Committee 

Dr. Abid Showkat Zargar Is A Consultant Gastroenterologist With Over 10 Years Of Experience In Gastroenterology And Hepatology. He Led The Gastroenterology Department At Bansal Hospital, India, And Introduced Eus And Ercp Services. He Completed Advanced Training In Endoscopy, Eus, And Ercp In India And South Korea. Recognized With The Asian Young Endoscopist Award, He Specializes In Advanced Procedures Like Emr, Esd, And Endoscopic Management Of Obesity And Reflux Disease. He Has Worked at Top Hospitals in Dubai and Has Over 40 Peer-Reviewed Publications. Dr. Zargar Is Also Active in Cancer Awareness Programs and International Medical Forums.

Dr. Asa'd Izziddin Dajani is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with a medical degree from Cairo  University. He has worked in hospitals across Egypt, Kuwait, Austria, and the UAE. Dr. Dajani holds a Jordanian board diplomate, fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and the American College of Gastroenterologists. He is actively involved in medical conferences, lectures, and regularly publishes in medical journals, contributing to advancements in gastroenterology and hepatology

Dr. Ali Al Fazari is a gastroenterologist with over 15 years of experience. He completed his internal medicine residency at Dalhousie University and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Ali has worked at major  Canadian hospitals and has research interests in gastric and colonic inflammation, gastrointestinal carcinogenesis,  and hepatotoxicity. He is an Associate Professor at UAE University and a Clinical Professor at Gulf Medical University.  Additionally, he is the founding President of the Emirates Digestive Diseases International Conference

Dr. Ahmed Sultan is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi, with expertise in liver and digestive disorders. Trained at Mansoura University in Egypt, he is involved in clinical trials on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures,  ncluding third-space endoscopy. Dr. Sultan has a teaching background at the Faculty of Medicine of Mansoura University Hospital and holds an adjunct faculty position at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Amal Premchandra Upadhyay is a highly experienced consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology at Medcare  Hospital in Dubai. He holds an MBBS, MD, and DM from India, is a diplomate of the National Board, and is a fellow of  the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh). With over a decade of experience in the Middle East, including at the  Royal Hospital in Oman, Dr. Upadhyay specializes in advanced endoscopy, GI bleeding, IBD, GERD, IBS, liver diseases,  cancer screening, and obesity management. He is also an active member of several prestigious gastroenterology societies.

Dr. Ammar Kheir is a consultant gastroenterologist and director of the Complex Luminal Endoscopic Resection Program  at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He completed his gastroenterology training and an advanced therapeutic colonoscopy fellowship in Brisbane, Australia, with additional specialized training at Kyushu University Hospital in Japan. Dr.Kheir  specializes in image-enhanced endoscopy, advanced endoscopic resection techniques (including wide-field EMR and  ESD), and GI polyposis syndromes. He has presented internationally, published in peer-reviewed journals, and authored  textbook chapters on endoscopy.

Dr. Christos Tzivinikos is a Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist with over 25 years of experience. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at MBRU School of Medicine and practices at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, UAE. He earned his MBBS from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, completed general and subspecialty training in London, and holds an MSc from the University of Aberdeen (UK). His expertise includes IBD, EGIDs, PEG, and caring for  children with neurodisabilities and congenital heart disease. He has published extensively.

A distinguished Gastroenterology Consultant with over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Emad Fayyad leads the department at Medcare Hospital, Dubai. A pioneer in the Middle East, he introduced the innovative, non-invasive GerdX procedure for acid reflux and performed the UAE's first endoscopic fundoplication for GERD. Highly skilled in advanced endoscopic techniques including EUS and ERCP, he holds multiple international certifications and is an active member of several prestigious gastroenterology societies.

Dr. Farooq Khan is a UK-trained consultant in hepatology and gastroenterology. He offers a bespoke service for the  early screening and management of diabetes and fatty liver disease. Dr. Khan completed training in the Trent GI  Programme and liver transplant training at St. James's Hospital in Leeds. He specializes in interventional endoscopy,  including ERCP, SpyGlass, EUS, EMR, ESD, and endobariatric procedures. Dr. Khan is committed to training physicians  in the Gulf region and holds memberships in several international GI and hepatology societies. He frequently lectures  and publishes research in the field.

Dr. Fatma Alshamsi is a pioneering Emirati gastroenterologist specializing in inflammatory bowel diseases such as  Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. She graduated from the University of Ottawa and became the first female Emirati  physician to specialize in interventional endoscopy. With over 10 years of experience, she focuses on advanced ERCP,  cholangioscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound. Dr. Alshamsi is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes, advancing medical education, and her areas of expertise include inflammatory bowel diseases, pancreaticobiliary diseases, and advanced interventional endoscopy.

Dr. Filippos Georgopoulos is a renowned gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopy specialist with extensive  experience in inflammatory bowel disease. He holds full licenses to practice in Dubai, the UK, and Greece. He previously served as a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Nikea General Hospital in Athens for 10 years, performing hundreds of complex procedures. Dr. Georgopoulos has published numerous papers, regularly speaks on GI topics, and has worked in a gastroenterology department recognized as a referral center of excellence for IBD.

Dr. Hussam Saleh is a consultant gastroenterologist at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Dubai. He holds a Bachelor of  Medicine and specialist degrees in internal medicine and gastroenterology from Hungary. Dr. Saleh specializes in interventional endoscopy, ERCP, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, hepatology, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment. He is also skilled in video capsule endoscopy, percutaneous endoscopic procedures, and liver stiffness measurement using FibroScan

Dr. Jalal Nafach is a consultant endocrinologist with dual American Board certifications in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, as well as in internal medicine. He completed his endocrinology training at the University of Nebraska (USA) and his internal medicine residency at Michigan State University (USA). Dr. Nafach currently practices at the Dubai Diabetes Centre.

Dr. Jenan Ghaith is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. She is American  and Canadian Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Trained at McGill University and the  University of Toronto, she further specialized in advanced pancreaticobiliary endoscopy at Cedars-Sinai Medical  Center, USA. Dr. Ghaith's expertise includes endoscopic treatment of GERD, obesity, and complex pancreaticobiliary  diseases. She is an advocate for women in medicine and an active member of global endoscopy societies. Her  innovative approach to patient care combines advanced techniques with a commitment to clinical excellence

Dr. Kaiser Raja is a senior consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology with over 20 years of global experience across India, the Middle East, and North America. He trained at PGIMER in India and completed a prestigious fellowship in liver diseases and transplant hepatology at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York. Based at King's College Hospital in Dubai, he specializes in managing complex liver conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis B/C, fatty liver disease, 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. Khalid Osman Elamin Elsayed, a Consultant Gastroenterologist, graduated from the University of Khartoum and holds memberships and fellowships from the Royal College of Physicians (UK). With extensive experience in the UK and UAE, he has led gastroenterological advancements at institutions like Burjeel Hospital and Sheikh Shakhbout  Medical City. Renowned for his expertise in advanced biliary endoscopy and gastrointestinal oncology, he continues to set standards of excellence in the field.

Dr. Linette Maria Achecar Justo is a consultant gastroenterologist with 13 years of experience. She graduated from  medical school in the Dominican Republic in 2006 and completed her gastroenterology specialization in Madrid in 2011. Dr. Justo excels in liver diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, endoscopic ultrasound, and motility disorders, and practices at NMC Royal Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Prof. Lisa Sharkey is a Consultant Gastroenterologist with specialist expertise in luminal gastroenterology, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease, clinical nutrition, and intestinal failure. She spent eight years as a Consultant at Cambridge University Hospital, UK, before relocating in 2023 to King's College Hospital Dubai currently serves as Director of the Intestinal Rehabilitation Centre and Director of Education. Prof. Sharkey also the position of Associate Clinical Professor at Gulf Medical University and is actively engaged in academic research education, and editorial work.

Dr. Mohamed Nada is a German board-certified Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with extensive clinical experience across Germany and the UAE. He joined NMC in 2026, bringing advanced expertise in therapeutic and interventional endoscopy, hepatology, and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Nada also holds a master's degree in health business administration and has a strong interest in clinical leadership, quality improvement, and patient-centered

Dr. Mazen Taha is the Chair of Internal Medicine at Tawam Hospital in the UAE and an Associate Professor at UAE University. He previously held prominent roles at University Hospital Dresden in Germany. Trained in medicine and gastroenterology/hepatology in Germany, he joined Tawam Hospital in 2002 as a senior consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Taha is certified in hepatology and leads the Pharmacy Therapeutic Committee at Tawam. His research interests include gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy.

Dr. Mazin Rasool Aljabiri is a consultant physician and gastroenterologist with over 15 years of experience. He has performed over 4,000 colonoscopies, 10,000 gastroscopies, and managed complex ERCP cases. Dr. Aljabiri has a  particular interest in inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology, and interventional endoscopy, including bowel cancer  screening, with over 450 polypectomies performed. Trained in Japan in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), he is also active in medical education and speaks at national and international conferences. He is a member of several professional societies including the American Gastroenterology Association and the British Society of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Naglaa Alhosary is a highly experienced consultant in gastroenterology and hepatology with over 27 years of clinical expertise, including 22 years dedicated to the specialty. She is recognized for her comprehensive approach to managing complex gastrointestinal and liver disorders, supported by a strong background in internal medicine. Dr. Alhosary is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care and is a trusted expert in her field.

Dr. Osama Yousef is an American board-certified Consultant Gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where he serves as Program Director of the GI Fellowship and Director of Esophageal Diseases and Motility. With over a decade of specialized experience following his training at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, his expertise lies in GI motility, inflammatory bowel disease, and advanced endoscopy. An accomplished researcher and author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Yousef is dedicated to advancing patient care and medical education in gastroenterology.

Dr. Rajneesh Rajan is a consultant gastroenterologist with over 10 years of experience, trained at Govt. MCH Thrissur, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Govt. MCH Calicut. He specializes in therapeutic hepatobiliary and pancreatic interventions, emergency endoscopy, and the management of GI malignancies. He has performed over 10,000 upper GI endoscopies, 2,000 therapeutic procedures, and 300 ERCPs, including complex interventions such as CBD stone removal and SpyGlass procedures. Dr. Rajan is also 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 and hepatologist with over 12 years of experience in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal and liver diseases. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine from Zagazig University, Egypt, and  earned both a Master's degree (2016) and a PhD (2021) in clinical hepatology & gastroenterology from the same institution. Dr. Abdelaal is certified in advanced therapeutic endoscopy by the Royal College of Physicians, London, and holds the European Board Certification in Gastroenterology & Hepatology (ESEGH, 2023). An active researcher, she has  published in high-impact journals including the Journal of Hepatology and presented at international conferences.

Dr. Nathwani is American Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He completed his residency and  fellowship at the University of Southern California, followed by advanced endoscopy training at Thomas Jefferson  University. Skilled in ERCP, EUS, EMR, capsule endoscopy, and double-balloon enterostomy, he has authored numerous scientific papers and received the 'Tamayoz Award' for outstanding research. He serves on the UAE IBD expert panel and is a member of leading gastroenterology societies.

Dr. Shamsheer Kote is a consultant gastroenterologist with extensive UK and UAE experience. He is a fellow of the  Royal College of Physicians (London) and holds a membership of the Royal College of Physicians and a UK CCST  certification. Dr. Kote previously practiced as a consultant in the UK’s National Health Service before moving to the UAE, where he has held positions at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital and as an assistant professor at MBRU. He is an active  member of several professional societies including the British Society of Gastroenterology and the European Association for the Study of the Liver.

Dr. Shimaa Afify Mansour is a Consultant With over 18 years of experience, she serves as Head of Gastroenterology and  leads advanced endoscopy services. Dr. Afify is an active member of international societies, a Harvard-trained  educator, and a dedicated advocate for equity and mentorship in endoscopy. She has authored numerous  publications and regularly trains peers globally, focusing on therapeutic endoscopy and hepatology.

Dr. Saeed Al Shaikh is an Emirati Consultant Gastroenterologist with 28 years of experience in gastroenterology and hepatology. He holds a Doctorate of Medicine in Hepatology from the University of Dublin (NUI), Ireland, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (FRCPI). Dr. Al Shaikh specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, liver diseases including hepatitis B and C, inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and endoscopic weight management. He has held senior leadership roles across major hospitals in the UAE and is active in international gastroenterology associations.

Dr. Veeraraghavan Krishnamurthy is a Specialist Gastroenterologist and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology  at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain. He holds MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM and DNB in Gastroenterology, and is  registered with the UK General Medical Council. His expertise includes diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, ERCP, EUS, early gastrointestinal cancer detection, and advanced endoscopic resections. He is an award-winning clinician  with numerous peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations.

Dr. Thomas Cherukara is the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy at Al Qassimi & Kuwait Hospitals in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. A distinguished physician and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Glasgow, he is an award-winning researcher and a former Secretary General of the Emirates Gastroenterology Society. He also serves as an examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow.

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) through an ACGME-I accredited program.  He holds MRCP and specialty certificates in endocrinology and diabetes from the Royal College of Physicians (UK). Dr.  Salam specializes in managing diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal diseases. An active media contributor, he frequently discusses internal medicine topics internationally and is known for combining expert clinical care with compassionate patient-centered treatment in Dubai.

Dr. Yaser El-Gazzar is a UK-trained senior consultant in gastroenterology, hepatology, and endoscopy with over 30 years of clinical and academic experience. He trained at Birmingham University Hospitals and earned his MD/PhD in  liver transplantation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. A former senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, he currently holds adjunct professorships at Mohamed Bin Rashid University and Gulf Medical University. He leads the  IBD service at King's College Hospital London and has performed over 30,000 endoscopic procedures. Dr. El-Gazzar is  a fellow of multiple global medical bodies and a certified bowel cancer screening specialist in the UK.