NMSS Publishes First MS Treatment Guidelines in the UAE

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has officially launched the UAE’s first national treatment guidelines for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Developed by the NMSS Medical Advisory Committee and published in the Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders journal (MSARD), the guidelines mark a milestone in unified, evidence-based MS care.

Built on global best practices and tailored to the needs of the UAE’s MS community, the guidelines aim to optimize treatment outcomes by addressing variations in healthcare access, patient preferences, and insurance approvals. They also include specific recommendations for treating pediatric MS, pregnancy, and lactation cases.

“These guidelines bring hope to newly diagnosed individuals and aim to elevate care for all MS patients,” said H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of NMSS. “Their adoption will reduce delays, improve medication accuracy, and help physicians navigate complex treatment pathways with clarity.”

Led by Dr. Ahmed Shatila, Consultant Neurologist and Chair of the NMSS Medical Advisory Committee, the task force developed the guidelines through collaboration with healthcare authorities and specialists across all seven Emirates. The document was also used in shaping the Dubai Health Authority’s MS-focused Ejadah insurance program.

The guidelines are designed to:

• Standardize treatment pathways across healthcare providers
• Improve early access to advanced therapies
• Enhance insurance approval times through data-backed justification
• Reduce treatment side effects and increase long-term sustainability

The launch complements NMSS’s broader efforts, including the recent introduction of the UAE’s first MS Helpline (800 677), which provides support daily from 10am–10pm.