtain a Saudi eVisa online through visa.visitsaudi.com in minutes. A valid Umrah or Hajj visa can also be used to attend. Please check current requirements for your passport at least 4 weeks before travel.
Airport → venue transfer
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is approximately 25 minutes by road from Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC. Uber and Careem are available on arrival with typical fares of 45–60 SAR. Metered airport taxis cost around 80 SAR. A hotel shuttle can be arranged in advance through the secretariat on request.
Getting around Riyadh
Uber and Careem operate throughout the city 24/7 with short waits and English-speaking drivers. The Riyadh Metro network is now open; the Purple Line has stations serving the RDC area. Standard taxis (yellow) and Kaiyan branded taxis are widely available. Renting a car is straightforward with an international driving permit.
Time zone & language
Riyadh is on Arabia Standard Time (GMT+3), with no daylight saving. Arabic is the official language; English is widely used in hospitality, medical and business settings. All conference sessions are delivered in English.
Cultural notes
The weekend in Saudi Arabia is Friday and Saturday. Modest dress is recommended in public spaces. Alcohol is not sold or served. All restaurants at the venue and around Riyadh serve halal food. Public spaces pause briefly during the five daily prayers; delegates are welcome — not required — to observe.
Emergency numbers
Unified emergency line: 911. Ambulance (Saudi Red Crescent): 997. Civil Defence (fire, disaster): 998. Traffic accidents: 993. Nearest hospitals: KFSH&RC and King Saud University Medical City, both under 20 minutes from the venue.
Photo gallery
Photos from IBD Masterclass 2026 will be shared here after the event in September 2026.
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