Top 50 Healthcare Trailblazers in the UAE 2025

Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, founder of Sultan Al Olama Medical Group, leads a six-branch healthcare network offering services across 15 specialties in Dubai. A Harvard Medical School graduate, he previously served as CEO of MBRGI and Al Jalila Foundation, raising over AED 4.3 billion for health and education. His initiatives include the Dubai Robotic Biobank, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, and major endowments. Currently, he’s working with UN agencies on a Dubai-based date factory to support global humanitarian feeding programs.

Abdulrahman Al Owais, UAE’s Minister of Health and Prevention, has shaped the nation’s healthcare and cultural landscape since 2006. From leading MoHAP’s digital transformation and AI integration to fostering international collaborations and public health reforms, his initiatives have elevated UAE’s global well-being rankings. Previously Minister of Culture, he chairs several national boards and has earned top honors, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Sash and an honorary doctorate. His visionary leadership continues to influence healthcare, governance, and cultural development across the UAE.

With over 20 years in IT and healthcare technology, Akram Sami leads Oracle’s Middle East and Africa operations, driving major healthcare IT advancements. Since 2022, he’s spearheaded transformative projects like the $34M EMR deal with Burjeel Holdings and Oracle Cloud deployment at King’s College Hospital Dubai. Previously with SAP and Oracle since 2011, Akram is recognized for his strategic leadership. A dual MBA holder, he is a key figure in shaping digital healthcare transformation across the region through innovation and impactful partnerships.

Ali Al Belooshi, a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon in the UAE, is renowned for introducing robotic-assisted knee replacement and the SuperPATH hip technique to the region. With over 3,000 robotic surgeries and two decades of experience, he co-owns Orthocure Medical Center and holds academic positions at UAEU and MBRU. A key contributor to the ANTHEM Knee System, he also serves as Chairman of AO Trauma UAE and Vice President of the UAE Orthopaedic Society, driving innovation and excellence in orthopaedic care and education.

Ali Hashemi, Co-Founder and CEO of meta[bolic], leads a groundbreaking healthcare platform delivering world-class outcomes in metabolic health. Evolving from GluCare.Health and Zone.Health, meta[bolic] combines wearable tech, AI, and clinician-led coaching to transform chronic care. A former founder of Amana Healthcare—acquired by Mubadala—Hashemi also led Booz & Company’s healthcare practice. With dual degrees in Medicine and Business from McGill and Biomedical Engineering from Duke, he continues to shape digital health as a tech-driven entrepreneur, educator, and early-stage investor.

Ali Ibrahim Mohamed Alsaffar, CEO of Capital Health Screening Centre, brings over 20 years of cross-industry leadership, spanning telecom, media, and healthcare. Formerly with Etisalat, TECOM, and TWOFOUR54, he joined CHSC in 2019, driving rapid growth and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, CHSC launched ADNOC’s Occupational Medical Clinic and expanded mobile visa screening services. In 2024, CHSC surpassed one million AIRIS-TB scans, underscoring Alsaffar’s visionary role in advancing healthcare delivery and operational excellence in the UAE.

Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, leads a network serving 20 million patients annually across seven countries. A Chartered Accountant and Harvard alumna, she’s spearheading a $250M expansion in Saudi Arabia and champions diversity through Aster’s Women in Leadership program. As YPO Dubai’s first female Chapter Chair and a board member at Sharjah Innovation Park, she advocates for women’s empowerment and mental health, redefining healthcare leadership and driving accessible, quality care on a global scale.

Amanda Gravitis, CEO of Smart Salem, has led the company’s rapid growth since 2022, expanding from one to three centers in six months and launching 20+ innovative services. With a background in Big Four consultancy, she brings strategic insight and a people-first leadership style. Under her guidance, Smart Salem introduced cutting-edge technologies and simplified preventive care access. Amanda champions innovation, operational excellence, and wellness, transforming Smart Salem into Dubai’s premier destination for health screening and personalized healthcare experiences.

Amer Ahmad Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of MBRU, is a visionary leader transforming healthcare and medical education in the UAE. He led the Dubai COVID-19 Command Center and advanced MBRU into a globally recognized academic hub. With degrees in Medicine, Public Health, and Healthcare Management, Sharif champions innovation, policy, and collaboration. His roles across national councils and international academia position him as a key architect of the UAE’s healthcare future, advancing patient-centric care, research, and educational excellence.

Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President of Viatris for MENA and Eurasia, brings over 20 years of global pharmaceutical leadership, focusing on expanding patient access to essential medicines. Formerly with Mylan and Pfizer’s Upjohn, he leads public-private partnerships with UAE health ministries and global institutions. A Cairo University pharmacy graduate with executive training from Kellogg and IMD, he also chairs Harvard Club’s GCC healthcare committee. Mokhtar’s strategic vision and stakeholder alignment continue to drive innovation and healthcare access across complex global markets.

Bader Bader Al Qubaisi, CEO of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, leads with nearly two decades of executive experience, blending innovation with compassionate care. Formerly SEHA’s Group CIO, he drove tech advancement and operational efficiency across the network. At SKMC, he revitalized services and achieved financial gains, overseeing 441 beds, 16 clinics, and pioneering programs like the UAE’s first Kidney Transplant Center. His leadership balances digital transformation with patient-centric care, reinforcing SKMC’s status as a leading medical and teaching institution in the region.

Basel Ziyadeh, CEO of Julphar since February 2023, brings over 25 years of pharmaceutical expertise across MENA. Formerly CEO of Tabuk Pharmaceuticals and a senior leader at Hikma, he’s driven business turnarounds and regional growth. At Julphar, he oversees 12 manufacturing sites, 50-country distribution, and leadership in insulin production. With $441.7M in 2022 revenue and 2,300 employees, Julphar thrives under his strategic vision—expanding global reach while delivering innovative, high-quality healthcare rooted in regional excellence and operational strength.

Elif Aral, a 25-year Pfizer veteran, leads global access initiatives like “An Accord for a Healthier World,” delivering medicines to 45 low-income countries. Formerly head of Internal Medicine and Vaccines for Emerging Markets, she managed a $1.4B portfolio and 200+ treatments. In 2023, her leadership reached 45M patients across the MEA region with 32 product launches and 30 access programs. Backed by executive education from Harvard, Wharton, and Kellogg, Aral continues advancing precision medicine and AI-driven healthcare innovation worldwide.

Elie Chaillot, President & CEO (International) of GE HealthCare, leads an $8B global business with 25,000 professionals across 160+ countries. With over two decades at GE, he has driven strategic growth across EMEA, Asia, and the Intercontinental Region. A biomedical engineer with an MBA in Healthcare Economics, Chaillot champions AI-powered diagnostics and connected care. In 2024, he led key partnerships in the Middle East, advancing Saudi Vision 2030 and reinforcing GE HealthCare’s role in delivering personalized, tech-driven healthcare worldwide.

Matthew White, CEO of Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), brings over two decades of technology expertise to redefine digital asset regulation. A former head of PwC’s Cybersecurity practice and co-founder of two startups, White blends corporate leadership with entrepreneurial insight. With academic credentials from MIT Sloan and Oxford’s Saïd Business School, he champions accessible technology and inclusive dialogue. White’s vision for VARA aligns innovation with trust, positioning Dubai as a global leader in the virtual asset economy.

Dr. George Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, leads 5,600+ caregivers while advancing innovation in healthcare and robotic surgery. A globally renowned urologist, he previously chaired Cleveland Clinic Ohio’s Glickman Institute, doubling patient volumes and reducing complications by 40%. He pioneered scar-free and robotic transplant surgeries in Europe and the UAE, authored 250+ scientific papers, and co-founded Bering Health. With advanced degrees from France and executive training from Wharton and Harvard, Haber continues to shape the future of global healthcare.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Group CEO and Managing Director of M42, leads a global healthcare leader transforming care through AI, genomics, and advanced technology. With 20,000+ employees across 450 facilities in 26 countries, M42 blends innovation with clinical excellence. Formerly CEO of Mubadala Health and CAO at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Nowais also chairs key institutions in healthcare and hospitality. Recognized among the Middle East’s top healthcare leaders, he champions personalized, preventative care through tech-driven, patient-centered healthcare solutions worldwide.

Hein van Eck, CEO of Mediclinic Middle East since 2023, brings over 20 years of healthcare leadership and strategic expertise. A Fellow of UK and South African actuarial bodies, he previously served as Chief Strategy Officer, driving Mediclinic’s growth and M&A initiatives. Under his leadership, Mediclinic City Hospital earned the UAE’s first PSFHI certification in 2024. Overseeing seven hospitals and 28 clinics, Hein champions operational excellence, patient safety, and innovation, solidifying Mediclinic’s reputation as a premier private healthcare provider in the region.

Dr. Husnia Gargash, the UAE’s first local consultant in Reproductive Medicine, is a pioneer in women’s healthcare and fertility treatment. With over two decades of expertise, she founded Gargash Hospital to deliver advanced gynecological and reproductive care, including IVF and minimally invasive surgeries. A leader in medical education and research, she has trained future specialists and published extensively. Her holistic, patient-centered approach and groundbreaking contributions continue to shape reproductive medicine in the UAE, making her a respected and inspiring figure in healthcare.

Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director of PRIME Healthcare Group, has transformed it into one of the UAE’s leading healthcare providers. An accomplished orthopaedic surgeon with over 20 years of leadership, he established PRIME in 1999 and now oversees a network of hospitals and clinics with 450+ physicians. Honored with awards like the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award and a UAE Golden Visa, his patient-first, tech-driven approach and philanthropic efforts continue to shape healthcare excellence and inspire future generations in the region.

John Ireland, CEO of Amanat Holdings, brings strategic vision and financial expertise to one of the MENA region’s leading healthcare and education investment firms. With a background as CFO across diverse sectors, he oversees a portfolio including Cambridge Medical & Rehabilitation Center, Sukoon, Al-Malaki Hospital, and Middlesex University Dubai. A Chartered Accountant with a Business degree from Exeter, Ireland drives Amanat’s expansion across high-impact sectors.

Khaldoon Bushnaq, Co-founder and CEO of Alma Health, leads a digital healthcare platform transforming care for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. With a software engineering degree from Carleton University and an MBA from Cambridge, he blends technical and strategic expertise. Formerly Head of Strategy at Careem, Khaldoon now drives Alma Health’s direct-to-patient model, offering app-based consultations and at-home lab services. Passionate about healthcare access, he also fundraises for cancer research, championing innovation and compassionate care across MENA.

Lennaert Rijken, Regional Vice President at AbbVie, leads operations across the Middle East and Africa, overseeing 1,200 professionals from Dubai. With nearly two decades in pharma, including 11+ years at AbbVie and prior roles at Abbott, he brings global leadership experience from cities like Shanghai, Chicago, and Paris. Under his leadership, AbbVie formed a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health in 2022, advancing local manufacturing and research, and reinforcing AbbVie’s mission to deliver innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes regionally.

Majd Abu Zant, founder of Global Fertility Network and co-founder of OvaSave, is a healthcare visionary with 25+ years of leadership across the MENA region. Formerly CEO of UEMedical, he led its growth and acquisition by Mubadala Health. Backed by $60M in funding, he’s building a cutting-edge fertility clinic in Riyadh. A graduate of McGill and RCSI, Abu Zant champions innovation, accessibility, and patient-centric care, driving transformative change in fertility, women’s health, and healthcare delivery across the region.

Majid Kaddoumi, Regional President at Medtronic, leads operations across the Middle East, Africa, Central & Eastern Europe, and Russia, overseeing 10,000+ professionals. Since 2012, he has driven regional growth, trained 38,000+ healthcare professionals, and expanded treatment to 500,000 patients in 2023. A recipient of Medtronic’s Wallin Award, Kaddoumi’s leadership blends healthcare innovation with strategic vision. With prior roles at GE Healthcare and entrepreneurial ventures, he champions access, education, and digital transformation, shaping the future of healthcare across diverse global markets.

Makram Tebbi, Managing Director of MOBILIS, is a German-certified Prosthetist & Orthotist Master with over 30 years of global experience. Specializing in spinal orthotics and lower limb prosthetics, he has led key roles in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. At MOBILIS, he integrates advanced technology with patient-centric care, driving innovation in assistive devices. Holding an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, Makram is also a published expert and international speaker, committed to transforming mobility and enhancing lives through personalized orthotic and prosthetic solutions.

Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and Executive Council member, is a transformative leader with a career spanning healthcare, media, tech, and energy. Former COO of G42 and Chairman of Bayanat, he led the UAE’s top IPO in 2022. As ex-Director General of the UAE National Media Council, he redefined national media strategy. With board roles across Etisalat, Injazat, and MBZUAI, and degrees from Toledo, MIT, and London Business School, he champions innovation and national development.

Mark Adams, CEO of Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai, brings over 35 years of global healthcare leadership across the UK, USA, and GCC. He has led major organizations like Virgin Healthcare, AXA PPP, and Community Integrated Care, and founded Anglo Arabian Healthcare in Dubai. Known for driving innovation and operational excellence, Mark blends strategic vision with people-focused leadership. At CMC, he champions world-class care and regional expansion, shaping a future of patient-first healthcare while mentoring emerging leaders and serving in influential advisory roles.

Marwan Al Kaabi, CEO of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), brings over 17 years of healthcare leadership experience. Formerly with PureHealth and SEHA, he excels in operations, crisis management, and strategic healthcare delivery. Holding an M.D., a Master’s in Health Emergency Management from Boston University, and a Harvard executive certificate, he blends medical insight with executive acumen. At SSMC, one of the UAE’s premier hospitals, Al Kaabi is driving innovation, patient-centered care, and operational excellence in line with Abu Dhabi’s global healthcare vision.

Dr. Maryam Matar, founder of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, is a pioneering leader in genetic research and public health. The first Emirati woman to serve as Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, she expanded primary care access and launched vital genetic screening programs. An award-winning advocate for women in STEM, she mentors hundreds annually and serves on 15+ global committees. Through her visionary work, Matar continues to elevate the UAE as a hub for genetic innovation and preventative healthcare.

With over 20 years in global healthcare, Dr. Mohaymen Abdelghany is Vice President of Fakeeh Care UAE and CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital. A former JCI consultant and Harvard-trained leader, he drives innovation, strategic partnerships, and quality care at FUH. His focus on patient-centric models, sustainability, and clinical excellence has positioned the hospital as a top-tier institution. Under his leadership, FUH integrates research, education, and advanced treatment, transforming healthcare delivery in the UAE and across the region.

Dr. Muna AbdulRazzaq Tahlak, CEO of Latifa Hospital since 2014, is a trailblazing leader in women’s healthcare. The first Emirati woman trained at Johns Hopkins in obstetrics and gynecology, she introduced minimally invasive techniques and advanced outpatient hysteroscopy in the UAE. Under her leadership, Latifa Hospital earned global accreditations. She also serves as President of the International Hospital Federation and the Emirates OBGYN Society, exemplifying excellence in clinical innovation, education, and administration, while championing women’s health locally and globally.

Naser Al Yammahi, Deputy CEO of Hayat Biotech, is a pivotal force in the UAE’s biotechnology sector. With over 15 years of experience, he has led major initiatives, including the 4Humanity clinical trials and global partnerships in over 60 countries. Al Yammahi helped launch Hayat-Vax, the region’s first COVID-19 vaccine, and oversees key projects like the Life Sciences Park in Abu Dhabi. His leadership continues to advance regional innovation and elevate the UAE’s global position in life sciences.

Ole Per Maloy, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Middle East and Africa, leads with a vision to make healthcare accessible and sustainable. Since 2018, he has championed growth, education, and inclusion, driving innovation through diverse teams and impactful partnerships. Under his leadership, Siemens Healthineers aims for 3.3 billion patient touchpoints by 2030, with 1.25 billion in underserved regions. Backed by an MBA from BI Norwegian Business School, Maloy continues to push boundaries in sustainable, inclusive healthcare transformation across the region.

Omran Al Khoori, Chairman of Response Plus Holding PJSC and board member at Burjeel Holdings, is a visionary Emirati leader advancing healthcare and corporate governance across the UAE. With a degree from Suffolk University, he has led RPM’s regional expansion and champions Emirati leadership in healthcare. Al Khoori also holds board roles at Amanat Holdings, Al Maryah Community Bank, and Keita Catering. A strong advocate for social impact, he serves as Secretary General of the Union for Human Rights Association.

Pelin Incesu, Area Vice President of AstraZeneca for the Middle East and Africa, transitioned from psychiatry to become a trailblazing pharmaceutical leader. The first Turkish woman to lead a country for AstraZeneca, she now oversees $1.2 billion in regional revenue and led COVID-19 vaccine distribution across 61 countries. A champion of sustainability and diversity, Incesu drives initiatives like AZ Forest and Ambition Zero Carbon, while advocating for gender parity and inclusive leadership across AstraZeneca’s 2,500-strong regional workforce.

Rashad Al Moosa, Joint Managing Director of GulfDrug, has led the company’s evolution for over two decades, transforming it into a leader in the UAE’s healthcare industry. A Suffolk University finance graduate, he has championed innovation through high-tech equipment and robotic surgery. Al Moosa also heads multiple ventures across healthcare and business services, reflecting his entrepreneurial acumen. His leadership has positioned GulfDrug as a key player in advancing regional healthcare, delivering cutting-edge solutions and enhancing medical service quality across the UAE.

Raza Siddiqui, CEO of Arabian Healthcare Group, has over 40 years of experience transforming healthcare in India and the UAE. He pioneered medical tourism and spearheaded projects like RAK Hospital, now expanding to 200 beds. A former Apollo Hospitals executive, Siddiqui has led initiatives in clinical labs, medical education, and healthcare infrastructure. Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as a global medical tourism hub, blending world-class care with hospitality. His strategic vision continues to elevate healthcare standards regionally and internationally.

Reem Osman, Regional CEO of Saudi German Hospitals UAE, leads eight hospitals and 12 clinics across seven countries with over 15 years of healthcare leadership experience. A Harvard-trained executive and ophthalmologist, she has driven strategic growth, enhanced care standards, and championed humanitarian initiatives across the region. Recognized among the Arab world’s most influential women, Reem is also a vocal advocate for female empowerment in healthcare. Her leadership continues to shape the region’s healthcare landscape and elevate Saudi German Hospitals’ role in medical tourism.

Saeed Jaber Al Kuwaiti, Group CEO of SEHA, brings over 24 years of healthcare leadership and financial expertise. A key figure in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare reforms, he has led SEHA’s expansion into a world-class network, driving clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and patient-centric care. Al Kuwaiti has overseen flagship institutions like Tawam and SKMC, spearheaded the launch of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, and implemented health insurance reforms. His visionary leadership continues to shape the UAE’s public healthcare ecosystem in partnership with PureHealth.

Samer Masri, Co-Founder and CEO of DarDoc, is revolutionizing home healthcare in the UAE through technology-driven solutions. With over 20 years of experience and academic credentials in medical technology, business, and applied research, Masri combines clinical insight with entrepreneurial expertise. DarDoc’s mobile platform offers comprehensive home-based services, from IV drips to dialysis, redefining patient care accessibility. Previously, he led FourMed to regional success. Masri’s visionary leadership continues to shape a future where healthcare adapts to patients, not the other way around.

Shaista Asif, Co-Founder and Group CEO of PureHealth, has transformed the UAE’s healthcare landscape by leading the company’s evolution into the region’s largest integrated healthcare network. Her strategic vision drove PureHealth’s shift from diagnostics to a tech-enabled ecosystem, overseeing major acquisitions across hospitals, clinics, labs, insurance, and health tech. With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and longevity science, Shaista continues to set industry benchmarks. Under her leadership, PureHealth is redefining global healthcare delivery and expanding its footprint beyond the UAE.

Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has led the group’s transformation into one of the Middle East’s foremost healthcare providers. Since establishing LLH Hospital in 2007, he has built a regional network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies under brands like Burjeel and Medeor. A recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, Shamsheer is also known for his philanthropy and support for Emirati talent. His vision continues to shape the future of healthcare across the UAE and GCC.

With over 20 years in healthcare, Shanila Laiju serves as Group CEO of Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres, combining strategic vision with a human-centric leadership style. Rising from dentistry to senior executive roles, she’s known for operational excellence, financial acumen, and fostering a people-first culture. Laiju champions sustainability, leads multimillion-dollar projects, and mentors women leaders through Aster DM Healthcare. Her efforts continue to shape Medcare’s growth and influence the UAE’s healthcare sector, blending innovation with compassion at every level of care.

Sherif Beshara, Group CEO of Mohamed & Obaid Al Mulla Group, leads American Hospital Dubai with a strong legal and corporate background. Under his leadership, the hospital has advanced as a regional healthcare pioneer, expanding globally with medical tourism offices in Africa. With over 40 specialties, JCI accreditation, and Mayo Clinic affiliation, American Hospital is renowned for clinical excellence and innovation. Beshara’s strategic vision ensures continued growth, international collaboration, and patient-centered care, positioning the hospital as a leader in the UAE and beyond.

Since founding Leader Healthcare in 2009, Sukhdeep Sachdev has grown the company into a multinational healthcare powerhouse spanning three continents. With expertise in applied science and marketing, he leads operations across the Middle East, India, and Australia. Under his guidance, Leader Healthcare has expanded into life sciences, education, and biotech, forming strategic partnerships with global medical brands. Sachdev’s vision bridges global innovation with local healthcare needs, delivering advanced medical technologies and training, while enhancing access to critical healthcare solutions in emerging markets.

Thumbay Moideen, Founder of Thumbay Group, is a pioneering entrepreneur who transformed the UAE’s healthcare and education landscape. Since 1997, he has built a diversified conglomerate spanning 20 sectors, including Gulf Medical University and Thumbay Hospital. Serving patients from 175+ countries and students from 75+ nationalities, his ventures blend innovation, research, and global outreach. With a focus on medical tourism, advanced healthcare, and academic excellence, Thumbay continues to redefine entrepreneurship in the region through vision, impact, and community-centered leadership.

Vincenzo Ventricelli, CEO of Philips Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, leads with over 25 years of expertise across B2C and B2B healthcare sectors. Since joining Philips in 1996, he has driven regional expansion, digital transformation, and brand leadership. Under his guidance, Philips META has enhanced access to health-tech solutions across 15 countries. With a business degree from Bocconi University, Milan, Ventricelli remains committed to innovation, strategic growth, and improving lives through Philips’ mission to positively impact 2.5 billion people annually by 2030.

Zaid Al Siksek, Chairman of Reem Hospital and former CEO of HAAD, has been pivotal in transforming Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system. He led reforms introducing universal health insurance, private sector engagement, and patient-centric models. With deep expertise in health policy, economics, and clinical systems, Zaid established Reem Hospital in 2020—Abu Dhabi’s first post-acute, multi-specialty facility. Under his vision, it delivers AI-driven, outcome-focused care. His continued leadership shapes sustainable, innovative healthcare across the UAE and broader region.

Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of Al Khayyat Investments (AKI), has transformed his father’s modest pharmaceutical venture into a diversified regional powerhouse. Under his leadership, AKI operates across eight countries, employing 10,000 people and spanning sectors from retail and healthcare to automotive and contracting. A graduate of Sawyer Business School, Zaid combines global insight with regional expertise, driving strategic growth while honoring AKI’s entrepreneurial roots. His vision emphasizes innovation, operational excellence, and expanding opportunities across the Middle East and Africa.