On behalf of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 3rd Gulf Diabetic Foot Conference, being held at the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. It is also a great honor to have this opportunity to collaborate with the Gulf Diabetic Foot Working Group (GDFWG) and with the world’s leading specialists and scientists in this important field.

Diabetes is a chronic and complex condition affecting approximately 415 million people worldwide. In Qatar and the wider gulf region, Type 2 diabetes is a major health challenge, and diabetic foot is one of the most significant and devastating complications of diabetes. Therefore, as scientists, clinicians and practitioners it is critical we have a full understanding of this complex and debilitating condition so that we can enhance the quality of treatments on offer to our patients.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the GDFWG and Scientific Committee for compiling an exciting and interesting program on this important topic. I am delighted to be able to offer the support of the Qatar Metabolic Institute. I also extend my gratitude to everyone that has contributed to this planning and organizing this conference and I wish all delegates and guests a stimulating and productive meeting.