We are delighted that we have the opportunity to present the Gulf Heart Association's (GHA) experience in the European Heart Journal Supplement (EHJs) – the Heart of the Matter. We would like to thank the Editor of EHJs – the Heart of the Matter, Dr Roberto Ferrari, for his vision to focus on the achievements of societies affiliated with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). This allows us to disseminate the proceedings and abstracts of our annual congress and what is happening in our part of the world. In this issue of EHJs – the Heart of the Matter, we would like to share with the readership of the journal the founding of the GHA, achievements and future goals and plans. This is being told through the founding president of the association, Dr Hajar Albinali, the current president of the association Dr Wael Almahmeed and a member of the governing board, Dr Mohammad Zubaid.