Committee 

Dr. Asa’d Izziddin Dajani is a seasoned consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with extensive international experience across Egypt, Kuwait, Austria, and the UAE. A cum laude graduate of Cairo University, he completed postgraduate training in the UK and Austria. Since relocating to the UAE in 1984, he has played a key role in establishing endoscopy services in Sharjah. He holds the Jordanian Board Diploma, and fellowships from both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the American College of Gastroenterologists. Dr. Dajani is an active contributor to medical conferences and journals, sharing his expertise globally.

Dr. Cecilio Azar is a nationally and regionally renowned gastroenterologist with over 15 years of experience in gastroenterology and hepatology. His expertise lies in inflammatory bowel disease and liver disorders, with more than 25 publications in international journals and book chapters. A skilled endoscopist, he performs advanced upper and lower procedures, including intra-gastric balloon placement for obesity. Dr. Azar is an eloquent lecturer, serves on advisory boards of several pharmaceutical companies, and actively teaches medical students, residents, and fellows. He is a member of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO).

Dr. Christos Tzivinikos is a consultant pediatric gastroenterologist with over 25 years of experience, currently at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital in Dubai. He founded the hospital’s pediatric gastroenterology department and serves as clinical associate professor at Mohammed Bin Rashid University. He graduated from Aristotle University, Greece, and completed pediatric training in the UK, including an MSc in pediatric gastroenterology. Dr. Tzivinikos is a fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and specializes in pediatric IBD, eosinophilic GI diseases, neurodisabilities, and advanced endoscopic procedures. He has authored 60+ publications and is active in ESPGHAN and other European gastroenterology organizations.

Dr. Emad Fayyad is a gastroenterology specialist with 27 years of experience. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s from Romania and is Jordan Board certified in gastroenterology. Dr. Fayyad has worked at Rashid Hospital Dubai, Dubai Medical College, and Luliu Hatieganu University in Romania. He is an active member of multiple gastroenterology and ultrasonography societies across the UAE, Jordan, Romania, and Europe. Skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, ERCP, ultrasound, and endoscopic ultrasound, he treats a range of GI conditions.

Dr. Fatma Alshamsi is a pioneering Emirati consultant gastroenterologist with over 10 years of experience, trained in Canada. She is the first Emirati physician to specialize in inflammatory bowel disease and the first female Emirati to complete advanced interventional endoscopy training at the University of Ottawa and McGill University. Her expertise includes ERCP, EUS, cholangioscopy, and complex GI procedures such as cancer staging, biopsies, and EUS-guided interventions. Dr. Alshamsi is passionate about innovation, patient-centered care, and medical education. Her clinical interests include IBD, pancreaticobiliary diseases, and advanced endoscopy.

Dr. Filippos Georgopoulos is a consultant gastroenterologist specializing in clinical gastroenterology and interventional endoscopy. Licensed to practice in Dubai, the UK, and Greece, he is a fellow of the European Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (FEBGH). He worked for 10 years at Nikea General Hospital in Athens, managing advanced therapeutic endoscopy and ERCP with complex biliary, pancreatic, and GI procedures. Dr. Filippos has extensive experience treating inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis) at a Greek Ministry of Health-designated referral center of excellence. He is a regular speaker and published author in GI scientific forums.

Dr. Hussam Saleh is a consultant gastroenterologist with a Bachelor of Medicine and specialist degrees in internal medicine and gastroenterology from Hungary. He specializes in interventional endoscopy and ERCP, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, hepatology disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment. Dr. Saleh is skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies, video capsule endoscopy, percutaneous endoscopy, and liver stiffness measurement using FibroScan.

Dr. Hiba Alla Maskji is a skilled gastroenterologist with over 7 years of experience across the Middle East. She holds a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from Aleppo Medical College, a master’s in gastroenterology, and the Syrian Board in gastroenterology diseases. Dr. Hiba has worked at leading hospitals in the UAE, Oman, and Syria. Her expertise includes gastroscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, intra-gastric balloon placement, liver disease management, and advanced endoscopic procedures. She is a member of several national and international medical associations and has published research in the field.

Dr. Jalal Nafach is a consultant endocrinologist, American Board certified in endocrinology and internal medicine. He trained at the University of Nebraska and Michigan State University, USA. His clinical expertise includes managing diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid diseases, low testosterone in men, hormonal imbalances in women, osteoporosis, pituitary disorders, and neuroendocrine tumors.

Dr. Kaiser Raja is a senior consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology with over 20 years of global experience in India, the Middle East, and North America. He trained at PGIMER, India, and completed a prestigious fellowship in liver diseases and transplant hepatology at Mount Sinai Medical Centre, New York. Based at King’s College Hospital Dubai, he specializes in managing complex liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C, fatty liver, liver cancer, and transplant care. He is also highly skilled in advanced endoscopy and ERCP. Dr. Raja is internationally recognized for his academic contributions and is a trusted expert in IBD, acid reflux, and GI cancers.

Dr. Linette Achecar is a highly experienced consultant gastroenterologist and liver specialist based in Abu Dhabi with over 16 years of clinical expertise. She earned her medical degree from Iberoamericana University, Dominican Republic, and completed her gastroenterology training at Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid. She holds a PhD in liver disease from the University of Alcalá. Dr. Linette specializes in liver and pancreatic diseases, reflux, bowel disorders, and advanced endoscopic procedures including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.

Dr. Laith Al-Rubaiy is a UK-trained, board-certified consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 13 years of clinical experience. He holds a PhD in gastroenterology health services research and serves as an honorary professor at Swansea University and clinical professor at Khalifa University. He trained at top institutions including St Mark’s Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital Liver Transplant Unit in London. An award-winning physician, he was named “Young Gastroenterologist of the Year” by the British Society of Gastroenterology in 2017. He specializes in liver disease, IBD, IBS, endoscopy, and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.

Dr. Mayada Elnegouly is a highly accomplished consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 16 years of international experience. She has served as an assistant professor at Cairo University and spent more than a decade at the Technical University of Munich’s Klinikum Rechts der Isar in Germany. Her expertise spans advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, liver disease, IBD, gastrointestinal oncology, and bariatric endoscopy. She is proficient in upper/lower endoscopy, ESG, EUS, motility testing, and post-liver transplant care. Fluent in Arabic, English, and German, Dr. Mayada is known for combining clinical excellence with cutting-edge techniques to deliver patient-centered gastroenterological care

Dr. Mazen Taha is a senior consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, UAE, where he also serves as chief of the gastroenterology department and chairman of internal medicine. Trained in Dresden and Berlin, Germany, he previously led endoscopy and gastroenterology departments at University Hospital Dresden. Since 2002, he has played a pivotal role in advancing GI care in the UAE and is also a clinical associate professor at UAE University. A member of German gastroenterology societies, Dr. Taha is widely published in GI oncology and endoscopy, reflecting his leadership in both clinical and academic spheres.

Dr. Mazin Rasool Aljabiri is a UK-trained consultant gastroenterologist at Mediclinic Parkview and Mediclinic Dubai Mall with over 15 years of experience. Formerly a consultant in a UK teaching hospital, he has performed over 10,000 gastroscopies and 4,000 colonoscopies. His expertise includes advanced endoscopy, ERCP, IBD, liver transplant care, and endoscopic procedures like ESD and stent placement. Trained in Japan for polypectomy and bowel cancer screening, Dr. Aljabiri is also active in medical education and MRCP training. He is a member of AGA, BSG, RCP, BMA, and GMC, and is a frequent presenter at international medical conferences.

Dr. Quraishi is a leading gastroenterologist specializing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gut microbiome health. He is the clinical and scientific advisor for the University of Birmingham Microbiome Treatment Centre and served as the BSG IBD Quality Improvement Lead. With over 70 peer-reviewed publications and multiple international awards, he is a respected researcher and presenter. Dr. Quraishi previously worked at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and holds an honorary senior clinical lecturer position at the University of Birmingham. He currently practices at SSMC, bringing extensive expertise in IBD and microbiome therapy.

Dr. Osama Yousef, MD, is a staff physician in the gastroenterology department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Digestive Disease Institute and serves as program director of the gastroenterology fellowship. He earned his medical degree from the University of Jordan and completed his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Before joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Yousef was an assistant professor of medicine and associate program director for the gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Missouri, as well as site program director at Truman Medical Center.

Dr. Nathwani graduated from the University of Bombay in 1998 and completed his residency and fellowship in gastroenterology/hepatology at the University of Southern California. He further specialized in advanced therapeutic endoscopy at Thomas Jefferson University, mastering procedures like ERCP and endoscopic ultrasonography. His expertise includes pancreatic and biliary disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and viral hepatitis. Dr. Nathwani has published extensively and received the prestigious Tamayoz Award from Harvard Medical School Dubai for outstanding research. He is an active member of leading gastroenterology and liver disease organizations.

Dr. Rajneesh is a gastroenterologist with 10 years of experience, trained at Govt. MCH Thrissur, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Govt MCH Calicut. He specialized in therapeutic hepatobiliary and pancreatic interventions, emergency endoscopy, and managing GI malignancies. He has performed over 10,000 upper GI endoscopies, 2,000 therapeutic procedures, and 300 ERCPS, including complex interventions like CBD stone removal and Spyglass. He is skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound and has experience managing pre- and post-liver transplant patients. His research focuses on liver diseases and inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Riham Abdelaal is a specialist gastroenterologist with over 10 years of experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of hepatology and gastroenterology conditions. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery with honours, as well as a master’s and PhD in clinical hepatology and gastroenterology from Zagazig University, Egypt. Her research has been featured at international conferences and in leading journals. Dr. Abdelaal’s expertise includes interventional gastroenterology, video capsule endoscopy, FibroScan, advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, and functional disease assessment, including esophageal manometry and PH metry, as well as therapeutic procedures like polypectomy and gastric balloon placement.

Dr. Saeed Al Shaikh is a gastroenterologist with a doctorate of medicine in hepatology from the University of Dublin, Ireland, and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland. He has held leadership roles in major UAE hospitals, including head of medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Al Shaikh specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, managing liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C, chronic liver conditions, and liver transplant care. He also treats inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, and performs endoscopic weight management procedures.

Dr. Sabu Antony K is a seasoned medical gastroenterologist in the UAE with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and liver diseases. Dr. Antony earned his MBBS (1988), MD (1993), and DM (1997) from Calicut University, India. He has authored numerous international publications, essays, and presentations. His clinical practice focuses on delivering expert care for patients with IBD and liver-related conditions.

Dr. Shamsheer Kote is a consultant gastroenterologist at Medcare Hospital, Al Safa, and Medcare Dr. Saeed Al Shaikh Gastro and Obesity Centre. He holds an MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, India, and is a fellow and member of the Royal College of Physicians, London. With extensive UK experience at NHS Trusts and Mediclinic Welcare Dubai, Dr. Kote specializes in GERD, IBD, IBS, liver diseases, and advanced diagnostic techniques like video capsule endoscopy. He is a member of multiple professional societies and advocates patient education and non-surgical weight loss strategies.

Dr. Thomas Cherukara is a consultant gastroenterologist and head of the endoscopy unit at Kuwait Hospital, Sharjah, under Emirates Health Services (EHS). He leads a high-performing team specializing in advanced endoscopic procedures, including bile duct stone removal and gastric variceal management. In early 2025, the unit performed over 780 procedures, reflecting both expertise and innovation. Dr. Cherukara emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technology and skilled medical staff as key pillars of EHS’s commitment to high-quality, effective healthcare. His leadership has positioned the unit at the forefront of gastrointestinal care in the region.

Dr. Yanal Salam is a consultant internal medicine specialist with over 10 years of experience. He graduated from the University of Sharjah and completed his residency at Tawam Hospital, UAE, with an ACGME-I accredited internal medicine board. Dr. Salam holds MRCP and specialty certificates in endocrinology and diabetes from the Royal College of Physicians (UK). He is passionate about managing diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal diseases. Active in media, he frequently discusses internal medicine topics internationally. Dr. Salam combines expert clinical care with personalized treatment for chronic diseases in Dubai.

Dr. Zaher Koutoubi is a staff physician in gastroenterology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He previously served as consultant and clinical peer review chairman at Tawam Hospital, UAE, and as chief of gastroenterology at Kingdom Hospital, Riyadh. He earned his MD from Cluj-Napoca University, Romania, completed internal medicine residency at Wright State University, and gastroenterology fellowship at Saint Louis University, where he was also assistant professor. Board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, Dr. Koutoubi specializes in hepatology, liver transplantation, IBD, and endoscopy. He is actively involved in research and editorial work for leading medical journals.

Dr. Yanal Salam is a consultant internal medicine specialist with over 10 years of experience. He graduated from the University of Sharjah and completed his residency at Tawam Hospital, UAE, with an ACGME-I accredited internal medicine board. Dr. Salam holds MRCP and specialty certificates in endocrinology and diabetes from the Royal College of Physicians (UK). He is passionate about managing diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal diseases. Active in media, he frequently discusses internal medicine topics internationally. Dr. Salam combines expert clinical care with personalized treatment for chronic diseases in Dubai.

Dr. Heba Al Farhan is a consultant in internal medicine, gastroenterology, hepatology, and advanced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based in Kuwait. She holds board certifications from the Saudi Board and is a member of the UK Royal College of Physicians. Dr. Al Farhan trained in advanced IBD and bowel imaging at the University of Calgary. She serves as vice president of the Kuwait Gastroenterology Association and is active in the International Bowel Ultrasound Group. Her research focuses on using intestinal ultrasound to monitor IBD treatment. Clinically, she manages a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease and liver conditions.

Dr. Malay Sharma is a renowned gastroenterologist with extensive expertise in digestive health and advanced endoscopic procedures. He completed his medical training and gastroenterology specialization in India and has since gained international experience. Dr. Sharma is known for his skill in managing complex gastrointestinal disorders, including liver diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatic conditions. He is actively involved in clinical research and has contributed to numerous scientific publications. Committed to patient care and medical education, Dr. Sharma frequently participates in conferences and workshops worldwide, sharing knowledge on the latest advances in gastroenterology and therapeutic endoscopy.

Dr. Nayantara Coelho-Prabhu is a professor of medicine and consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. A specialist in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), she emphasizes advanced endoscopic imaging and techniques such as chromoendoscopy to detect dysplasia and early cancer in IBD patients. Her research spans dysplasia epidemiology in IBD, enhanced imaging tools, and artificial intelligence to refine endoscopic quality and lesion detection. Dr. Coelho-Prabhu also mentors trainees, contributes to clinical trials, and holds leadership roles in gastroenterology societies, including serving as governor for Minnesota in the American College of Gastroenterology.

Fellow of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Member of AGA & ECCO
Dr. Mohamed Assem Khorshid is a gastroenterologist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in chronic intestinal diseases. He received advanced endoscopy training in Chicago, USA, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is a regular invited speaker and trainer at national and international scientific conferences. Dr. Khorshid leads Crohn’s & Colitis Egypt, the first medical facility in Egypt dedicated solely to chronic intestinal conditions. The center is committed to accurate diagnosis, the latest treatment protocols, and a holistic approach to care. With a focus on nutrition, lifestyle modification, and patient education, the clinic empowers individuals to manage their conditions and improve their overall well-being.