In a region where obesity affects more than one in three adults across several GCC countries, the need for open, science-based conversations about weight has never been greater. RE:SUMMIT 2026, a free public event presented by Lilly and hosted at Madinat Jumeirah Arena in Dubai, steps into that gap with a bold mission: to challenge misconceptions, explore the complex science of weight and health, and create a welcoming space for honest dialogue. Scheduled for Saturday, November 7, the event brings together around 2,500 attendees, leading medical experts, government officials, and influential voices from across the region.
From the moment visitors arrive, RE:SUMMIT aims to shift perspectives. The program combines scientific insights with deeply personal stories, helping people understand why weight is far more complicated than it often appears. With interactive installations, expert panels, and candid conversations, this afternoon-long experience offers a rare opportunity to rethink what we think we know about obesity—and to leave better informed, more comfortable asking questions, and with a renewed sense of hope.
What is RE:SUMMIT?
RE:SUMMIT is a public health engagement platform developed in the UAE, designed to make the science of obesity accessible to everyone. The event features a carefully curated lineup of speakers, including internationally recognized obesity medicine physician-scientist Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford from Harvard Medical School, clinical psychologist Carine El Khazen, and Emirati entrepreneur and #ABtalks host Anas Bukhash. Together, they explore the biological, behavioral, psychological, and environmental factors that influence weight.
Beyond the stage, experiential activations give visitors hands-on ways to engage with the subject. A digital wall invites people to reconsider common comments about weight and their impact, while a personal “receipt of effort” station encourages attendees to recognize the everyday actions they already take to support their well-being. The event is free and open to the public, with advance registration required due to limited seating.
What stands out
Expert-led scientific insights
Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford brings decades of clinical and research expertise, explaining obesity as a complex chronic disease that requires a whole-person approach. Her talk emphasizes that there is no single right path—care may include nutrition, physical activity, behavioral support, medication, or surgery, depending on the individual.
Personal stories that resonate
Anas Bukhash moderates a candid conversation with Kris Fade, Hadeel Marei, and Karen Wazen, who share their own experiences with weight, public scrutiny, and self-perception. These authentic voices help break down stigma and make the science feel relevant to everyday life.
Interactive and immersive learning
Visitors can explore installations that illustrate the connections between weight and health, engage with a digital wall to rethink weight-related language, and create a personal “receipt of effort” that celebrates their own wellness actions. These hands-on elements make complex concepts tangible.
Who it’s for
RE:SUMMIT is designed for anyone who has ever felt confused, judged, or discouraged about weight and health. It is equally valuable for individuals living with obesity, healthcare professionals seeking a broader perspective, and community members who want to understand the science behind the headlines. The event also speaks to those who care about someone affected by obesity, offering insights that can foster more compassionate and informed conversations.
Because the event is free and open to the public, it lowers barriers to access, making it an inclusive resource for the entire Dubai community. Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, a student, or simply curious, RE:SUMMIT provides a welcoming environment to learn and reflect.
What makes it worth considering
RE:SUMMIT stands out for its commitment to evidence-based information delivered in an engaging, stigma-free format. Unlike typical health events that can feel clinical or intimidating, this gathering prioritizes human connection and real-world relevance. The combination of world-class medical expertise and relatable personal stories creates a uniquely powerful experience.
Moreover, the event’s interactive elements—such as the digital wall and receipt of effort—encourage active participation rather than passive listening. Visitors leave not just with knowledge, but with tools and perspectives they can apply to their own lives or share with others. The fact that it is free further underscores its mission to democratize access to quality health information.
Verdict
RE:SUMMIT 2026 is a thoughtfully crafted public health initiative that successfully bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and everyday understanding. By fostering open, judgment-free conversations about obesity, it empowers attendees to rethink their own health narratives and seek appropriate support. For anyone in Dubai on November 7, this free event offers an afternoon of genuine insight and inspiration that could change how you view weight and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
It is a free public event in Dubai that brings together medical experts, influencers, and the public to discuss obesity science and challenge stigma.
It takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Madinat Jumeirah Arena in Dubai.
Yes, it is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required as seats are limited.
Speakers include Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, Anas Bukhash, Kris Fade, Hadeel Marei, Karen Wazen, and special guest Ahmed Helmy.
Topics include the science of obesity, weight stigma, social pressures, and holistic approaches to health and well-being.
Yes, visitors can explore installations that illustrate weight-health connections, a digital wall for reconsidering weight-related language, and create a personal 'receipt of effort'.
Registration is available online at www.resummit.ae.
