Speakers

Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Elsayed Hassan is a specialist neurologist. He graduated in 2007, obtained a
Master’s in Neurology from Mansoura University in 2013, and earned the MRCP (UK) Specialty
Certificate in Neurology in 2019. He worked in Kuwait until 2022 and is now practicing at Tawam
Hospital and STMC in the UAE. He is accredited as an AANEM Clinical Neurophysiology Additional
Physician, has multiple publications, and is a co-investigator in several clinical trials. His clinical
interests include neuromuscular disorders, EMG, neurophysiology, neuroimmunology, and multiple
sclerosis.

Dr. Ahmed Osman Shatila obtained his BSc in Science Biology from the Wayne State University in the United States. He continued his medical education from the medical college of Wayne State University. 
Dr. Shatila’s conducted a residency in neurology at Wayne State University and continued his fellowship in neurophysiology. 

His interests include inpatient Neurology, but not limited to Stroke, IV TPA program development, Status Epilepticus, Multiple Sclerosis, Public Awareness of different Neurological Diseases with 10 years of experience and He is also interested in helping facilities develop a Neuro Hospitalist model where the inpatient care can develop independently from the outpatient services.

Dr. Anu Jacob, MD, DM, FRCP, is a Staff Physician in the Neurological Institute and Director of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Jacob was a consultant neurologist at the Walton Center for neurology and neurosurgery in Liverpool, United Kingdom. 

Dr. Jacob received his medical degree and internal medicine residency from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, India and neurological certification (DM) training at Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, India. He received his Membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Neurology Board certification in the UK and completed his fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.  

Dr. Jacob served as the National Director for the United Kingdom NHS specialist service for Neuromyelitis optica and he was also the Director for multiple sclerosis services for North Wales, caring for more than 1000 patients affected by the condition. Whilst in the UK, Dr Jacob set up the National NMO service (the first ever comprehensive NMO service in the world) and was awarded the  Royal College of physicians Excellence in patient care award for his work that changed the lives of patients with NMO in UK. 

Dr. Jacob is passionate about education and research and published 3 doctoral theses during his training. Putting his knowledge and skills into practice he has published more than 100 peer reviewed research articles and several book chapters and he was the Chief /Principal or co-investigator for several clinical trials on MS or NMO and has received several research grants. He enjoys teaching at all levels and regularly lectures medical students and nurses, is an examiner for PHD degrees both in UK and abroad and has given more than 100 lectures across the world including at the American Academy of Neurology, European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) and British Neurological Association.

Dr. Azza Ismail is a consultant neurologist with an extensive experience in multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders. She completed her neurology training and Ph.D. in Translational Neuroscience in Sheffield (UK) where she  was appointed as a neurology consultant at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Sheffield.

Dr. Ismail has a particular interest in pregnancy and women’s health in MS and has won multiple prestigious national awards for her achievements in the field. She established the first consultant-led MS-pregnancy clinic in the North of England in May 2021. In addition to her clinical roles, she was the Neurology Training Programme Director for neurology Foundation and Internal Medicine Trainees.  

Dr. Ismail’s areas of research interest are neuro-inflammation, therapeutic clinical trials, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and women’s health in MS. She is a Principal Investigator in several clinical trials and has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented her work in national and international meetings.

Aly Ezzat is a strategic Medical Manager with 14 years of biopharmaceutical leadership across GCC markets, currently leading Neurology and Ophthalmology at Sanofi Dubai. Holding an MSc and MBA from SBS Swiss Business School, he is a pioneer in AI-driven diagnostics and omnichannel strategy, having reduced rare disease diagnosis time by 40%. Aly has supervised 8 clinical trials with 100% regulatory compliance and published 6 peer-reviewed studies on GCC rare disease epidemiology. A trilingual professional fluent in Arabic, English, and French, he leads cross-functional teams across neurology, rare diseases, and ophthalmology, combining scientific excellence with measurable business impact.

Dr. Gina Zambrano holds a degree in Medicine from the University of Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia, in 2002. European urological surgeon from Hospital of Getafe, Spain (2005 to 2010), endorsed for the European Board of Urology certification (EBU, 2018). Observationalship in the pelvic floor units and reconstructive surgery at Leuven Hospital, Belgium, and at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, England, in 2013.

Doctoral thesis is the Spanish branch of the Randomized European Study Screening for Cancer De Prostate (ERSPC; www.erspc.org), 2015, University of Alcalá, Spain. Worked at ADSCC in the study of stem cell treatments in the urological field. Currently working at SKMC as a Consultant Urologist.

Dr. Inas El-Najjar is an astute practitioner and researcher with 20 years of extensive experience in both the UAE and the UK. She has held several prominent positions exemplifying her commitment to the highest standards of clinical excellence, including working as a Consultant Hematologist at the prestigious Guy’s and St. Thomas NHS trust in central London. Additionally, she served as an Honorary Consultant at King’s College London

Moreover, she has published several papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented at prominent international meetings, including the American Society of Hematology and the European Bone Marrow Transplant. As a further demonstration of her leadership capabilities, she served as the Lead Educational Supervisor for hematology core medical trainees at Guy's Hospital in partnership with the London Deanery. Dr. El-Najjar strives to provide patients with evidence-based hematology care in accordance with the latest research.

Prof. Jihad Inshasi is a Consultant Neurologist at Rashid Hospital, Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), and a Professor of Neurology at Dubai Medical College (DMCG). He developed the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Rashid Hospital/DAHC (MENACTRIMS accredited)

Prof. Inshasi is Founding and ex-Board Member of the Emirates Neurology Society (EMINS/EMA). He is founding and executive board member of the MENACTRIMS and  member of the medical advisory committee of the National MS Society (NMSS).

Prof. Inshasi is a member of several local, regional, and international associations, societies, and advisory boards committees. He is a member and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology (FAAN) and a member and Fellow of the European Academy of neurology (FEAN)

Prof. Inshasi has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals. He has participated as principle and leading investigator in phase 2, 3 & 4 drug trials and has conducted an array of research projects in the field of multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Khadija Al Hammadi is a resident physician at the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and serves on the Program Evaluation Committee. She earned her medical degree from Khalifa University as part of its inaugural graduating class in 2023, where she also earned her degree in biomedical engineering. Her academic interests include autoimmune neurology, overlap syndromes, and the integration of engineering and clinical neuroscience to advance diagnostic and therapeutic innovation.

Dr. Kholoud Aljaberi is the Neurology Chief Resident at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE. She is currently completing her final year of residency training, with a special interest in epilepsy and movement disorders, and she is actively engaged in research and teaching activities. 

Dr. Maryam Alobeidli is a fourth year neurology resident and chief Resident of Neurology. She is passionated about Neuro-immunology. She finished her MBBS in Mohammad bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and joined the Neurology Residency program in Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health.

Dr. Mohammad Asif Dogar graduated from King Edward Medical University Lahore. He completed his radiology residency training and neuroradiology fellowship at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City Iowa, USA. He worked as consultant neuroradiologist at St. Cloud Hospital Minnesota, King Faisal Hospital and Research Center Riyadh and Visiting Consultant neuroradiologist at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Currently he is working as Section Chief Neuroradiology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi since 2015. Dr. Dogar has presented at many national and international meetings of Radiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and ENT. He has received award from President of Pakistan. He also received the award of the best resident teacher of the year at University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics and recently received the best faculty teacher of the year award at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Dr Mona Thakre is a well experienced Neurologist with more than 23 years of rich experience in UAE and India in the Government and private tertiary care hospitals . She did her undergraduate and postgraduate degree in internal medicine from Government Medical College Nagpur and super specialisation in Neurology from University of Mumbai India. She has completed her Speciality Certificate examination from the Royal college of Physicians UK and is a Fellow of American Academy of Neurology .

She is a elected Board member of Emirates Neurology Board UAE . She is a Life Member of Association of Physicians of India , Indian Association of Neurologist , Emirates medical Association , Emirates Neurology Society and American Academy of Neurology . She has been a lecturer and clinical Tutor in the Dubai Women’s College for 9 years during her tenure as Senior Specialist at Rashid Hospital Dubai.

She has been principal investigator in phase 4 and investigator in phase 3 trials . She has numerous publications in peer review journals to her credit a. She has been an active speaker ,moderator, Chairperson and Member of Scientific Committees in various local and International conferences and scientific forums.

Dr. Mustafa Shakra is a Consultant Neurologist based at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Specializing in inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, he oversees the Multiple Sclerosis clinics at SKMC. 

Dr. Shakra obtained his medical degree from Damascus University in 1992 and completed comprehensive training in general internal medicine and neurology subspecialty at major university hospitals. His extensive qualifications include an MD, MSc, MRCP, and FRCP in medicine and neurology. Furthermore, he has contributed to numerous articles as an author and co-author within the field of neurology

Mr. Omar is a Research and Advocacy Coordinator at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, he has spent a decade working across diverse sectors, including the oil industry, entrepreneurship, and F&B, before pursuing his true passion of psychology. Holding a Master’s in Psychology recognized by the British Psychological Society, Omar combines his professional background and lived experience with MS to advance awareness, research, and inclusive support for people living with the condition. He aspires to contribute meaningfully to shaping the UAE’s MS landscape, ensuring that the voices and experiences of people with MS are heard and represented.

Dr. Raed Alroughani is a consultant neurologist and the director of MS clinic at Amiri and Ibn Sina hospitals. He completed his neurology residency at the University of British Columbia and subsequently obtained the neurology certification from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeon (Canada). He completed a fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis at the University of British Columbia. 

He is actively involved in research, and he authored and co-authored more than 230 publications. Dr Alroughani was awarded the National Prize for scientific production in the field of medical science in 2017, the best researcher award by Amiri Hospital in 2018 and the Shouman Foundation Award in the medical field for Multiple Sclerosis in 2024. 

He is a founding member and the secretary general of MENACTRIMS. He sits on the executive boards of various scientific associations, steering committees and advisory boards, mainly in the field of MS.

Dr. Reem Alsuwaidi, is a Neurologist and MS Specialist at Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health.

After obtaining her MBBS from Dubai Medical College, she completed residency training in Neurology and is Saudi Board-certified Neurologist, she then in pursuit of excellence led to a MS clinical fellowship, and an enriching experience at the University of Toronto in Canada.

In this vibrant healthcare landscape, Alsuwaidi not only provides exceptional patient care focusing on MS patients but also spearheads the evolution of the Neurology Residency Program where she is a valued core faculty member, nurturing the next generation of neurologists

Dr. Ruqqia Mir is an exceptional Consultant Neurologist with over 23 years of experience. Her journey in medicine began in the UK at some renowned institutions like Hammersmith Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary, and York Teaching Hospitals, culminating in a Clinical Excellence Award in 2015.

Mir's commitment to advancing healthcare extends to the UAE, where she has excelled at SEHA and holds the title of Adjunct Associate Professor in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, emphasizing her dedication to medical education.

With an MSCS certification, Dr. Mir specializes in Multiple Sclerosis, while also demonstrating expertise in diagnosing and treating Migraine and Headache and Epilepsy Disorders. She can read EEG. Her comprehensive knowledge of general neurology, with a special focus on women's neurological health, enriches her broad skill set. She has obtained a post graduate diploma in Public health from the UK to help and support preventive aspects of neurological care. She is a board member of the National Multiple sclerosis society and a member of a working group for UAE MS registry.

Dr. Suzan Ibrahim Noori is a senior consultant neurologist and multiple sclerosis specialist at University Hospital Sharjah, and an associate professor at the College of Medicine, University of Sharjah. She is also the owner and medical director of Dr. Suzan Noori Medical Center at Etihad Mall, Dubai. In addition to her clinical practice, she holds conjoint academic responsibilities at the University of Sharjah and is an active member of its research group.

Dr. Noori is recognized as a pioneer in the use of botulinum toxin for chronic migraine management in the UAE and leads a dedicated headache clinic within her unit. She is highly engaged in professional education and public awareness, serving as an organizer and speaker at numerous scientific meetings and forums, and frequently contributing through media platforms. She has coordinated multiple community campaigns to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Noori is a member of several professional bodies at local, regional, and international levels, and actively participates in various quality committees and task forces. She is one of the founding members and currently the Head of the Scientific Committee of the UAE Multiple Sclerosis Support Group (UAE MSSG), an advisory committee member of the National MS Society–UAE, and a member of both the Emirates Neurology Society (EMINS) and the MENACTRIMS Council.

Dr Sabahat Wasti received Bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery from Khyber Medical College Peshawar, Pakistan. He moved to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies in 1984. He obtained MRCPI from Royal College of Ireland and then completed Rehabilitation Medicine training at Leeds Teaching Hospital, UJK He became a Consultant in RM in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals UK in 1998. In 2007 he was appointed as Senior Consultant Post in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi. He established the first PM&R Department in SKMC. He has served in both the public and private sectors in the UAE and spearheaded the development of rehabilitation services in both sectors. Currently, he serves as Director and Staff Physician, Neurorehabilitation in Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Dr Wasti is experienced Neuro Rehabilitation physician with experience of rehabilitating patients with variety of neurological conditions. Dr Wasti has special interest in early rehabilitation after stroke.

Dr Wasti is well known, internationally. He holds several positions including Gulf Area Vice President World Federation for Neurorehabilitation (WFNR), Adjuvant Member, WFNR Presidium, Flying Faculty Member and Mentor for WFNR. He is widely invited to conferences as Guest Speaker. He has several publications to his name, including book chapters.

Dr. Shaikh Sayeed Iqbal is a Senior Specialist Radiologist, currently working at Rashid Hospital in the Radiology Department.

Dr Sayeed holds MD in Diagnostic Radiology and has completed FRCR ( UK ) in 2007.

He has 25 years of extensive experience in Diagnostic Radiology with special interest in Neuro-Radiology and Emergency Radiology. He is one of the pioneer of Neuro-Radiology unit in Rashid hospital. Speaker at various National and international conferences.

Dr. Sayeed is part of clinical researches in department and has publications in various peer reviewed journals.

Dr. Victoria Mifsud, MD, FRCP is a Consultant Neurologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where she was instrumental in setting up the Multiple Sclerosis Services. She received her medical degree with Distinction from the University of Malta. She completed Internal Medicine Residency at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta and completed her Residency in Neurology and Fellowship in Stroke Medicine at the University at Buffalo, USA, where she trained with the MS pioneer, Dr Larry Jacobs. Dr. Mifsud is American Board Certified in Neurology, Vascular Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology. Before moving to UAE, she was a Consultant Neurologist at King’s College Hospital, London, UK.

Ms. Yasmin is a pharmacist and public health professional. With experience in research, health communication, and international advocacy, she has collaborated with healthcare and academic institutions across the region and represented key issues for women’s health as a delegate at the World Health Assembly. Driven by a commitment to strengthening health systems, Yasmin’s mission is to improve public health outcomes by expanding access to health services and driving research that translate into meaningful improvements for those living with non-communicable diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis.