Chief Medical Officer
SEHA Mental Health Services
Dr. Nahida Ahmed, our Chief Medical Officer, is a distinguished psychiatrist and a staunch advocate for evidence-based practices in mental healthcare. Her commitment to the highest standards of clinical care ensures that every patient at Sakina receives personalized, research-driven treatment.
Dr. Nahida Ahmed is an Emarati Consultant Psychiatrist who trained at Tufts University-affiliated St. Elizabeth Medical Centre for Residency and Harvard University-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship. She has since been on the front line for mental health changes nationwide. Dr. Ahmed is an adjunct associate professor at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, and an Associate Lecturer at Khalifa University. Dr. Ahmed has authored and published several research papers nationally and internationally. She is a notable speaker on national and international platforms, an avid reader, a travel enthusiast, a mother to three exceptional children, and a spouse to a distinguished Transplant Nephrologist.
CEO- Reem Neuroscience
Dr. Samer Makhoul is a Consultant Psychiatry at Reem Hospital who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Depression, Mood, Anxiety, Panic Disorders, and more. He holds an MBBS from Damascus University, Syria, and is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Dr. Samer also has broad experience working with well-known UAE and UK facilities. He also has a special interest in the field of Aviation, where he holds the title of Specialist Aeromedical Examiner by the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE.
In addition, Dr. Samer also owns a certificate of Psychopharmacology from the British Association of Psychopharmacology and a post-graduate certificate in Autism from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. He previously held prominent positions as a Multidisciplinary Service Director, Head of the Psychiatry Department, and Deputy Chief Medical Officer. He is also a regular speaker at national and international conferences with multiple publications in medical journals.
Dr. Samer is passionate and committed to patient care and strongly committed to the field of Psychiatry with a will and aims to raise awareness about mental health regionally.
Acting Director - Group Marketing and Communications
Corporate Marketing & Communication Dept.
Abu Dhabi Health Services Company - SEHA
Dr. Hamda Salem Al Neyadi is the Acting Group Marketing and Communications Director at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA). With extensive expertise in all aspects of marketing, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Driven by a passion for effective communication strategies, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing corporate marketing and communication initiatives. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to delivering impactful marketing solutions contribute to the success of SEHA in the dynamic healthcare industry.
Consultant Psychiatrist
Behavioral Sciences Pavilion
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Dr. Aisha Al Dhufairi, a distinguished consultant psychiatrist at BSP-SKMC, is a respected figure in the field of general adult psychiatry. With membership in the Royal College of Psychiatrists, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. In addition to her clinical work, her leadership skills shine through as she served as the Clinical Director of the Psychiatry Department at BSP-SKMC from 2021 to 2022. Her dedication to mental health and her commitment to advancing the field make her an invaluable resource for patients and colleagues alike, contributing significantly to the well-being of those she serves.
Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist
Division head of Liaison services
Behavioral Sciences Pavilion
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Prof. Ayman Guirguis is a UK trained consultant psychiatrist, certified by the General Medical Council in Old Age Psychiatry with additional subspecialty endorsement in liaison psychiatry, approved clinical and educational supervisor. He has 26 years of experience in mental disorder, academic and managerial roles in the National Health Service (NHS) University hospitals in the UK, assessing and treating a wide broad range of psychiatric disorders, either functional or organic with multiple comorbidities. Service development, clustering, care quality and operational management pathways.
He moved from the UK 1 year ago as consultant liaison psychiatrist, clinical lead of the liaison service at Oxford Health Foundation Trust, National Spinal Injury Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and Professor of clinical psychiatry (honorary), department of psychiatry, University of Oxford. He was previously a consultant psychiatrist in Cambridge and Peterborough NHS foundation Trust, visiting researcher and undergraduate tutor at the department of psychiatry university of Cambridge.
Prof. Guirguis managed to combine his training and early consultant career with academic research and PhD focused on mood disorder and fatigue in renal disease. The recognition of his growing profile in liaison psychiatry is reflected in being awarded Clinical Excellence Award for 3 consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. His research interests include mood disorder and fatigue in chronic physical illness and end‐stage kidney disease which was the topic of his doctoral thesis. He presented his work nationally and internationally and was awarded by the NIHR for best non-clinical study for the year 2022-2023.
Nursing Manager
Behavioral Sciences Pavilion
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
An experienced mental health nurse manager with more than 22 years’ experience in various acute and long-term mental health care settings, mental health community case management (CCMT), Day Care Centre, and Chemical Dependency Units, Forensic Units as well as outpatient clinics (adult and child psychiatry, old age, and women health). Currently lead SKMC/BSP Inpatient and Out Patient . Demonstrated experience in improving quality, patient outcome and staff satisfaction. Excellent in bringing teams together in complex tertiary healthcare environments to improve processes and policies in support to patient quality care, and hospital strategic initiatives.
Consultant Family Medicine
Sheikha Khalifa Medical City
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Fahad Khan is a highly qualified UK-trained Family Medicine Consultant with certifications in MRCGP and CCT. He has pursued extensive education, holding Postgraduate Qualifications in Medical Education as well as a Master’s in Healthcare Management. Throughout his career, he has excelled in clinical practice, healthcare administration, and education, showcasing a multifaceted skill set.
Dr. Fahad Khan has developed a special interest in mental health integration and received additional training in this area. He has been granted psychiatry privileges for Family Medicine by SEHA’s (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company) Behavioural Sciences Department. As a core teaching faculty member for the SKMC (Sheikh Khalifa Medical City) family medicine residency program and having held positions as Adjunct Assistant Professor at UAEU and Adjunct Senior Clinical Lecturer at KU, he is deeply committed to shaping the future generation of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Khan’s passion lies in delivering high-quality primary healthcare services and contributing to healthcare excellence in the UAE.
Psychiatry Resident
Al Amal Hospital
Dr. Faisal Nawaz is a Psychiatry Resident Doctor at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Nawaz completed 6 years of medical training and was awarded the “Alumni Excellence Award” upon completion of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program. During his undergraduate training years in the UAE, Dr. Nawaz also shared the privilege of exploring diverse health systems in countries including the USA, Jordan, and India. With an unwavering commitment to advancing the field of mental health, he has authored over 60 peer-reviewed research publications and delivered presentations at international and local conferences.
Dr. Nawaz’s research expertise extends across diverse domains, including mental health, global health, digital health, and medical education. Beyond his clinical pursuits, Dr. Nawaz serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of the Global Remote Research Scholars Program. By fostering new areas for growth in mental health innovations, Dr. Nawaz aims to strengthen the digital infrastructure and knowledge base for technology-enhanced care for psychiatric services worldwide.
Clinical Psychologist
Behavioural Sciences Institute – Al Ain Hospital
Ms. Fakhera Hamad Al Darmaki has a strong clinical background and experience working with a variety of mental health disorders in children and adults. Her clinical skills are backed by her strong academic record, which includes a master’s degree in psychology from a top university United Arab Emirates University, with one year of experience in Al Ain Hospital as an assistant psychologist, currently, Ms. Fakhera works as a clinical psychologist in Al Ain hospital.
Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Addiction Lead of SEHA Mental Health Services
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dr. Hawraa Sajwani is a Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and the Addiction Lead of SEHA Mental Health Services, Abu Dhabi. She has 14 years of experience in Psychiatry including two years of fellowship training in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – United States, and two years in Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry from the University of Toronto – Canada. Dr. Sajwani is currently in charge of the Chemical Dependency Unit (Addiction Services) at the Behavioural Sciences Pavilion of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. She is also the psychiatry clerkship director of Khalifa University and a faculty member of several residency and clerkship training programs. She holds a Masters in Addiction Studies, the ISAM certification, a diploma in psychotherapy, CMQ in medical quality, MRCPsych, and the Arab Board in Psychiatry, and she has published in several high-ranked journals.
Nursing Manager
Behavioral Sciences Pavilion
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Ms. Hayat Ahmed Ismail is a Registered Nurse and has been in the healthcare industry for 20 years. Her job includes working closely with the Community Mental Health Services, Inpatient Staff and Physicians to develop a treatment plan and provide timely, cost-effective medical care. Behavioral Science Institute of Al Ain Hospital where she is working as an Acting Nurse Manager provides adult acute care inpatient service with 33 Acute Care Bed Capacity Male Unit 21 Beds and Female Unit 12 Beds, Male forensic psychiatric inpatient unit of 16 Beds, psychotherapy service, and community service for patients with mental health and emotional problems.
Mrs. Hayat is a graduate of Bachelor Science in Nursing in Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt. She is an active member and chairperson of different healthcare committees. She is the chairperson of SEHA Mental Health- Nursing Advisory Group, champion in JCIA Triennial Accreditations, member of the Specialized Scientific Committee for Nursing Mental Health, and many more.
Project Manager
Abu Dhabi Health Services Company - SEHA
Neha Qazi stands at the forefront of mental health advocacy as a dedicated Project Manager at SEHA Mental Health & Wellbeing Services. Fuelled by a profound passion for culturally relevant mental health practices, Neha is committed to spearheading evidence-based advances in integrated mental health across the region.
For over a decade, Neha has been a catalyst for psychological, social, and emotional development among young individuals. Her multifaceted journey encompasses roles as a psycho-educator, counselor, child protection coordinator, and psychologist. This diverse experience has equipped her with a holistic understanding of the intricate facets of mental health.
Neha’s academic journey reflects her commitment to excellence. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New York University, New York, and has earned both a Master of Arts and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology. Her educational prowess forms the bedrock of her nuanced and empathetic approach to mental health
Embracing a growth mindset, Neha thrives on contuous learning and development. With each role she has undertaken, she has not only met challenges head-on but has also actively sought opportunities to expand her knowledge and skill set. Neha is poised to make a significant impact as she eagerly participates in the 4th Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference. Her enthusiasm to collaborate with international ambassadors of Mental Health & Wellbeing underscores her commitment to fostering a global dialogue on mental health practices.
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Behavioral Sciences Pavilion – SKMC
Dr. Saad Omar Alkhanbashi is a distinguished clinical psychologist specializing in marriage and family therapy. With a rich career spanning over 15 years, eight of which were spent in the United States, Dr. Alkhanbashi has garnered profound experience across different geographies. A licensed psychologist in both his home country and California, his expertise extends to handling disorders, trauma, couples, and family dynamics with commendable proficiency. His rigorous training in couples therapy and systemic theories uniquely positions him to provide comprehensive psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health and relational well-being.
Acting Medical Services Sector Director
National Rehabilitation Center UAE
Dr. Samya Al Mamari holds a diverse educational background, including a BSN from Sharjah
University in 2003, a Master’s in Quality Management from the University of Wollongong in 2007,
and a Master’s in Public Health in Leadership and Management of Healthcare Systems from
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) in 2011. In 2018, she earned her
Doctoral Degree in Public Health from JHSPH.
Throughout her career, she advanced from a staff nurse in various units, to become the Director
of Nursing. She held leadership roles at Zayed Military Hospital and the National Rehabilitation
Center, ultimately becoming Acting Medical Services Sector Director. Dr. Al Mamari is actively
involved in professional organizations, including chairing the ISSUP UAE National Chapter and
serving as the Eastern Mediterranean Deputy Regional President of WAPR. Her passion for
leadership extends to her role as an inspirational speaker, particularly motivating young female
Emirati professionals to pursue leadership positions. Furthermore, she has a significant body of
published work to her credit.
© 2024, 4th Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference