SPEAKERS

Dr. Ali Al-Beshri

Consultant Clinical Genetics & Genomics Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Ali Al-Beshri is a Consultant Physician with triple US board certification in Internal Medicine, Medical Genetics and Genomics, and Medical Biochemical Genetics. After completing his combined residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), he undertook a fellowship in Medical Biochemical Genetics at the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NHGRI). During his tenure as Assistant Professor at UAB, Dr. Al-Beshri co-established Alabama’s first adult cardiogenomics and mitochondrial disease clinics. He currently practices in the Division of Genetics at Tawam Hospital and serves as Adjunct Faculty at UAB.

Dr. Suad Alawar

Head of Family Health Section/ Public Health Expert/ Consultant Family Physician Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), UAE

A public health expert and Family Medicine consultant with over 29 years of experience, including 12 years in clinical practice and 17 years in national technical leadership, holds the Arab Board in Family Medicine and a medical degree from United Arab Emirates University. The professional journey started in maternal and child health centers in Al Ain and Dubai and progressed to senior leadership positions, including Acting Director of Preventive Medicine and Director of Primary Healthcare in Dubai. Since 2021, has been leading the Family Health Section at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, driving the development and implementation of national strategies and programs across family health, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health, school and elderly health, and the health response to violence. Contributions include overseeing national surveys, chairing key committees, advancing quality standards, and playing a pivotal role in the COVID-19 response, including supervision of health centers, epidemiological investigations, and vaccination programs. Representing the country in regional and international forums.

Dr. Ali Elthabahi

Judge and Head of the Personal Status Appeals Circuit Dubai Courts, UAE

Dr. Ali Abdullah Ali Bin Eissa Al Thabahi is a Senior Appeals Judge at Dubai Courts, with extensive judicial experience since 2002 across civil, commercial, real estate, criminal, labor, and personal status cases. He previously served as Head of the First Personal Status Appeals Circuit and has held several judicial and administrative roles. He holds a PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence and Contemporary Social Issues from Mohammed V University in Abu Dhabi, a Master’s in Endowment Studies from Zayed University, and qualifications in forensic sciences, Sharia, and law. He is also a certified professional trainer and has trained judges, legal professionals, and students. Dr. Al Thabahi has contributed to numerous academic seminars, conferences, and research initiatives, particularly in Islamic jurisprudence, UAE personal status law, and family matters. He has received several recognitions, including the Distinguished Judge title from Dubai Courts.

Mrs. Nafisa Tawfiq

Chair President UAE Rare Disease Society, UAE

Nafisa Tawfiq currently serves as Chair President of the UAE Rare Disease Society. She is a Biochemistry graduate of UAE University in Al Ain and brings 22 years of professional experience from the Dubai Genetics Centre, Pathology and Genetics Department, Dubai Health Authority, where she served as Head of the Metabolic Genetics Unit. Her strong academic background, combined with many years of practical experience as a Chief Laboratory Technologist, has provided her with extensive knowledge and expertise in laboratory diagnostic testing for rare genetic and metabolic disorders. Through her leadership and professional experience, she continues to contribute to the advancement of rare disease awareness, diagnosis, and support for affected individuals and families.

Dr. Hamda Abulhoul

Consultant, Pediatric Inherited Metabolic Medicine Al Jalila Children's Hospital, Dubai, UAE

Dr. Hamda Abulhoul is a Consultant in Pediatric Inherited Metabolic Medicine at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai Health, UAE. She graduated from Edinburgh Medical School in 1995 and completed her postgraduate training in the United Kingdom, becoming a consultant in 2005. From 2008 to 2016, she worked as a Consultant in Metabolic Medicine at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where she also served as Clinical Lead for the metabolic department, with a focus on patient experience and safety. Dr. Abulhoul moved to the UAE in 2016 and has since continued her clinical practice in Dubai. Her expertise includes the diagnosis and management of inherited metabolic disorders and inborn errors of metabolism in children.

Dr. Osama Aldirbashi

Senior Consultant Clinical Scientist Metabolic Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar

Dr. Osama Aldirbashi is a Senior Consultant Clinical Scientist at the Metabolic lab, Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. He is also a Clinical Professor, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University and a Professor (adjunct), College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. 
  Dr. Aldirbashi is a clinical biochemical geneticist certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists and the European Board of Medical Genetics. He attended graduate school at Nagasaki University and completed fellowship training at the Children’s Hospital of East Ontario, University of Ottawa. Dr. Aldirbashi received specific biochemical genetics training at Toronto, Calgary, London and San Diego. His expertise spans newborn screening, inborn errors of metabolism, mass spectrometry, development of new lab tests and metabolomics biomarker discovery. 
  During his career, Dr. Aldirbashi led major screening and diagnostic labs in North America and the Middle East where he was instrumental in refining testing methodologies, devolving new screening algorithms, and establishing new screening programs. He was appointed as faculty at medical schools in the Middle East and Canada where he supervised numerous graduate students as well as trainees, fellows and residents. He received several grants and published more than 70 articles in prestigious journals including Pediatrics, Human Genetics, Genetics in Medicine, Clinical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease and others. Throughout his career, Dr. Aldirbashi volunteered on various editorial boards and committees including the International Journal of Neonatal Screening and the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists. 

Dr. Amal Mohammed Alhashem

Consultant/ Professor/ Chairperson Genetic Department King Fahad Specialist Hospital- Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia

Prof. Amal Alhashem is a Consultant Pediatrician specializing in Clinical Genetics and Metabolic Medicine. She serves as the consultant at king fahad specialist hospital -dammam. Additionally, she is a Professor of Genetics at Alfaisal University, and holds the position of Head of the Genetic Department at Seha Virtual Hospital, as well as the Head of Genetic Centers in the Ministry of Health. Dr. Alhashem is the Head of the Scientific Committee for the Birth Defect Registry in the Saudi Health Council. She has authored over 120 papers and is particularly interested in the Birth Defect Registry and population awareness and prevention.

Dr. Amal AL Tenaiji

Metabolic Genetics Consultant Division of Pediatrics Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Amal completed her undergraduate studies at UAE University and graduated in 2006 with Bachelor in Medicine and Health Science. She then completed the paediatrics residency program at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and successfully obtained the Arab Board Specialization in Paediatrics as well as the Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH). She then continued and pursued further postgraduate studies at The University of Toronto, and Hospital for Sick Children, Canada. Subsequently, she completed a clinical fellowship in biochemical genetics. She obtained the Canadian Board in Clinical Biochemical Genetics. She is a teacher for many residents and Fellows and has several publications in the inborn errors of metabolism field.

Dr. Leslie Lehmann

Director, Clinical Stem Cell Transplantation Program Medical Director, International Hematology/Oncology/BMT Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School

Dr. Leslie Lehmann is the clinical director of the Stem Cell Transplantation Program at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. She specializes in bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and the long-term effects of stem cell transplantation. In addition, she is an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Encarna Guillen

Head of Genomic Medicine UNICAS Strategic Director Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, Spain

Professor Encarna Guillén-Navarro is a specialist in medical genetics, pediatrics, precision medicine, and rare diseases. She serves as Head of Genomic Medicine and Strategic Director of UNICAS and is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics at the University of Murcia, Spain. She is also President of the Spanish Association of Human Genetics and Vice President of the Clinical Genetics Section of the European Union of Medical Specialists. Her clinical and research expertise includes syndromic and neurodevelopmental disorders, ectodermal dysplasias, achondroplasia, and porphyria.
Professor Guillén-Navarro has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters and has contributed to over 30 research grants and clinical trials related to genetic rare diseases. She has held leadership positions in pediatrics and medical genetics and has served on national scientific, research ethics, and bioethics committees. Her work continues to advance genomic medicine and care for people living with rare diseases.
Her international experience includes a clinical genetics fellowship at New York University Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital. She has also advised major European rare-disease initiatives and contributed as a World Health Organization expert to the genetics working group supporting development of the eleventh International Classification of Diseases for pediatric care.

Dr. Fatima Nuñez

Research Deputy Director Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, Spain

Dr. Fátima Nuñez Mangado is an expert in Medical Genetics, biomedical research, strategic leadership, healthcare innovation, and genomic and precision medicine, with a particular focus on pediatrics and rare diseases. She currently serves as Deputy Director of Innovation, Research and Learning at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona and, since 2026, as Executive Director of the hospital’s Advanced Therapies Programme.
Dr. Nuñez Mangado has held several leadership positions at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) since 2005, including Coordinator of Core Facilities and Deputy CEO. She has extensive international scientific and healthcare management experience and currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of EATRIS, the Steering Committee of the European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA), and the European Children’s Hospitals Association (ECHO).
She holds a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Edinburgh, a degree in Genetics from Trinity College Dublin, and postgraduate qualifications in project management and healthcare leadership.

Dr. Anne Slavotinek

Director, Division of Human Genetics Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics Cincinnati Children's Hospital, USA

Dr. Anne Slavotinek is a geneticist who cares for patients of all ages with a wide range of genetic conditions, including rare diseases, congenital disabilities, and developmental anomalies. Her clinical and research interests focus on understanding the underlying causes of rare genetic disorders, with the goal of translating these discoveries into improved treatments and outcomes for patients.
Through her clinical practice, Dr. Slavotinek evaluates and manages patients while seeking additional resources and research opportunities for individuals and families with complex or undiagnosed conditions. She frequently collaborates with researchers and specialists to explore further diagnostic possibilities and gain new perspectives on challenging cases.
Her interest in medical genetics began after attending a seminar on the discovery of a new gene and a novel disease-causing mechanism. Inspired by the presentation and her experience working in a genetics research institute, she pursued clinical training in medical genetics and went on to build her career in the field.
Dr. Slavotinek serves as Director of the Division of Human Genetics and Professor in the UC Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, USA. She is also a Co-Editor of the American Journal of Medical Genetics and a former Chair of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, a passion developed during her childhood in Australia.

Prof. Fatma Al Jasmi

MBBS,FRCPC, FCCMG Dean of CMHS, UAEU Biochemical Genetics Consultant, Tawam Hospital

Prof. Fatma Al Jasmi is Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at United Arab Emirates University and Professor of Genetics & Genomics. A Consultant in Biochemical Genetics at Tawam Hospital, she trained in Pediatrics and Biochemical Genetics at the University of Toronto and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian College of Medical Genetics. Prof. Al Jasmi is internationally recognized for her leadership in rare diseases, lysosomal storage disorders, and genomic medicine. She serves as Chair of the Middle East and North Africa Medical Genetics Association (MENA-MGA) and has received prestigious honors including the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence, the L’Oréal UNESCO Women in Science Award, and the Chancellor’s Innovation Award

Dr. Sareea Al Remeithi

Consultant Pediatric Endocrinology Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Sareea S. Al Remeithi is Division Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology and Director of the Pediatric Residency Program at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi. She is a Consultant Pediatric Endocrinologist with expertise in diabetes management, growth and puberty disorders, metabolic and endocrine diseases, and advanced diabetes technologies, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring. She completed her MBBS and pediatric residency training at UAE University, followed by a Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. She also holds advanced training in clinical research and epidemiology and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and a Member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH).

Dr. Hind Alsharhan

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Medical and Biochemical Geneticist Department of Pediatrics Kuwait University, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait

Dr. Alsharhan was certified by the American Board of Paediatrics in 2016, the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMG) in Medical Genetics and Genomics in 2019, the ABMG in Medical Biochemical Genetics in 2019, and the ABMG in Clinical Biochemical Genetics in 2021. Dr. Alsharhan has numerous publications in high-impact journals. She is supervisor and teachers for plenty of fellows, residents and medical students.

Dr. Gary Thomas

Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA

Gary Thomas, PhD, is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research focuses on mechanisms underlying PACS1 syndrome and related neurodevelopmental disorders. His laboratory discovered the PACS1 and PACS2 genes and defined how these proteins regulate membrane trafficking, proteostasis, calcium signaling, and gene expression. Building on these discoveries, his team identified mechanistic steps disrupted by the recurrent PACS1 p.Arg203Trp variant, linking altered protein trafficking and homeostasis to abnormal neuronal development and synaptic function. His laboratory was the first to demonstrate preclinically that antisense oligonucleotides can correct neuronal structural and functional deficits in models of PACS1 syndrome. These studies laid the groundwork for the ASO treatments now administered to patients with PACS1 syndrome at Pitt and UPMC. By integrating cell biology, biochemistry, animal models, and patient-derived systems, Dr. Thomas’s program is building on this clinical progress to develop precise therapies for this devastating rare disorder.

Dr. Maryam Mohammed AL Shehhi

Consultant - Pediatrics Clinical Genetics Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Maryam Al Shehhi, is a consultant clinical geneticist at Sheikh Khalifa Medical city, Abu Dhabi and an adjunct associate professor of Genetics and Genomic Medicine at the UAE University, college of medicine and health sciences. She has many publications in medical genetics including new discoveries of rare disease genes. She is a member of the SEHA Genomics Service Line and a faculty trainer at UAEU Medical Genetics Fellowship training and Genetic Counselling Master course. Her areas of interest and research are rare genetic diseases, dysmorphology, skeletal dysplasia, neurodevelopment and neuromuscular disorders.

Dr. Nadia Alhashmi

Head of training section at NGC, Sr. consultant (Medical genetic) Royal Hospital, Oman

Dr Nadia alhashmi Medical and biochemical geneticist, senior pediatric consultant I graduated from sultan Qaboos university college of medicine 2001. obtained membership in pediatric MRCPH in 2006, obtained Oman medical specialist board in pediatric 2007, that was followed up by fellowship program for three years in medical genetic at king Faisal specialist hospital and research center Riyadh Saudi Arabia. I was recognized as the best fellow among my patch
I have more than 14 years of clinical experience in medical genetic at Royal hospital which consider to be the main tertiary hospital in Oman with very heavy load of complex pediatric patients
I have main interest in lager molecular disorder selectively mitochondrial and lysosomal storage disease.
At our hospital we diagnosed more than 100 patients with picture of mitochondrial diseases, and more than 120 patients with lysosomal storage disease
We have more than 12 patients on enzyme replacement therapy.
I have special interest in prenatal diagnosis of inherited disease and complex fetal dysmorphology
2017 we established a new service to help family with inherited genetic disorder which is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (which helped more than 100 families to get healthy child
I have more than 34 publications in biochemical genetic and clinical genetic
I am involved in more than clinical research studies.

Dr. Nadia Alhashmi

Head of Training Section at NGC, Sr. Consultant (Medical Genetic) Royal Hospital, Oman

A Senior Clinical Scientist at Dubai Health with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Over the course of my career, I have developed a strong interest in using genomics to improve the diagnosis and care of patients with rare genetic diseases. My work spans population screening, genomic diagnostics, and novel gene discovery, with a particular focus on translating genomic advances into clinical practice in the UAE. I have authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications in the field of genomic medicine and rare diseases.

Dr. Noura Aldhaheri

Assistant Professor and Consultant, Clinical Genetics & Metabolism College of Medicine & Health Sciences, UAE University

Noura AlDhaheri is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), UAE University. Dr. AlDhaheri holds American Board of Pediatrics certification and is qualified in Medical Genetics & Genomics and Medical Biochemical Genetics.
Dr. AlDhaheri obtained her pediatric residency training at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC, USA (2012-2015) then training in Medical Genetics from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and National Institute of Health in the United States (2015-2017). Following that, she completed Medical Biochemical Genetics Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children Hospital in Houston, TX, USA in November 2018 and joined CMHS- UAE University as an Assistant Professor.
Dr. AlDhaheri’s current research focus is in Genomic Medicine, identification of candidates genes for undiagnosed rare disease, and AI applications for variant interpretations.

Dr. Tawfeg Ben Omran

Division Chief, Genetic and Genomic Medicine – Sidra Senior Consultant, Department of Medical Genetics – HMC Professor, Weill Cornell Medical College Professor, College of Health Services, Qatar University

Prof. BEN-OMRAN is a senior consultant and Division Chief, Genetic and Genomic Medicine at Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation. He is a Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar & New York-USA. He is also a Distinguished Visiting Scientist at Boston Children’s Hospital-USA.

Dr. Arif Khan

Section Head, Pediatric & Neuro Ophthalmology Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE

Arif O. Khan MD is Interim Chair of Ophthalmology and Section Head of Pediatric & Neuro-Ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Professor of Ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, USA. Previously, through the end of 2015, Dr. Khan was Senior Academic Consultant (Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus) at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Senior Scientist (Genetics) at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, both in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Before he moved to the Gulf region in January 2002, Dr. Khan was in private practice in New York. Dr. Khan’s clinical and research interests are genetic eye disease and strabismus. He is a frequent invited speaker at international ophthalmology meetings and has authored hundreds of scientific publications related to his field.

Dr. Theodore W. Laetsch

Attending physician, Cancer Center Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), USA

Dr. Theodore Laetsch is a pediatric oncologist and leads both the Developmental Therapeutics Program (DVL) and the Very Rare Malignant Tumors Program (VRMTP) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as holding national leadership roles in each of these areas within the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).
In the DVL program, Dr. Laetsch conducts early phase clinical trials of new treatments for children with difficult to treat cancers, with a particular area of focus including molecularly targeted therapies that are designed to block specific genetic mutations identified in patients’ tumors. In particular, Dr. Laetsch leads the pediatric development of TRK inhibitors for children with NTRK gene fusions, and now leads a COG nationwide clinical trial studying the ability to use TRK inhibitors instead of chemotherapy for children with one of these gene fusions.
While individually very uncommon, together very rare malignant tumors comprise over 10% of childhood cancers. Given the rarity of each individual diagnosis, these cancers have been poorly studied and for many patients there are not standard, defined treatments. As the chair of the Rare Tumors Committee for the Children’s Oncology Group, Dr. Laetsch is working to advance the study of these tumors and define new ways to treat patients. Dr. Laetsch is hopeful that we can advance the care of patients with these tumors by using cancer genomics to identify targetable mutations as well as studying immunotherapy, which has revolutionized the care of many of these cancers in adult patients.
Finally, Dr. Laetsch is a member of the cellular therapy / chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell team at the Children’s Hospital. Prior to joining the Children’s Hospital in 2020, Dr. Laetsch led the pediatric CAR T-cell program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
In each of these areas, Dr. Laetsch provides clinical care and conduct research, with an overarching goal of improving treatment options for children with difficult to treat cancers.

Dr. Ahmed Adel Hassan

Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist Al Jalila Children’s Heart Center, Dubai, UAE

Dr Ahmed Adel Hassan is a Consultant Paediatric and Congenital Interventional Cardiologist at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, with academic appointments at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the University of Sharjah. He graduated in Medicine from Ain Shams University in 2008 and trained in paediatrics (MRCPCH 2014; Arab Board 2016) before subspecialty training in paediatric and congenital cardiology in Dubai. He holds the joint EACVI/AEPC diploma in congenital echocardiography (2022) and the AEPC certification examination (2024). He founded and leads the paediatric pulmonary hypertension service across three Dubai Health sites, caring for patients from premature neonates to adolescents. His interests include pulmonary vascular disease, interventional catheterisation in congenital heart disease, and equity of access to advanced pulmonary hypertension therapy.

Dr. Aisha Abdullah

Director of Primary Health Care Fujairah Consultant Family Physician, EHS, UAE

Dr. Aisha Abdullah, Consultant family physician with special interest in fetomaternal medicine & sonography, Genetic & AI utilization in medical services.
Education:
• MBBS FMHS Al Ain 1995.
• Arab Board Family Medicine 2000.
• MRCGP (Int) Sultan QaboosUniversity Muscat 2007.
• Advanced obstetric & Gyn Ultrasound Diploma FMHS 2014. & Harvard business review reader.
I am working as Director of 13 health centers in Fujairah & recently a coordinator of public health services in Fujairah under EHS. I am practicing sonography in low-risk ANC clinic in PHC. I am proud that I lead the establishment of cancer screening in Fujairah in 2015 & recently I started initiation of deep analysis of obesity among children in PHC.

Dr. Asma Deeb

Chair of Paediatric Endocrinology Division Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Prof Asma Deeb, Chair of Paediatric Endocrinology, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She is the Chair of research ethics committee at the SSMC and a clinical professor at the Gulf University and Khalifa University, UAE. Prof Deeb is the president of the Arab Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ASPED). She is an executive board member at the Global Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and the International Consortium of paediatric endocrinology.
Prof Deeb is an associate editor for Hormone Research in Paediatrics and Pediatric Diabetes and a reviewer for a large number of journals in paediatric endocrinology and diabetes. She is a keen researcher with a high number of publications.
She trained in the United Kingdom and had an MD degree on growth hormone gene expression from the University of Newcastle upon tyne in 2002. She pursued a career in paediatric endocrinology in Cambridge, UK with special interest in disorders of sexual differentiation. She relocated to the UAE in 2006 where she founded a tertiary Paediatric Endocrine Department.

Dr. Zulf Mughal

Consultant, Paediatric Bone Disorders Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai, UAE

Professor M Zulf Mughal graduated in medicine from the University of Liverpool, UK, in 1978. He received postgraduate training in Paediatrics at hospitals in Manchester, Liverpool, in the UK and in Cincinnati, USA. He was appointed a Consultant Pediatrician in 1988. He was employed as a Consultant in Paediatric Bone Diseases at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. In October 2023, Prof Mughal took up the post of Consultant in Paediatric Bone Disorders at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai, UAE.
Professor Mughal has extensive experience in the management of childhood bone & mineral disorders. He has published >180 peer-reviewed scientific papers, invited reviews and book chapters. Professor Mughal was awarded the Charles Slemenda Award at the 7th International Conference on Children’s Bone Health in Salzburg, Austria in June 2015 in recognition of his contribution to Paediatric Bone Research. In June 2021, Professor Mughal was awarded the Dent Award by the Bone Research Society.

Dr. Benjamin Cocanougher

Medical Geneticist, Division of Human Genetics, Physician-Scientist, Division of Human Genetics Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics Cincinnati Children's Hospital, USA

Dr. Benjamin Cocanougher is a Medical Geneticist and Physician-Scientist in the Division of Human Genetics and an Assistant Professor in the UC Department of Pediatrics. He completed his fellowship in Medical Genetics and Genomics at Duke University Hospital in 2024 and postdoctoral training in Biochemistry in the laboratory of Robert Lefkowitz at Duke University. His clinical interests include neuromuscular disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and lysosomal storage disorders, while his research focuses on receptor biology and developing therapies for rare disorders.

Dr. Moeen AlSayed

MD, FACMG, MBA Professor of Genetics, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University; Director,MSc Genetic Counselling Program, Alfaisal University Consultant, Department of Medical Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine; King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, KSA

Moeenaldeen AlSayed is a Consultant Clinical Geneticist in Clinical Biochemical Genetics and Metabolic Diseases at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a Professor of Genetics at Alfaisal University. He is the Founder and Director of the MSc Genetic Counselling Programme at Alfaisal University, established in 2014, which has trained many of the practicing genetic counsellors in Saudi Arabia. Professor AlSayed previously served as Chair of the Department of Medical Genetics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre for 11 years, during which he established the institution’s Adult Genetics & Metabolic Diseases, Cancer Genetics, and dedicated Genetic Counselling services. He obtained his MBBS from King Saud University, completed his pediatric residency at Yale–New Haven Children’s Hospital and fellowships in Clinical Genetics and Clinical Biochemical Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, and holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee, USA.

Dr. Hiba Alblooshi

Assistant Professor / Director of UAEU Genomics laboratory UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Hiba Alblooshi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics and Genomics at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Director of the UAEU Genomics Laboratory. She holds a PhD in Medical and Forensic Sciences from the University of Western Australia and a Bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Anatomy from the University of Melbourne.
Her research focuses on the genomic architecture and molecular mechanisms of rare and complex diseases, with particular emphasis on rare genetic disorders, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr. Alblooshi integrates next-generation sequencing, multi-omics approaches, and computational genomics to identify disease-causing variants and characterize their functional impact. Her work aims to advance rare disease gene discovery, improve molecular diagnostics, and support the development of precision medicine approaches, particularly within the UAE population.

Dr. Heba Elabd

Medical Genetic Consultant Al Jalila Children's Hospital, Dubai, UAE

• Clinical Associate Professor of Clinical Genetics at at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and
Health
• Sciences (MBRU)
• Assistant professor at Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine Pediatric / Genetic Department
• Medical Genetic Consultant at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital
Education:
• Medical Doctorate in Medical and Clinical Genetics. Ain Shams University
• Master of Science in Medical and clinical Genetics. Ain Shams University
• M.B.,B.Ch. Faculty of Medicine. Ain Shams University.
• Residency at Ain Shams University hospitals – Pediatric Department

Dr. Mehtab Iqbal

Consultant Pediatric Neurologist Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE

Dr. Chaudhry Muhammad Mehtab Iqbal is a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, ivision Chief & Head of Paediatric Neuromuscular Services at Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE, with UK CCT training in Paediatric Neurology. His key clinical interest is paediatric neuromuscular disorders, particularly spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
He previously served as Clinical Lead for Neuromuscular Services at University Hospitals of Leicester, UK, where he was involved in developing neuromuscular services and establishing intrathecal nusinersen treatment for children with SMA.
He is also an experienced speaker at national and international scientific meetings, with particular expertise in SMA, DMD, and paediatric neuromuscular care.

FAMILY DAY SPEAKERS

Mr. Ahmed Zainoun

Founder and President Son of Al Qamar Association, Morocco Winner of Hope Maker 2025

أأحمد زينون، مؤسس ورئيس جمعية صوت القمر بالمغرب، يكرّس جهوده منذ 2019 لحماية الأطفال المصابين بجفاف الجلد المصطبغ وتحسين جودة حياتهم، من خلال توفير وسائل الوقاية من الأشعة فوق البنفسجية، والرعاية الطبية والاجتماعية والنفسية. كما ساهم في تطوير قناع حماية مغربي مبتكر والمشاركة في بحث جيني حول المرض يشمل 50 طفلًا في المغرب. وفي سنة 2025، حصل على لقب «صانع الأمل» في الوطن العربي تقديرًا لجهوده الإنسانية.وتسلم التكريم من صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم حفظه الله في دبي.

Mrs. Sabha Al Shamsi

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, UAE

A member of the UAE Rare Disease Society, a mother of a Rare Hero living with Moon Children Syndrome (Xeroderma Pigmentosum), and an advocate for raising awareness about rare diseases and People of Determination. Through her personal experience, she shares a powerful human message that reflects the realities of patients and their families, while advocating for stronger psychological and social support and greater community inclusion. She has transformed the challenges of her journey as a mother into a voice for awareness and a message of hope and empowerment for every family living with a rare disease.

Ms. Shamsa Almheiri

Acting Head of the POD Friendly Government Entity - Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department

Acting Head of the POD Friendly Government Entity – Government of Dubai Legal Aﬀairs Department

Ms. Eiman Jassim Al Ali

Specialist People of Determination Support Programs at the UAE Ministry of Family

Ms. Eiman Jassim Al Ali is a UAE national and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy graduate with extensive experience in rehabilitation and support services for People of Determination. She worked at Dubai Hospital from 2010 to 2013 before joining the Ministry of Community Development, where she spent over a decade at the Dubai Rehabilitation Center for People of Determination. Since October 2024, she has been working with the Ministry’s POD Card Department. Her experience includes supervising therapists, supporting the quality of POD card requests, developing personalized therapy plans, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. She has expertise in early intervention, child development, cerebral palsy, Applied Behavioural Analysis, and equine therapy. She also contributes to staff development through training and annual professional development programs.

Mr. Khaled Al Abdouli

Director - Wahat Al-Rushd Sharjah, UAE

Director – Wahat Al-Rushd
Sharjah, UAE

Dr. Fatima Ali Al Marzouqi

Social Expert – Consultants and Experts Office Department of Social Services, Sharjah

د. فاطمة علي المرزوقي
خبير اجتماعي – مكتب الخبراء والاستشارييند
ائرة الخدمات الاجتماعية بالشارقة
دكتورة في علم الاجتماع التطبيقي، تمتلك خبرة مهنية تفوق 15 عامًا في المجال الاجتماعي بإمارة الشارقة، وخبرة متخصصة في إدارة الحالات، وحماية الطفل، والإرشاد الأسري، والرعاية الاجتماعية والنفسية. وتدرجت خلال مسيرتها المهنية في عدد من المهام والمناصب الإشرافية والإدارية، شملت إدارة مراكز ودور الرعاية الاجتماعية والإشراف على فرق العمل، إلى جانب إعداد البرامج والمبادرات الاجتماعية والتوعوية وتنفيذها.
وتتمتع بخبرة في التعامل مع قضايا الطفل والأسرة، وإدارة ومتابعة الحالات الاجتماعية، وتقديم الدعم النفسي والاجتماعي، إلى جانب تنظيم ورش العمل والندوات، وإعداد أوراق العمل والتقارير المهنية، والمشاركة في المبادرات والبرامج المرتبطة بالرعاية والحماية الاجتماعية.
وكما أسهمت في تمثيل دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة في عدد من الاجتماعات والبعثات الرسمية خارج الدولة ذات الصلة بالمجال الاجتماعي وحماية الطفل، والمشاركة في تبادل الخبرات والتجارب في المجالات ذات الصلة

Ms. Nehad Al Hemeiri

POD Department Community Development Authority Dubai, UAE

POD Department
Community Development
Authority Dubai, UAE

Mr. Rashed Bin Haider

Child Protection Department Community Development Authority, Dubai, UAE

أنا راشد بن حيدر، خريج تخصص علم النفس، وأكمل حاليًا دراسة الماجستير في علم النفس الإكلينيكي. أعمل في هيئة تنمية المجتمع بدبي، ضمن إدارة حماية الطفل، كأخصائي حماية طفل.

Mr. Nazem Almanssour

People of Determination and Senior Citizens Empowerment Assistant Expert

ناظم فوزي المنصور
يحمل شهادة البكالوريوس في علم الإعاقة والتأهيل ودرجة الماجستير في أمراض اللغة والكلام، يعمل في وزارة الأسرة بمسمى وظيفي خبير مساعد لتمكين أصحاب الهمم وكبار المواطنين. باحث في مجال الإعاقة وله عدد كبير من الدراسات والأبحاث وله عدد من المؤلفات في مجال الإعاقة والتأهيل ، محاضر في عدد من الجامعات المحلية والعربية.

Dr. Abdulla Al Hammami

Assistant Specialist – Visual Impairment; Family and Educational Consultant Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE), UAE

حاصل على شهادة الدكتوراه المهنية في الكوتش الأسري، حاصل على شهادة الماجستير المهني في التوجيه والإرشاد، حاصل على درجة البكالوريوس التربوي قسم إعداد معلم مجال اللغة العربية والتربية الإسلامية، مجاز بسند متصل إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم في ترتيل وتجويد القرآن الكريم برواية حفص عن عاصم، مدرب معتمد من البورد الأمريكي الكندي، أعمل حالياً اختصاصي إعاقة بصرية في وزارة التربية والتعليم منذ عام 2017، افتتحت أكثر من 20 فعالية على مستوى دولة الإمارات بقراءة القرآن الكريم، شاركت في تقديم أكثر من 250 ورشة وفكرة ومحاضرة في مختلف المجالات التربوية، شاركت في تنظيم الفعاليات والمبادرات المجتمعية مع جهات محلية مختلفة، قدمت أكثر من 15 احتفالا وأدرت أكثر من 10 ندوات وجلسات حوارية، تطوعت مع جهات حكومية وخاصة مختلفة في عدة جوانب، لدي ما يقارب من 20 دبلوم معتمد في مجال الصحة النفسية والتدريب والإرشاد الأسري، حضرت أكثر من 25 دورة تدريبية حول الإرشاد الأسري والصحة النفسية والقيادة والمسؤولية وإدارة الحوارات والتعامل مع برامج الحاسوب المختلفة، قدمت أكثر من 150 ورشة ومحاضرة ودورة تدريبية وندوة حول مجال الإعاقة البصرية وآلية تدريسها وتدريبها على مختلف المهارات الرقمية والتعامل مع هذه الفئة على مستوى الوطن العربي، قدمت أكثر من 70 محاضرة حول التدريب المهني والتنمية البشرية، إجمالي من حضر المحاضرات والورش والدورات التي أقدمها ما لا يقل عن 1000 شخص واقعيا وافتراضيا عبر الإنترنت، حاصل على جائزة بصيرة العالمية كأحد الرواد المؤثرين المكفوفين على مستوى الوطن العربي، حاصل على جائزة الجوهرة كشخصية استثنائية خدمت مجال التعليم ضمن جائزة الشارقة للتميز التربوي، كتبت كتابي الأول بعنوان: الكتابة بالقلم الأبيض وتم نشره نصياً وصوتياً على نطاق واسع، استضافتني عدة قنوات وإذاعات محلية وعربية، كتبت أكثر من 50 مقال وخاطرة على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، أدير قناة خاصة بي على يوتيوب أقوم من خلالها بنشر الموضوعات الهادفة وأناقش المتابعين فيها، كما أدير مجتمعا خاصاً بي عبر واتساب، أنشر من خلاله ما يمكن مناقشته كتابيا مع الجمهور، وما يتعلق بي من أخبار وأحداث وفعاليات مستجدة

Dr. Fatema AlHayyas

Specialist Psychiatrist Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE

Specialist Psychiatrist
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC),
Abu Dhabi, UAE

H.E. Dr. Eman AlHashmi

Founder and Chairperson Autoimmune Association, UAE

المؤسس ورئيس مجلس إدارة جمعية المناعة الذاتية (الأولى والوحيدة من نوعها وشموليتها على مستوى العالم)، وهي أول ملحنة إماراتية، وأول موزعة موسيقية، وأول مؤلفة متخصصة في الأوركسترا والموسيقى التصويرية، عازفة بيانو، رسامة، كاتبة وشاعرة وسيناريست، حاصلة على شهادة دولية من منظمة WIPO في حقوق الملكية الفكرية، وهي مدربة تطوير ذات معتمدة دولياً، وحاصلة على دبلوم معتمد كمقيم لمنظومة التميز الحكومي، ودبلوم مهني في تمكين المرأة وتأهيلها إلى المراكز القيادية، ودبلوم تدريبي في الاستشارات النفسية، ودبلوم تدريبي في الشراكة المجتمعية وأيضاً لرعاية المرضى، وكذلك دبلوم تدريبي في الشِّعر، وشهادة احترافية في الإنتاج الموسيقي كقادة في صناعة الموسيقى العالمية من جامعة بيركلي، وشهادة البكالوريوس في إدارة الموارد البشرية، وماجستير الآداب في فنون الاتصال والعلاقات العامة الاستراتيجية، والدكتوراه في إدارة الأعمال تخصص إدارة المشاريع، و(جميعهم بتقدير امتياز مع مرتبة الشرف)، كما نشرت بنجاح 6 كتب إلى الآن، ولديها العديد من الإنجازات المحلية والدولية، وأكثر من 55 مشاركة كانت الأولى من نوعها في الإمارات.

Ms. Gabrielle Rosario

Product Manager, AI Office, PureHealth, UAE

Gabrielle Rosario is a product manager in the AI Office at PureHealth, where she works on artificial intelligence applied to clinical care, including the detection of rare disease. She has more than sixteen years across healthcare, life sciences and technology, with previous roles at Philips, Deloitte and Abcam. She writes One in a Million, a publication on artificial intelligence in rare disease diagnosis, therapeutics and access. She speaks from both sides of the consultation room, as someone who builds these tools professionally and uses them as a patient.

Dr. Fida Diyab

Founder of TAPY, and an advocate dedicated to supporting mothers of People of Determination and families affected by rare diseases.

Founder of TAPY, and an advocate dedicated to supporting mothers of People of Determination and families affected by rare diseases.
الدكتورة فداء دياب
مؤسس. شركة. تابي
ناشطة في مجال دعم امها ت اصخاب الهمم والأمراض النادره

Ms. Ayesha Obaid Alshamsi

Rare Hero (Female)

Aisha is an Emirati athlete with a disability who represents the Dubai Club for People of Determination in Paralympic shooting, competing in the SH2 classification. She has an outstanding international sporting career, alongside a talent for mouth painting, through which she has participated in various art exhibitions, forums, and cultural events.
Key Sporting Achievements
Represented the United Arab Emirates at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, achieving 14th place in the R4 event.
Achieved 4th place at the 2023 World Shooting Championships in Korea, qualifying for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Achieved 5th place in the R4 final at the 2025 World Shooting Championships in Korea.
Won 2nd place in the R11 Mixed Team event at the 2025 World Shooting Championships in Al Ain.
Won 3rd place in the R11 Mixed Team event at the World Shooting Championships in France and Munich.
Won 1st place at the 2019 2nd West Asian Para Games in Boccia – Individual BC3.
Won the silver medal at the 2018 Boccia Continental Championships – Pairs BC3.
Artistic Talent
Aisha has a remarkable talent for mouth painting and participates in art and cultural exhibitions and forums. Her artwork reflects creativity, determination, and resilience, highlighting the artistic abilities and potential of people with disabilities.
An Inspiring Role Model
Aisha combines sporting excellence with artistic creativity, serving as an inspiring role model for Emirati women with disabilities through a journey marked by dedication, achievement, and ambition.

Mr. Husnain Shakeel Ahmed

Rare Hero (Male)

Mr. Husnain Shakeel Ahmed
Rare Hero (Male)

Mrs. Saja Mousa Hasan Mohammad

Rare Hero (Mother)

Mrs. Saja Mousa Hasan Mohammad
Rare Hero (Mother)

Mr. Hamad Alzaabi

Rare Hero (Father)

Mr. Hamad Alzaabi
Rare Hero (Father)

Alya Lootah family

Rare Family Winner

Alya Lootah family
Rare Family Winner

SPEAKERS

Dr. Ali Al-Beshri

Dr. Suad Alawar

Dr. Ali Elthabahi

Mrs. Nafisa Tawfiq

Dr. Hamda Abulhoul

Dr. Osama Aldirbashi

Dr. Amal Mohammed Alhashem

Dr. Amal AL Tenaiji

Dr. Leslie Lehmann

Dr. Encarna Guillen

Dr. Fatima Nuñez

Dr. Anne Slavotinek

Prof. Fatma Al Jasmi

Dr. Sareea Al Remeithi

Dr. Hind Alsharhan

Dr. Gary Thomas

Dr. Maryam Mohammed AL Shehhi

Dr. Nadia Alhashmi

Dr. Nadia Alhashmi

Dr. Noura Aldhaheri

Dr. Tawfeg Ben Omran

Dr. Arif Khan

Dr. Theodore W. Laetsch

Dr. Ahmed Adel Hassan

Dr. Aisha Abdullah

Dr. Asma Deeb

Dr. Zulf Mughal

Dr. Benjamin Cocanougher

Dr. Moeen AlSayed

Dr. Hiba Alblooshi

Dr. Heba Elabd

Dr. Mehtab Iqbal

FAMILY DAY SPEAKERS

Mr. Ahmed Zainoun

Mrs. Sabha Al Shamsi

Ms. Shamsa Almheiri

Ms. Eiman Jassim Al Ali

Mr. Khaled Al Abdouli

Dr. Fatima Ali Al Marzouqi

Ms. Nehad Al Hemeiri

Mr. Rashed Bin Haider

Mr. Nazem Almanssour

Dr. Abdulla Al Hammami

Dr. Fatema AlHayyas

H.E. Dr. Eman AlHashmi

Ms. Gabrielle Rosario

Dr. Fida Diyab

Ms. Ayesha Obaid Alshamsi

Mr. Husnain Shakeel Ahmed

Mrs. Saja Mousa Hasan Mohammad

Mr. Hamad Alzaabi

Alya Lootah family

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