SPEAKERS

DR. ABDULLA AL SALTI

Head of Neurology Department
Consultant Adult Neurologist
Neuromuscular & Emg Specialist
Neuroscience Center, Khoula Hospital
Muscat, Oman

DR. ABDULLA AL SALTI

Dr. Abdullah Al Salti graduated from Sultan Qaboos University in 2002. He obtained membership of royal college of physician MRCP UK in 2006 and completed his neurology residency program at McGill University from 2008-2013. He has obtained his FRCPC in neurology in 2013 and has completed Fellowship in Neuromuscular and EMG at McGill university in 2014. Dr. Al Salti is a member of the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology (CSCN in EMG) since 2014 and at present he is working as a senior consultant neurologist neuromuscular & EMG specialist. He is also a member of the scientific education committee internal medicine program Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) and head of neurology department at Neuroscience Center at Khoula Hospital Muscat.

DR. ABDULLA ALKUWAITI

Consultant Neurologist & Epileptologist
Tawam Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. ABDULLA ALKUWAITI

Dr. Abdulla Al Kuwaiti graduated from UAE university medical college and health science in 2009, and was thrilled about neuroscience. In 2010 he joined McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and had extensive work experience with pioneers in neurology and epilepsy. Dr. Abdulla has successfully completed his neurology residency, and followed by an Epilepsy fellowship, with a special interest in Magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology in Montreal Neurological institute and hospital, and other affiliated hospitals. Currently, he is a consultant Neurologist at Tawam hospital and in his first year after returning from Canada, he has upgraded the EEG service to a fully digital network. First in Tawam Hospital to use Ictal and interictal SPECT for frontal lobe seizure patients. Dr. Abdulla’s clinical interest equals his interest in educating and training the new generation of physicians, being involved in final year medical education teaching when he was in Canada and currently in UAE. Dr. Abdulla has presented multiple talks at conferences and annual meetings, on topics including; headache and epilepsy, super refractory status epilepticus, and neurological complications of bariatric surgery. In addition, he has run an EEG (electroencephalogram) workshop at the first Abu Dhabi brain conference Sept 2021. Dr. Abdulla was involved in multiple research projects in Canada and UAE, and published several papers and presented posters at neurological conferences.

DR. ABDULWAHAB ROMAN

Consultant Neurologist
Head of Adult Epileptology
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. ABDULWAHAB ROMAN

Dr. Abdulwahab Roman is a Consultant Neurologist, Clinical Neurophysiologist, and Head of Adult Epileptology at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining SSMC in August 2024, he served for nearly three years as Consultant Neurologist and Lead of Neurophysiology and Epileptology at Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai. Dr. Roman completed his neurology residency in Germany, followed by two fellowships—one in epilepsy and another in presurgical epilepsy evaluation. Before relocating to the UAE in June 2021, he held the position of Deputy Head at the Vogtareuth Epilepsy Center in Bavaria for several years. He is a certified EEG expert and examiner accredited by both the German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging (DGKN) and the German Society for Epileptology (DGfE). In addition to his expertise in epilepsy, Dr. Roman underwent advanced clinical training at two leading multiple sclerosis centers and one of Germany’s largest stroke units. He previously served as Head of the MS Department at the International Medical Center of the Schön Hospital Group in Bavaria. He also holds advanced certifications in cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics (CSF Specialist Qualification) and neurological ultrasound (DEGUM). Dr. Roman is an active member of several international neuroscience societies and currently serves as a board member of the Emirati League Against Epilepsy.

DR. ALI MOHAMMED HASSAN

Consultant Neurologist
Chief of Neurology Division
Tawam & STMC Hospitals
Al Ain, UAE

DR. ALI MOHAMMED HASSAN

Dr. Ali Hassan is a Consultant Neurologist and Chief of the Neurology Division at STMC and Tawam Hospitals in Al Ain, UAE. He completed his MD in neurology from Al Azhar University, with specialized training in epilepsy and EEG from Case Western Reserve University, USA. He led the development of accredited stroke centers and founded key neurology conferences in the region. With over 40 publications, he is active in international research and guideline development. Dr. Hassan also trains neurologists in botox therapy and has received awards for teaching and quality leadership.

DR. AMIR JAVAID

Consultant Psychiatry
Burjeel Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. AMIR JAVAID

Dr. Amir Javaid is a distinguished Consultant in Psychiatry. He came with a robust academic background and extensive professional experience in both psychiatry and internal medicine. He is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK (Registration No: 7075862) and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, and he holds DOH eligibility. He worked as a senior consultant psychiatrist in the UK for several years and trained many doctors. Dr. Javaid completed his Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT/CESR) in Psychiatry in the UK in 2022, accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the General Medical Council. In 2018, he became a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), further establishing his expertise in the field. His academic journey also includes a Master of science in Gastroenterology from Queen Mary University of London, earned in 2009, and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Lahore Medical & Dental College, Pakistan, obtained in 2004. Dr. Javaid’s professional career is marked by his dedication to patient care and his commitment to advancing mental health services. His dual proficiency in psychiatry and internal medicine (Gastroenterology) uniquely positions him to address a wide range of medical and psychological conditions, contributing significantly to the multidisciplinary approach at BMC. He is highly expert in Autism and Intellectual Disability. His special interests are Mood disorders, Psychosis, Non-epileptic attack disorder, Autism, Intellectual Disability and Functional Gastrointestinal disorders. With his extensive qualifications and dedication, Dr. Javaid continues to make substantial contributions to the field of psychiatry, enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

PROF. ANDREW BLUMENFELD

Professor of Neurology
Director of The Headache Center
of Southern California
San Diego, USA

PROF. ANDREW BLUMENFELD

Prof. Andrew Blumenfeld is Director of The Headache Center of Southern California, San Diego, USA. As Director, he has encouraged the development of a center addressing the multifaceted needs of headache sufferers, including acute care allowing patients to bypass the emergency room, patient focused educational programs and a broad array of preventive options. He is Board-certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is also certified in Headache Medicine. Dr Blumenfeld is a member and fellow of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society. He is the founding chair of the American Headache Society section on Interventional Procedures for Headache. He has published widely and has over 60 peer review publications and over a 100 poster presentations at headache meetings. One of his manuscripts was voted the top publication in the Headache journal. His research interests have focused on the use of Botox for migraine. He has injected more patients for this condition than any other provider in the world and teaches other providers on this procedure nationally and internationally. He has been an active researcher in headache with over 10 issued patents for various treatments.

DR. ASMA AL MANNAEI

Health Life Science Executive Director
Research and Innovation Center
Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. ASMA AL MANNAEI

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei is an accomplished executive director of research and innovation in the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, with over 18 years of experience in Public Health, Strategy & Policy, Quality and Healthcare Research and Innovation. With an extensive background in healthcare Management, she is an expert in leading the transformation of healthcare life science in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Al-Mannaei is recognized for her innovative strategies and her ability to drive success in complex projects. She holds an MBBS from UAEU, a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins and Executive Education of Advanced Leadership and Management from Harvard Kennedy school.

Current Projects
• Precision Medicine
• Abu Dhabi Genome Program & biobank
• Abu Dhabi Healthcare Life Science Strategy
• Healthtech incubator & accelerator
• Drugs & medical products regulations
• Research & Clinical Trails regulations

DR. CALINE EL JADAM

Consultant Neurologist
Critical Care Neurology & Epilepsy
American Center for
Psychiatry and Neurology
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. CALINE EL JADAM

Dr. Caline Jadam is a Consultant Neurologist at American Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi. Dr Jadam Graduated as a neurologist from Université Saint Joseph / Hôtel Dieu de France, Lebanon, in November 2014. She holds a Sub-specialty degree in critical care neurology from Paris 12, UPEC university, and a fellowship in critical care neurology from Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris-France. She also completed a training and Fellowship in Neurophysiology and Epilepsy in Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital and UPMC-Sorbonne Universités, Paris-FRANCE. She held the position of consultant neurologist in MEDICLINIC airport road hospital, from june 2022 til October 2023. With 11 years experience, she practiced in Lebanon in various university hospitals as a consultant neurologist, with special interest in critical care neurology, memory & neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and epilepsy. Dr Caline holds academic and teaching positions as an assistant professor in Balamand University, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanon.

PROF. CLAIRE PAQUET

Vice-Dean Faculty of Medicine
Université Paris Cité
Head of Cognitive Neurology Center
Scientific Director, IHU-reConnect
GHU APHP Nord Lariboisière Fernand-Widal
Université de Paris Cité - INSERM 1144
Paris, France

PROF. CLAIRE PAQUET

Prof. Claire Paquet, MD, PhD, is a renowned neurologist and academic, specializing in cognitive neurology and neurodegenerative diseases. She holds multiple prestigious roles, including Head of the Cognitive Neurology Center and the Lewy Body Disease Unit at the University Hospital Lariboisière Fernand-Widal in Paris. She is also a Full Professor and Vice-Dean at Université de Paris Cité, France, and served as the National Scientific Referent for Neurodegenerative Disorders with the French Ministry of Health from 2021 to 2023. Her leadership extends to her role as the Director of the Continuing Medical Education Department at the Faculty of Medicine (2017-2024). With an H-index of 59 and over 200 peer-reviewed publications, Prof. Paquet is a key figure in international scientific and academic circles. She has received numerous awards and grants, including serving as the scientific director for the IHU Re-Connect program in 2023 and the ERC H2020 CIRCAME initiative in 2022. She is a prominent member of several scientific boards, including the European DLB consortium and the French association Dementia with Lewy Body. Prof. Paquet’s work primarily focuses on Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia, making significant contributions to both clinical practice and research in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

DR. DEEB M KAYED

Consultant Neurologist
Chughtai Clinic & Mediclinic City Hospital
Clinical Assistant Professor, MBRU
Dubai, UAE

DR. DEEB M KAYED

Dr. Deeb M Kayed is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology with qualifications in Adult Neurology (1997) & Clinical Neurophysiology (1999). He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and a Founding Member of the Emirates Neurology Society. He is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at MBRU School of Medicine. Dr Kayed is in private practice in Dubai at Chughtai Clinic & The Mediclinic City Hospital (MCIT). His primary interest is in general neurology and the management of patients with headache disorders.

DR. DUARTE MACHADO

Director of Program Excellence & Recognition
Chase Family Movement Disorders Center
Ayer Neuroscience Institute
Department of Neurology
Hartford HealthCare
Hartford, Connecticut, United States

DR. DUARTE MACHADO

Dr. Duarte Machado is a board certified neurologist with subspecialty training in Movement Disorders. He committed to a career caring for those with Movement Disorders while a high school student when his grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He is a 2001 graduate of Trinity College with a B.A. in Neuroscience. He is a 2005 graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed neurology residency and fellowship training at the Yale School of Medicine, where he was also chosen to be Chief Resident. Dr. Machado was subsequently recruited to join the faculty at Yale, where his primary responsibility was the care of patients in the Neurology Outpatient Clinic in the Division of Movement Disorders. In 2016, he joined the Hartford Healthcare Ayer Neuroscience Institute’s Chase Family Movement Disorders Center where he is currently Director of Program Excellence and Recognition. Dr. Machado has participated in numerous clinical research projects, and has extensive experience in botulinumtoxin injections and deep brain stimulation. He is involved in the teaching of medical students, residents and fellows, and completed the Medical Education Fellowship Program at Yale. He serves as the medical director of the CT Chapter of the International Essential Tremor Foundation, is on the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation Medical Advisory Board, and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Parkinson Disease Association CT Chapter.

DR. EMER MACSWEENEY

Consultant Interventional Neuro-Radiologist
Co-founded Re:Cognition Health
Greater London, England, United Kingdom

DR. EMER MACSWEENEY

Dr. Emer MacSweeney, is a Consultant Interventional Neuro-Radiologist, co-founded Re:Cognition Health in 2011 to provide a specialist service for accurate diagnosis and access to the latest treatments for progressive neurodegenerative & neurodevelopmental conditions and traumatic brain injury. Re:Cognition Health has 10 Centres in the UK & USA, where individuals can enter global clinical trials for new diagnostic biomarkers and emerging brain and mind medications.

DR. ERIC FRANCOIS

Consultant Anesthesiologist
Pain Medicine Specialist
Neurological Institute
Pain Medicine Department
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. ERIC FRANCOIS

Dr. Eric Francois, MD is a Consultant Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Specialist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He earned his medical degree from UCL University and completed anesthesiology training at the University of Liège, Belgium. With over 15 years’ experience in pain management in Belgium, he joined Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2015, contributing to the development of its Pain Center. His clinical interests include neuromodulation, intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) for cancer pain, and facial pain syndromes. Dr. Francois remains active in research and education, promoting awareness of pain management across the UAE and internationally.

PROF. FRANCESCO SACCÀ

Associate Professor of Neurology
NSRO Department
Federico II University of Naples
Naples, Italy

PROF. FRANCESCO SACCÀ

Prof. Saccà is Associate Professor of Neurology at NSRO Department at the Federico II University of Naples, Italy. Prof. Saccà has his research focus on Multiple Sclerosis (RWE studies, clinical trials, observational studies, neuropsychology); Myasthenia Gravis (RWE studies, clinical trials); Friedreich ataxia, other recessive ataxias (Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 1, Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 2, ARSACS), dominant ataxias (SCA2 neuroimaging and clinical trial), other ataxias (Multiple System Atrophy clinical trial), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (non-profit clinical trials, neuroendocrinology, neuroimaging, genetics); Migraine (pathogenesis); Fabry Disease (Neuroradiology, Neuropsychology), Neuropsychology in Multiple Sclerosis and Movement Disorders (new rating scales, methodological studies, emotion recognition). He participated in numerous clinical trials including profit and investigator-initiated trials in Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Neuromyelitis Optica, Friedreich Ataxia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2, Multiple System Atrophy, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Chorea.

DR. GINA ZAMBRANO

Consultant Urologist
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. GINA ZAMBRANO

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. HANS FRYKMAN

Director of NRL Center
Advanced Laboratory Neurochemistry
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. HANS FRYKMAN

Dr. Hans Frykman MD Ph.D. FRCPC is the founder, CEO, and medical director of BC Neuroimmunology Lab located in the UBC hospital on the University of BC campus in Vancouver BC. He is the medical director for Lykke Lab a genetics laboratory also on the University of BC campus. Also, he is the CSO for Neurocode Lab Inc. in Bellingham WA, a high-complexity, specialty lab focused on neuroimmunology and biomarkers in neurodegeneration. Dr. Frykman has a clinical faculty position at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurology. Since January 1, 2025 Dr. Frykman is also the director for the Center of Excellence in Neurochemistry at National Reference Lab, Abu Dhabi. Dr. Frykman has a PhD in biocatalysis and chemistry from the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. After completing medical school at Karolinska Institute, he trained in internal medicine and oncology at Karolinska Hospital (Solna Campus) followed by training in medical biochemistry at the University of BC with a focus on clinical chemistry and clinical laboratory immunology. Training in clinical laboratory neuroimmunology was obtained by training on location at JR hospital in Oxford (Drs. Angela Vincent, Paddy Waters, David Beeson), Hopital Civil Lyon with Dr. Jerome Honnerat), and at "City Clinic" Barcelona with Drs. Francesco Graus, Jospeph Dalmau. Since, 2020 Dr. Frykman has led the clinical laboratory field in Neurochemistry across North America by first launching blood based clinical trial testing in 2021 and the Alzpath p tau 217 test in early 2024. His labs are now some of the most experienced to use these tests in clinical practice with 10,000 plus tests performed.

DR. HAYTHUM TAYEB

Vice Dean for Graduate Studies
& Scientific Research
Faculty of Medicine
King Abdul Aziz University
Jeddah, KSA

DR. HAYTHUM TAYEB

Dr. Haythum Tayeb is the Vice dean for graduate studies and scientific research, Rabigh Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh/Jeddah - Saudi Arabia • Chief, Department of Medicine , Rabigh Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh/ Jeddah - Saudi Arabia • Assistant Professor in Neurology and Psychiatry, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah - Saudi Arabia • Clinical Fellow in Clinical Neurophysiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Division of clinical neurophysiology and sleep, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA - USA • Clinical Fellow in Psychiatry (neuropsychiatry and behavioral neurology) McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA - USA • Clinical Fellow (Resident) in Neurology Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal - Canada • Demonstrator in Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah - Saudi Arabia.

DR. HEINZ WIENDL

Professor & Chair
Department of Neurology & Neurophysiology
University Hospital Freiburg
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

DR. HEINZ WIENDL

Prof. Heinz Wiendl studied medicine in Germany, Switzerland, and the USA, graduating in 1996. After many years of practice in Germany, Prof Wiendl served as head of the Department of Neurology in Muenster in association with the Institute of Translational Neurology. Since October 2024, Prof. Wiendl is the head of the Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology in Freiburg. His research focuses on inflammatory neurodegeneration and immune regulation and protection as well as monitoring MS and its therapy. Prof Wiendl is the first author of the German Guideline for the management of myasthenic syndromes.

DR. HINA ABBASI

Consultant Epileptologist & Neurologist
Neurology Department
Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE

DR. HINA ABBASI

Dr. Hina Naz Abbasi is a consultant Neurologist/Epileptologist, trained in the United Kingdom. She completed fellowship and research in Epilepsy from Glasgow University and attained an MSC Neurology degree in 2022. She completed CCT in Neurology in 2017 after 9 years of training at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow UK. She also holds MRCP general medicine degree from the UK. Speciality certificate examination UK 2013 from Royal of Physicians UK. She has 3 years of research experience in status epilepticus. Dr. Abbasi is the author of many international papers and publications in peer reviewed journals. She has been part of teaching faculty at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow and educational supervisor for neurology trainees for many years. Currently working at Tawam Hospital Al Ain

DR. KIRAN WAQAR

Associate Staff Physician
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. KIRAN WAQAR

Dr. Kiran Waqar is a highly skilled neurologist from Pakistan, with specialized expertise in movement disorders and headache. She graduated from Dow Medical College and obtained her FCPS in Neurology from the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan in 2016. In 2017, she completed a fellowship in Movement Disorders at the University of Nebraska, USA. Dr. Kiran has held both academic and clinical roles across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Since 2022, she has been serving at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

DR. MOHAMAD HAYKAL

Consultant Neurologist & Epileptologist
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. MOHAMAD HAYKAL

Dr. Ayman Haykal is a consultant neurologist/epileptologist in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Haykal served as the Director of the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Beaumont Health, Michigan, and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Michigan, US. Dr. Haykal received his medical degree from Damascus University in Syria. He completed his residency training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. He completed a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology and epilepsy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He is board certified in Neurology and Epilepsy by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

DR. MONA THAKRE

Consultant Neurologist
Mediclinic Parkview Hospital
Dubai, UAE

DR. MONA THAKRE

Dr. Mona Thakre is a well experienced Neurologist with more than 20 years of experience to her credit in UAE and India. She had her basic MBBS and MD in medicine from Nagpur University, India and DM and DNB in Neurology from Bombay Hospital, Mumbai University, India. She has completed her Speciality Certificate in Neurology from Royal college of Physicians (UK) and is a Fellow of American Academy of Neurology(FAAN). She has worked in Government hospital Rashid hospital as Senior Specialist for 10years and since last 7 years as Consultant and Head of Neuroscience department at Al Zahra Hospital which is a tertiary care hospital in Dubai. She is the elected Board member of Emirates Neurology Society. Her areas of interest: Multiple Sclerosis, Headache Stroke, Epilepsy and Movement disorders. She is an active researcher and has numerous presentations in local and international conferences. She has published numerous papers in peer reviewed journals.

DR. MUHAMMAD FARHAN

Consultant Psychiatrist
Pain management / Sleep Medicine
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. MUHAMMAD FARHAN

Dr. Farhan received his medical degree from Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at University of Missouri, and his fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Wayne State University, Michigan. He completed his Pain Medicine fellowship at University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine.

DR. NADER HEBELA

Staff Physician, Spinal Neurosurgery
Neurological Institute,
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. NADER HEBELA

Dr. Nader Hebela, MD, is a Staff Physician in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who specializes in spinal surgery with a focus on adult degenerative disease and spinal tumor surgery. Dr. Hebela received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, where he also completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery. He completed his fellowship in Spine Reconstructive Surgery at the St. Joseph Medical Center Scoliosis and Spine Center, Towson, Maryland, US. Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Hebela was an attending surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania School of medicine & served as Staff Spine Surgeon at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he oversaw the Spine Surgery Program for southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, encompassing four local Veterans Affairs hospitals. He collaborated on developing a sciatic nerve injury model with faculty from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering. His peer-reviewed publications support his broader interests in clinical, basic science and translational medicine and spinal surgery. Dr. Hebela works with various charities and medical relief organizations, performing both spinal reconstructive, as well as orthopedic trauma surgery. He has volunteered in South Africa, Cambodia, Afghanistan and Gaza. Dr. Hebela lives in Abu Dhabi. He enjoys swimming, as well as occasionally designing and creating jewelry from precious and semiprecious metals and stones.

PROF. NAJI RIACHI

Consultant Neurologist
Medical Director of the Neurosciences Center
Burjeel Medical City
Professor, Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi, UAE

PROF. NAJI RIACHI

Prof. Naji Riachi recently joined Burjeel Medical City as Consultant Neurologist and Khalifa University College of Medicine as Clerkship Director of Neurology and Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs. Dr. Riachi was previously Tenured Full Professor and Chair of Department of Neurology at the Lebanese American University and Assistant Dean for Clinical Research at LAU School of Medicine in Beirut, Lebanon. After a 4 years Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, he completed his Residency in Neurology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, then a two-year Fellowship in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at the Cleveland Clinics Foundation. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry and the American Board of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology. He is founding member and past President of the Lebanese League Against Epilepsy and a member of several scientific societies. He participated in several clinical studies, gave more than 300 lectures regionally and internationally, and authored 70 peer reviewed publications and book chapters. Head of Scientific Committee Consultant Neurologist Sheikh Shakbout Medical City Professor, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

DR. NAJWA AL-BUSTANI

Consultant Neurologist
Director, Neurology Residency Program
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. NAJWA AL-BUSTANI

Dr. Najwa Al-Bustani, is a Neurology Consultant with special interest in Neuromuscular medicine and Neurology Residency program director in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. She holds an academic position of a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Collage of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Al-Bustani received her medical degree from Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. She completed her residency training in Neurology at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Subsequently, she completed her fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology, EMG Track, Neuromuscular Medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle, W.A., USA.

PROF. PETER MCALLISTER

Board Certified Neurologist
Medical Director, New England Institute
for Neurology & Headache
Chief Medical Officer
New England Institute for Clinical Research
Associate Professor of Neurology
Yale University School of Medicine
Clinical Professor of Neurology & Anatomy
Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine
Quinnipiac University
Stamford, Connecticut, USA

PROF. PETER MCALLISTER

Prof. Peter McAllister M.D. is board-certified in Neurology and Headache Medicine. He is the Medical Director of the New England Institute for Neurology and Headache and Chief Medical Officer of the New England Institute for Clinical Research and Ki Clinical Research, in Stamford, CT, USA. Dr. McAllister is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the Yale University School of Medicine and Clinical Professor of neurology and anatomy at the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University. Recognized as a “Top Neurologist” by US News and World Report, he is also listed as a “Top Doc” in Connecticut, Metro New York City and Fairfield County. Dr. McAllister lectures internationally, has been a principle investigator on over 350 clinical trials, and has authored numerous articles and book chapters in the lay and scientific press.

DR. ROAA A. KHALLAF

Cognitive & Behavioral Neurologist
King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam
Secretary General, The Saudi Chapter of
Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology
Dammam, Saudi Arabia

DR. ROAA A. KHALLAF

Dr. Roaa Khallaf is a cognitive & behavioral neurologist at King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam- Saudi Arabia. She graduated from King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, after finishing her residency in neurology in Saudi she then pursued her fellowship in behavioral neurology at University of Toronto Canada. Among her several contributions to the field in KSA, she established a pathway for cognitive disorders patients in the Eastern Health Cluster. She is a national lead of dementia services in the Ministry of health and the secretary general of the Saudi Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Chapter.

DR. RODY EL NAWAR

Consultant Neurologist
Reem Hospital
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. RODY EL NAWAR

Dr. Rody is one of the primary author on several studies published in international journals and had several abstracts presented at European Congresses. Involved in more than 10 research projects in France, Lebanon and UAE, good conduct coordinator and sub-investigator of several medical trials in different topics in Neurology field. Dr Rody El Nawar, was invited as International Speaker” and moderator to many national and international congresses held in many countries! In April 2018, he worked 2 years as a full-time faculty, instructor and medical teacher at the Lebanese American University School of Medicine and in the Neurology division at Lebanese American University Medical Center Rizk Hospital. He worked for 2 years as a coordinator of the comprehensive stroke unit at LAUMC-RH and he was involved in the development of the stroke procedures and different stroke protocols. Dr. Rody has more than 5 years of experience in neurology in some of the most prominent healthcare institutions in France, Lebanon and United Arab Emirates. He was employed as Neurologist, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, since December 2020 till present. He is actively involved in headache field and novel antimigraine drug targets.

DR. SALAMA KARAMASTAJI

Consultant Neurologist
Rashid Hospital
Dubai, UAE

DR. SALAMA KARAMASTAJI

Dr. Salama Karmastaji, a committed Neurologist and Neuromuscular Specialist at the Neurology Department of Rashid Hospital. With the successful completion of a Clinical Fellowship in Neuromuscular Disorders, I bring expertise in diagnosing and managing these conditions. In my current role as a Neurologist, my dedication extends to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients. Additionally, I proudly serve as core faculty in the Neurology Residency Program at Rashid Hospital, actively contributing to the education and mentorship of aspiring neurologists. This multifaceted role reflects my passion for clinical excellence and dedication to shaping the future of neurology professionals.

DR. SAMAR FAROUK

Consultant Neurologist
Ibn Sina Hospital
Kuwait City, Kuwait

DR. SAMAR FAROUK

Dr. Samar Farouk Ahmed is a Consultant in Neurology at Ibn Sina Hospital Kuwait and Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist. professor in neurology department, faculty of medicine, Al-Minia University, Egypt. She Received her degree in medicine (MD) from Minia University, Egypt. She run general neurology clinics and attends specialized MS clinic. She also performs consults on inpatients neurology department. She is involved in the education and training for neurology residents and medical students. She is member of Residency Examination Committee of Neurology, Kuwait. Dr. Samar is actively involved in research and she authored and co-authored many publications and presentations in peer review journal and congresses, (73 peer-reviewed publications, 1531 citations, h-index: 23; i10-index: 43). She is involved as co-investigator in many research projects and drug trials. She is member in many local and regional advisory boards committees.

PROF. SHILPA CHITNIS

Professor & Chief of Neurology
UT Tyler School of Medicine
Tyler, Texas, USA

PROF. SHILPA CHITNIS

Prof. Shilpa Chitnis MD, PhD is Professor and Chief of Neurology at UT Tyler School of Medicine in Tyler, Texas. She received her medical degree from Grant Medical College in Bombay, India. Her residency training in Neurology and fellowship in movement disorders were at Tulane and LSU, New Orleans respectively. She was Associate Program Director for the Neurology residency program for 10 years. She has served as movement Fellowship Director from 2011 to 2023. She has clinical expertise in treatment of complex patients with special emphasis on DBS for movement disorders and functional movement disorders. She has co-authored over 30 peer reviewed publications, co-edited two books and serves as an ad hoc reviewer for scientific journals. She serves on the editorial board of CPRD and is the associate editor for neuromodulation for the Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements Journal. She serves on many national and international committees for both the AAN and MDS and is an internationally recognized leader in clinical care, education and mentorship in movement disorders.

DR. SHIVAM OM MITTAL

Section Head
Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. SHIVAM OM MITTAL

Dr. Shivam Om Mittal is the Section Head of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He is an American Board-Certified Neurologist with fellowship training from the Mayo Clinic and Yale University. Dr. Mittal specializes in advanced therapies for Parkinson’s disease, including Deep Brain Stimulation and subcutaneous levodopa infusion. He serves on the Executive and Education Committees of the Movement Disorder Society – Asian and Oceanian Section (MDS-AOS) and is the Editor of the upcoming Oxford Textbook of Movement Disorders. Dr. Mittal has authored over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and several book chapters, focusing on neuromodulation, clinical innovation, and personalized care in movement disorders.

DR. TAIM A. MUAYQIL

Professor & Consultant Neurologist
King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

DR. TAIM A. MUAYQIL

Dr. Taim Abdullah Muayqil is a consultant neurologist and professor at King Saud University and its Medical City in Riyadh. He trained in neurology at the University of Alberta, with subspecialty training in cognitive neurology and a master’s in clinical epidemiology. He later trained in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Muayqil has served as neurology residency program director and is a founding member of the Saudi chapter for cognitive and behavioral neurology. He is actively involved in postgraduate training and currently heads the neurology unit at King Saud University Medical City.

DR. TAOUFIK ALSAADI

Adjunct Professor of Neurology
Khalifa University
Chief Medical Officer
Chair of the Neurology Department
American Center for Psychiatry
and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, UAE

DR. TAOUFIK ALSAADI

Dr. Alsaadi is a Chief Medical officer and the Chair of the Neurology Department at the American Center of Psychiatry & Neurology (ACPN). He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at Khalifa University. He was trained in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at the University of California San Francisco and was a research fellow in Epilepsy there. He is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and by the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and the American Board of Neurology in Clinical Epilepsy.

Before joining ACPN, Dr. Alsaadi was the Chief of the Neurology Department at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City for 11 years. He previously held a position as an Associate Professor of Neurology and the Director of the Adult Epilepsy Program and the Clinical Research Program at the University of California Davis. His research has focused on conducting drug study trials for new antiseizure drugs for patients with epilepsy, quality of life in patients with epileptic and non-epileptic disorders, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. His recent research has focused on the new CGRP-based therapies in patients with migraine headaches. Dr. Alsaadi has been honored with several prestigious awards for his work in the field of epilepsy. He has served on the Advisory Board of the Northern California Epilepsy Foundation and the membership committee of the American Epilepsy Society. He has previously served as the President of the Western Clinical Neurophysiology Society in the United States and as the Vice President of ILAE- EMR (Commission of the Eastern Mediterranean Affairs). He is currently the President of the Emirati League against epilepsy and the Chair of the ILAE Commission for epilepsy in the elderly. He serves as a member of the Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the WHO. He also serves on the Editorial Board for BMC Journal of Neurology and Journal of Neurosciences. He has authored and co-authored more than 90 papers and book chapters and has served as a peer-reviewer for more than 15 scientific journals.

SPEAKERS

DR. ABDULLA AL SALTI

DR. ABDULLA ALKUWAITI

DR. ABDULWAHAB ROMAN

DR. ALI MOHAMMED HASSAN

DR. AMIR JAVAID

PROF. ANDREW BLUMENFELD

DR. ASMA AL MANNAEI

DR. CALINE EL JADAM

PROF. CLAIRE PAQUET

DR. DEEB M KAYED

DR. DUARTE MACHADO

DR. EMER MACSWEENEY

DR. ERIC FRANCOIS

PROF. FRANCESCO SACCÀ

DR. GINA ZAMBRANO

DR. HANS FRYKMAN

DR. HAYTHUM TAYEB

DR. HEINZ WIENDL

DR. HINA ABBASI

DR. KIRAN WAQAR

DR. MOHAMAD HAYKAL

DR. MONA THAKRE

DR. MUHAMMAD FARHAN

DR. NADER HEBELA

PROF. NAJI RIACHI

DR. NAJWA AL-BUSTANI

PROF. PETER MCALLISTER

DR. ROAA A. KHALLAF

DR. RODY EL NAWAR

DR. SALAMA KARAMASTAJI

DR. SAMAR FAROUK

PROF. SHILPA CHITNIS

DR. SHIVAM OM MITTAL

DR. TAIM A. MUAYQIL

DR. TAOUFIK ALSAADI

ACCME Accreditation Statement

ACCME Credit Designation Statement

Disclosure And Conflict Of Interest