2026 Faculty

Ahmad Hammoud

Consultant Pediatric Neurology Director of Neurodevelopmental Services | Aman Lil Afia Clinic - Dubai

Dr. Ahmad Hammoud is a consultant pediatric neurologist, he is a graduate of the American University of Beirut, with 10 years of experience. He is currently the Director of Neurodevelopmental Services at Aman Lil Afia Clinic - Dubai, and part-time consultant in several hospitals across Dubai.

Aida Suhaimi

Clinical Psychologist | Medcare

.

Ali Khodr

Head of Dental Department | Emirates Hospital

.

Andrew Ives

Paediatric Pulmonology | Mediclinic

.

Derek Mendonca

Consultant Paediatric Plastic Surgeon | Mediclinic City Hospital

.

Edgard Irany

Specialist Orthodontist | Trio Dental Center

.

El Sadeg Sharif

Consultant Pediatric Rheumatologist | Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital – Dubai

Dr. Sharif is currently working as consultant pediatric rheumatologist at Al jalila Children’s Specialty hospital (AJCH) Dubai. He is also the Division chief of pediatric subspecialty division at AJCH. Dr Sharif has around thirty years of vast experience in General Pediatrics and Pediatric rheumatology, Neonatology, and Community Pediatrics. Prior to joining AJCH, Dr. Sharif has worked in many reputable Hospitals in the UK, UAE, and Libya such as Southmead Hospital, Bristol, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Hospitals, Al Ain Hospital, Children’s Hospital Tripoli – Libya. In addition to his clinical role, Dr. Sharif held many key positions such as Chair of the Child Health Institute (CHI) at Al Ain hospital, President of the Pediatric Rheumatology Arab group (PRAG), co-chair and head of organizing committee at the SEHA International Pediatric Conference in January 2020 in Abu Dhabi, and the divisional clinical director, at the pediatric department Hull Royal Infirmary. Dr. Sharif has played key role in clinical governance through planning, conducting and participating in audits to improve the quality of patient and healthcare in the Hospitals where he used to work. Dr. Sharif was an Adjunct Associated Professor at the College of Medicine and Health Science (CMHS) at UAE University. Throughout his career, he has received many awards such as clinical excellence award in March 2010 at Hull Royal Infirmary UK, best trainer award from the Tawam paediatric residency programme at for the year 2014-2015, and the teaching excellence award for the academic year 2013 – 2014 from the Medical School at the UAE University. In his career, Dr. Sharif has participated and conducted medical research and issued 11 publications: The Experience with Uveitis in Pediatric Age Group in Emirate of Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Child Abuse experience in Al Ain District, United Arab Emirates, and Detection of Bacterial DNA in Synovial Fluid and Peripheral Blood from children with Juvenile idiopathic Arthritis. Dr. Sharif is a member of Royal college of Paediatric and Child health (RCPCH), Emirate society of Rheumatology (ESR), and Paediatric Rheumatology Arab Group (PRAG).

Firas Husban

Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon | Emirates Hospital

Dr. Husban has gained a local and international reputation as a result of his distinguished work as it is the one of the first to introduce minimal invasive spine surgery and modern techniques in scoliosis surgery to the Middle East with great success recorded by the Arab and international press and conducted many successful surgeries at the local and regional levels, the most prominent of which was the first of its kind in the Middle East As minimally invasive lateral access for lumbar fusion.He also previously served as Head of the Spine Surgery Specialist and consultant for Orthopedic and Joint Surgery at Al Hussain Medical City Hospital. In addition to many local and regional professional academic and administrative activities and positions.

Hayat Adib

Consultant Pediatric Otolaryngology | Al Jalila Childrens Hospital

.

Hussein Naji

Consultant Pediatric Surgeon | Mediclinic Parkview Hospital

.

Junaid M Khan

Neonatology Consultant and Director of Medical Education | Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi

Dr. Junaid M Khan is American Board Certified in Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He also concurred with the American Board of Medical Quality. He received his MBA in Health Care Management from Ireland. Currently working as a Director of Medical Education and Consultant Neonatology. He is also an adjunct faculty member and Professor of Pediatrics at Khalifa University and a Professor of Pediatrics at Gulf Medical University. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Royal College of Physicians in Canada and has an honorary fellowship from the American Austrian Foundation. He is a member of the AAP and the American Board of Pediatrics. Also, an active member of the committee for Neonatal Resuscitation. He is a regional instructor for life support courses (NRP). He is an examiner at Khalifa Univ. Gulf Medical Univ. and in Pakistan. He established the first CME program in a hospital in Abu Dhabi. Currently, he is chairing the CME committee for the hospital He has vast experience (>25 yrs.) in medical education and visiting faculty in Pakistan and Canada. He is on the editorial board of online journals. He is the author of a chapter in a textbook on Neonatal ventilation. He also published extensively in some reputed journals. He is one of the main authors of the Neonatal Resuscitation Manual for Pakistan. Also published his booklet on Non-Invasive Ventilation of neonates. He presented at many national and international conferences and has immense experience in the field of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, with special interests in Respirology of Preterm Neonates, Nutrition, Non-Invasive Monitoring, and Resuscitation. He is the recipient of many awards and honors.

Layla Al Marzooqi

Consultant Pediatric Endocrinology | Al Zahra Hospital

.

Leena Amiri

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist | Valens Clinic

.

M. Azzam Kayasseh

Specialist HepatoGastroenterologist | Dr Kayasseh Medical Clinic

.

Mohamad El Bitar

Consultant & Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology | Al Jalila Children's Hospital

.

Nagwa Iskander

Consultant Pediatrician | Al Zahra Hospital Dubai

Dr. Nagwa Iskander Elkhouly is a highly experienced Consultant Pediatrician with over 30 years of clinical experience in pediatrics. She has been practicing at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai for the past six years, providing comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents. She holds a Ph.D. in Pediatrics from Ain Shams University, Egypt, and is certified by the Egyptian Board of Pediatrics. She earned her Master’s degree in Pediatrics and MBBCh from Cairo University, Egypt. She has also completed a postgraduate program in Pediatric Nutrition at Boston University. Throughout her career, Dr. Elkhouly has developed extensive expertise in general pediatrics, preventive child healthcare, growth and development, and pediatric nutrition. She is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based, and compassionate care to children and their families.

Natacha Ajaka

Senior Clinical Dietician | SHEIKH SULTAN BIN ZAYED HOSPITAL

.

Raafat Hamzeh

Consultant Pediatrician/ Medical Director  | Mediclinic Middle East 

.

Rafia Owera

Consultant Pediatrician | Prime Medical Centre, Jumeirah

.

Sadaf Siddiqui

Specialist Pediatrician & Pediatric Endocrinologist | Emirates Hospital

Dr. Sadaf Siddiqui is a dedicated Pediatric Endocrinologist with the Emirates Hospital Group. She received her training in Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology in India at reputed institutions. Her areas of special interest include disorders of growth and pituitary function. She is committed to providing holistic, patient-centered care with a warm demeanour. She has a keen interest in the genetics of obesity and stature, with a particular focus on the factors influencing growth and metabolic health. She is actively involved in academic and professional forums in Pediatric Endocrinology across the UAE and India.

Salma Yassine

Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Neuro-ophthalmology | Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai

Dr. Salma Yassine is a Pediatric ophthalmologist and neuro-ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. She specializes in complex Pediatric eye conditions, strabismus, and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Alongside her clinical work, she has a strong interest in clinical operations, patient flow optimization, and digital innovation in healthcare. She recently completed a Master’s in Clinical Service Operations at Harvard Medical School, focusing on integrating AI into patient care pathways. Dr. Yassine is actively involved in research and has presented her work internationally. She is passionate about improving patient experience and delivering efficient, high-quality care.

Samhar Al-Akash

Consultant , Pediatric Nephrology | Al Jalila Children's Hospital

Dr. Samhar Al-Akash is a Consultant in Pediatric Nephrology at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai Health, with more than 30 years of experience in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology. He has held senior clinical positions at leading institutions in the United States and Saudi Arabia, including Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, and UCLA’s Mattel Children’s Hospital. Dr. Al-Akash is American Board certified in Pediatric Nephrology and Pediatrics and completed his Pediatric Nephrology fellowship at UCLA Children’s Hospital. His clinical and research expertise includes pediatric kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplantation, and complex renal disorders in children. He has also contributed to research in pediatric renal transplantation and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Shahira Ibrahim

Senior Pediatric Specialist | Tadawi Health Care Group

Dr. Shahira Elmaadawy is a distinguished pediatrician and Pediatric Intensivist, serving as Chairperson at the Global Pediatrics Congress, UAE. She graduated from Cairo University Faculty of Medicine, Kasr Al Aini, and completed pediatric residency at Abu El Reish Children’s Hospital, a renowned tertiary center and comprehensive pediatric subspecialty services. She earned her Master’s from Cairo University and PhD from Ain Shams University, one of Egypt’s leading academic and research institutions. After serving in Egypt’s Ministry of Defense hospitals, she worked at Sulaiman Fakeeh Hospital, KSA for four years and at Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 for 21 years m. She now practises in the UAE, with publications affiliated with ESPNIC and SIOP and extensive participation in international pediatric conferences.

Wafaa Faysal

Consultant Paediatrician, HOD | Emirates Hospitals Group

Dr. Wafaa Faysal is a highly experienced consultant pediatrician. She earned her medical degree with a specialization in pediatrics from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and later obtained a Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition from Boston University School of Medicine, USA. Dr. Faysal is a Member of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (UK) and the Lebanese Order of Physicians.

Yakup Ergul

Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist | Al Jalila Children’s Hospital , Dubai Health

Doctor Yakup Ergul was born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1978. He graduated from Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, in 2001. He began his pediatric cardiology training in 2008, completing advanced electrophysiology training in Istanbul, Turkey, and Boston, USA. Since 2013, he has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric rhythm disorders. He was awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2013 and became a full Professor in 2021(In Turkey). Professor ERGUL has authored over 150 scientific articles in prestigious international journals. As of February 2024, he has been serving as a Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at the Heart Center of Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, in Dubai, UAE.

Yaser El Hout

Senior Attending Physician - Pediatric Urology | Sidra Medicine

.

Zainab Malik

Consultant Pediatrics & Pediatric Infectious Diseases | Genesis Healthcare

Dr. Malik completed her medical training in the United States. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). She received her medical degree from the prestigious Aga Khan University in Pakistan. This was followed by pediatric residency training at Duke University in North Carolina and a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Montefiore in New York. She holds a master’s degree in clinical research, with distinction, from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, where her research thesis evaluated host immune responses to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections in young women. Dr. Malik has a keen interest in medical education and previously held the faculty position of AdjunctClinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and HealthSciences (MBRU) in Dubai, UAE, where she was involved in curriculum development and served as the program director of its Pediatric residency program. Dr. Malik is a medical volunteer with Operation Smile, an organization providing free surgeries for infants and children with cleft conditions worldwide. She has been an Internationally Credentialed Volunteer with Operation Smile since 2012. Dr. Malik also serves as the Pediatric Chair of the Medical Advisory Council of Operation Smile UAE, where she volunteers her personal time and expertise to provide free care to infants with cleft lip and palate, and is closely involved in mentoring and training staff and student volunteers. She is currently works as a Consultant in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Dubai, UAE.

Ziad King

Consultant Pediatrician | Kings College Hospital

.

Hussein Naji

Consultant Pediatric Surgeon | Mediclinic Parkview Hospital

.

Wafaa Ayesh

Consultant Clinical Dietitian & Head of Nutrition | Tadawi General Hospital

Dr. Wafaa Helmi Ayesh, Consultant Clinical Dietitian & Head of Nutrition at Al Tadawi General Hospital, is a leader in clinical nutrition. As President of the Middle Eastern Alliance of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition Congress, she contributes significantly to the field. Wafaa directs the Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition Program at the University of Sharjah and has a history of service at Dubai Health Authority. With a Master's in Food Science and Nutrition, she initiated projects like DHA@Home and Tummy Fish. Wafaa, the first Arab recipient of an ESPEN diploma, actively contributes to education, co-founding Sweetkidz Group and receiving awards such as the "Sheikh Hamdan Award" and "Excellence in Healthcare.