Local Faculty

Dr. Abhilash Haridas is a Specialist Gastroenterologist at Ahalia Hospital, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. He holds qualifications including MBBS, MD, DM, ESEGH (UK) and MRCP (UK), and has approximately 10 years of clinical experience. His expertise includes general gastroenterology, hepatology, liver transplantation, advanced endoscopy, ERCP, EUS and inflammatory bowel disease. He actively contributes to clinical education and multidisciplinary management of complex gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions.

Dr. Abdulla Alnakshabandi is a gastroenterology specialist involved in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. His clinical activities include specialist digestive healthcare and multidisciplinary patient management. He contributes to continuing medical education and professional scientific programmes. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports academic discussion and facilitates knowledge exchange between local specialists and international experts in gastroenterology, hepatology and endoscopy.

Dr. Abid Zargar is a medical specialist with professional interests in gastrointestinal and digestive disease care. His clinical work encompasses the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions and multidisciplinary patient care. He participates in professional medical education and scientific meetings and contributes to knowledge exchange among specialists. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports discussion of contemporary approaches to gastrointestinal disease and facilitates interaction between local and international experts.

Dr. Anand Vadivel is a Specialist Gastroenterologist with more than 11 years of experience in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Based at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, his expertise includes interventional endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS, pancreaticobiliary disorders, functional GI diseases and liver disease. He has performed thousands of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and has experience supporting patients through complex hepatobiliary and liver-transplant pathways.

Dr. Ali Choukair is a Specialist Gastroenterologist with more than two decades of clinical experience. His expertise encompasses gastrointestinal and liver diseases, motility disorders, GERD, IBD and colorectal cancer screening. He is experienced in gastroscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy and gastrointestinal physiological investigations. Based in Dubai, Dr. Choukair contributes to specialist digestive healthcare and professional education, with a particular focus on comprehensive, patient-centred gastroenterology.

Dr. Atul Chawla is a Specialist Gastroenterologist based in Abu Dhabi. His clinical practice focuses on the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, supported by expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. He contributes to multidisciplinary patient care and continuing medical education in the UAE. His participation in Gastro Abu Dhabi reflects his commitment to professional collaboration, evidence-based gastroenterology and knowledge exchange among regional and international specialists.

Dr. Ayyappan G Pillai is a Specialist Gastroenterologist with extensive experience in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Internal Medicine. Based in Abu Dhabi, he has expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, hepatobiliary disorders and advanced gastrointestinal procedures. His clinical interests include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease and complex digestive disorders. He is actively involved in clinical education and professional gastroenterology programmes in the UAE.

Dr. Aydamir Alrakawi, MD, is a Staff Physician in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Digestive Disease Institute and serves in a leadership role within the Endoscopy programme. His clinical interests include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, gastrointestinal disorders and hepatology. He is actively involved in complex endoscopic care, multidisciplinary management and professional medical education, contributing to the advancement of digestive healthcare in the UAE.

Dr. Azzam Kayyaseh is a Consultant Gastroenterologist with experience in specialist digestive healthcare in the UAE. His clinical interests include gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders, endoscopic evaluation and multidisciplinary management of complex digestive conditions. He has participated in professional gastroenterology programmes and scientific meetings and contributes to continuing medical education. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports academic exchange between local and international faculty.

Dr. Amer Al Khatib is a gastroenterology specialist with experience in the management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. His clinical interests include digestive disease management, hepatology and endoscopic care. He has participated in professional gastroenterology programmes and scientific meetings in the region. Through his role as a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he contributes to multidisciplinary discussion, professional education and the exchange of clinical experience among regional and international specialists.

Dr. Emad Fayyad is a Board-Certified Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with extensive experience in digestive and liver diseases. His clinical interests include general gastroenterology, hepatology and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. He has contributed to professional education programmes and scientific meetings in the region, sharing clinical experience in the management of complex gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. He continues to support multidisciplinary and evidence-based digestive healthcare.

Dr. Eyad Alakrad is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with more than two decades of experience and specialist training in the UK and USA. He has particular expertise in gastrointestinal motility disorders, including esophageal and anorectal manometry and pH-impedance studies. His clinical practice also encompasses general and diagnostic endoscopy. He has contributed extensively to specialist gastroenterology education and the development of advanced digestive disease services in the UAE.

Dr. Gaurav Muktesh is an experienced Gastroenterologist and Advanced Endoscopist based in Dubai. He has expertise in EUS, ERCP, POEM, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy and endoscopic weight-management procedures. With extensive procedural experience, he has developed particular expertise in advanced therapeutic endoscopy. Dr. Muktesh is also involved in academic teaching, research and professional education and regularly participates in national and international gastroenterology programmes.

Dr. Hanan Ismail Abubaker El Mileik is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai Investments Park. She brings extensive international experience, including more than 13 years with NHS hospitals in the United Kingdom. Her clinical expertise includes inflammatory bowel disease, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, gastrointestinal bleeding, GERD, H. pylori infection, coeliac disease and gastrointestinal cancers. She is actively involved in specialist gastroenterology care and professional education.

Dr. Jamil Mahmoud El Chayeb is a medical specialist associated with NMC Royal Hospital, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. He contributes to specialist healthcare and multidisciplinary clinical practice in the UAE. His professional involvement includes clinical care and continuing medical education. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports scientific exchange and discussion among regional and international specialists, contributing to the conference’s multidisciplinary approach to digestive healthcare.

Dr. Mounier Alwaw is a gastroenterology specialist involved in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. His professional activities include specialist clinical care, multidisciplinary collaboration and participation in medical education. Through his role as a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he contributes to scientific discussion and knowledge exchange among gastroenterologists, hepatologists and endoscopy specialists. His participation supports the conference’s focus on contemporary evidence-based digestive healthcare.

Dr. Makki Fayadh is a Consultant Gastroenterologist with extensive experience in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary medicine. His clinical interests include inflammatory bowel disease, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and complex gastrointestinal disorders. He has participated in numerous regional and international gastroenterology meetings as a speaker, moderator and chairperson. His involvement in professional education reflects his commitment to advancing evidence-based gastroenterology practice and multidisciplinary digestive healthcare.

Dr. Mohammed Aldashan is an experienced Gastroenterologist with specialist expertise in advanced endoscopy, hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease. His clinical interests include gastrointestinal malignancies, EUS-guided procedures, GI cancer staging, liver disease and endoscopic management of obesity. He has undertaken specialist training internationally and has participated in regional and international scientific meetings. His practice combines advanced procedural expertise with comprehensive management of complex digestive disorders.

Dr. Mohammed Nabil Quraishi is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi. His clinical expertise focuses on inflammatory bowel disease and complex gastrointestinal disorders. He is actively involved in advancing IBD care through evidence-based treatment, research and professional education. His experience in specialist digestive medicine makes him a valuable contributor to multidisciplinary gastroenterology programmes in the UAE.

Dr. Mohammed Banama is a gastroenterology specialist involved in the management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. His professional interests include digestive disease management, endoscopy and multidisciplinary patient care. He contributes to continuing medical education through participation in professional scientific programmes. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports academic discussion and knowledge exchange among gastroenterologists, hepatologists, surgeons and other healthcare professionals.

Dr. Mridul Das is a Gastroenterology specialist involved in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. His clinical practice includes multidisciplinary management of patients with complex gastrointestinal conditions and participation in professional medical education. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he contributes to scientific dialogue and knowledge sharing among gastroenterologists, hepatologists, surgeons and endoscopy specialists from the UAE and internationally.

Dr. Mohammed Shareef Tholoor is a medical specialist with professional interests in gastrointestinal and digestive disease management. His clinical practice involves the evaluation and management of patients with gastrointestinal disorders and multidisciplinary care. He contributes to professional education and scientific discussion through participation in medical meetings. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports knowledge exchange and interaction between local and international experts across gastroenterology and related specialties.

Dr. Mukunda Madhavan is a gastroenterology specialist with experience in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. His clinical interests include medical gastroenterology and endoscopic assessment of digestive disease. He contributes to multidisciplinary patient care and professional medical education. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports scientific exchange and facilitates discussion among gastroenterologists, hepatologists and other specialists involved in digestive healthcare.

Dr. Matthew Vadukoot is a medical specialist involved in gastrointestinal and digestive disease care. His professional activities include specialist clinical practice, multidisciplinary patient management and medical education. He contributes to scientific meetings and professional discussions that support the advancement of evidence-based healthcare. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he will facilitate interaction between delegates and faculty and contribute to the exchange of contemporary knowledge in digestive medicine.

Dr. Nagendranath Chilumukuru is a Consultant General Surgeon at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi, with specialist expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery. He holds advanced qualifications in surgical gastroenterology and has undertaken fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery. His areas of expertise include advanced laparoscopic surgery, hepatobiliary procedures, bariatric surgery and complex gastrointestinal interventions. He contributes to multidisciplinary surgical and gastroenterology care in the UAE.

Dr. Nikhil Gupta is a Specialist in Gastroenterology at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi, with more than a decade of clinical experience. His practice encompasses gastroenterology, hepatology and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. His clinical interests include gastrointestinal and liver disorders, endoscopic evaluation and management of complex digestive disease. He is also involved in professional education and scientific programmes, contributing to the development of gastroenterology services in the UAE.

Dr. Prakash Shankar Balasubramanian is a gastroenterology specialist with professional interests spanning gastrointestinal and digestive disease management. His clinical practice includes the assessment and treatment of patients with complex digestive disorders and participation in multidisciplinary care. He contributes to continuing medical education through professional meetings and scientific discussions. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he supports academic exchange between regional and international gastroenterology specialists.

Dr. Piyush Somani is Head of Gastroenterology at Emirates Specialty Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City. He is involved in specialist gastroenterology care and the management of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. His leadership role supports multidisciplinary clinical services and professional education within the UAE. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, Dr. Somani contributes to scientific discussion and knowledge exchange, bringing regional clinical expertise to a programme featuring leading international gastroenterology faculty.

Dr. Rami Moucari is a Gastroenterologist based in Abu Dhabi with broad expertise in digestive and liver disorders. His procedural experience includes gastroscopy, colonoscopy, EUS, ERCP, capsule endoscopy, FibroScan and gastrointestinal motility studies. His clinical interests encompass inflammatory bowel disease, hepatobiliary disorders, pancreatic disease, GERD and functional gastrointestinal conditions. He contributes to multidisciplinary digestive disease management and continuing professional education.

Dr. Ranjeet Rao is a gastroenterology specialist with clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. His professional interests encompass digestive disease management, endoscopy and multidisciplinary patient care. He contributes to continuing medical education and scientific discussion through participation in professional gastroenterology programmes. As a chairperson, he supports meaningful interaction between regional experts and international faculty at Gastro Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Suvadip Chatterjee is a gastroenterology specialist with experience in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disease, including complex pancreaticobiliary conditions. He has undertaken clinical and academic work in the United Kingdom and contributed to research and peer-reviewed medical literature. His professional interests include advanced gastrointestinal care, endoscopy and multidisciplinary management. He participates in scientific meetings and educational programmes, contributing an international perspective to contemporary gastroenterology discussions.

Dr. Sathish Mogan is a Consultant Gastroenterologist with clinical experience in the United Kingdom and the UAE. His expertise encompasses general gastroenterology and the management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. He has participated in scientific and academic programmes addressing complex gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary conditions. His involvement in professional education and multidisciplinary discussions reflects his commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous advancement in gastroenterology.

Dr. Saeed Salem Shaikh is a Consultant Gastroenterologist with experience in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders. His clinical interests encompass specialist digestive disease management and endoscopic care. He has participated in professional gastroenterology programmes as a speaker, moderator and chairperson, contributing to continuing medical education and multidisciplinary discussion. His involvement in Gastro Abu Dhabi supports the exchange of regional expertise with leading international faculty.

Dr. Sreehari Pillai is a gastroenterology specialist with experience in the assessment and management of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. His professional interests include medical gastroenterology, hepatobiliary conditions and endoscopic care. He participates in multidisciplinary clinical practice and professional education. Through his role as a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he contributes to scientific discussion, clinical knowledge sharing and interaction between regional and international specialists.

Dr. Salem Awadh is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with experience in specialist digestive healthcare in Abu Dhabi. His clinical interests include gastrointestinal and liver disorders, diagnostic evaluation and endoscopic management. He has participated in regional gastroenterology programmes and professional scientific meetings as a speaker, moderator and chairperson. His contribution to Gastro Abu Dhabi reflects his commitment to continuing medical education and multidisciplinary collaboration in digestive healthcare.

Dr. Samer Al Awadhi is a gastroenterology specialist with experience in digestive and hepatobiliary disease management. His clinical interests encompass gastrointestinal disorders and specialist digestive care. He participates in professional gastroenterology programmes and scientific discussions, contributing to continuing medical education. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he facilitates multidisciplinary interaction and helps connect regional clinical experience with the latest developments presented by international faculty.

Dr. Sandeep Nair is a Gastroenterologist associated with NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain. His clinical practice focuses on the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders, supported by experience in medical gastroenterology and endoscopic evaluation. He participates in multidisciplinary patient care and continuing medical education. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, Dr. Nair contributes to scientific discussion and knowledge exchange across the regional gastroenterology community.

Dr. Thomas Cherukara is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Head of the Endoscopy Unit at Kuwait Hospital, Sharjah. He has extensive experience in gastroenterology and advanced endoscopic procedures and has contributed to the development of specialist endoscopy services in the UAE. His clinical interests include gastrointestinal disorders, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and complex digestive disease management. He is also actively involved in professional education and scientific gastroenterology programmes.

Dr. Usama Warshow is a medical specialist associated with Mediclinic Dubai and involved in specialist healthcare delivery. His professional interests include gastrointestinal and digestive disease management and multidisciplinary clinical care. He participates in professional medical education and scientific meetings. As a chairperson at Gastro Abu Dhabi, he contributes to scientific discussion and knowledge exchange, helping bring together regional clinical experience and international perspectives in contemporary gastroenterology.

Dr. Yaser El-Gazzar is a UK-trained Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at King’s College Hospital London, Dubai Hills, with more than 30 years of clinical and academic experience.
He is the Lead and Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Service, with extensive expertise in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hepatology, bowel cancer screening, and advanced endoscopy. Dr. El-Gazzar has performed more than 30,000 diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures and holds UK accreditation in bowel cancer screening, interventional endoscopy, and whole-bowel capsule endoscopy.
He previously served as Chief of Endoscopy Services and Deputy Director of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in East London. Alongside his clinical practice, he has held senior academic positions at Queen Mary University of London and currently serves as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Gulf Medical University.

Dr. Xavier Arturo Garcia Aguilera is Head of Department and Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. With more than 18 years of experience, he has extensive expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and has performed thousands of gastrointestinal procedures. His clinical interests include advanced endoscopy, hepatology and complex gastrointestinal disorders. He is actively involved in medical education and professional gastroenterology meetings.

Dr. Zaheer Koutoubi is a Consultant Gastroenterologist with extensive experience in specialist digestive healthcare in the UAE. He has been associated with the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and has contributed to the development of gastroenterology services in the region. His clinical interests include gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders, endoscopy and multidisciplinary management of complex digestive disease. He has also contributed to regional professional education and consensus initiatives.

Dr. Zeshan Riaz is a Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology with more than 15 years of clinical experience. UK-trained, he has worked across leading NHS institutions before establishing his practice in Abu Dhabi. His areas of expertise include hepatology, fatty liver disease, end-stage liver disease, viral hepatitis, pancreatic disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. He has also held senior leadership responsibilities in medicine and gastroenterology within the UAE.