
Clinic for treating gaming addicts to open in UAE in 2020
The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), the UAE's leading rehabilitation body, will open the outpatient clinic at its premises in Abu Dhabi to serve both Emiratis and ...
Patients with alcohol and/or substance use problems who are not indicated for admission to detox or rehab units or refused admission will be enrolled in the outpatient clinic ..
link Read MoreThe programme aims to train patients on computer skills and applications which shall help them attain a useful qualification which help them market themselves in labour market or develop their private business and digitalizing them ..
link Read MoreThe programme aims to include inpatients in the general, religious and seasonal celebrations such as end of Ramadhan celebration, Eid Al Adha, Martyr Day, National Day, Mid-Sha’aban, haq Laila and Ramadhan evening celebrations ..
link Read MoreAn interactive area with a large collection of books on different subjects in an adequately furnished quiet room which make reading and flicking through books a moment of reflection and peace ..
link Read MoreThe NRC present some of the Real Patient Stories who recovered from the addiction by there strong well, the stories try to communicate what changes took place ..
link Read MoreThe National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), the UAE's leading rehabilitation body, will open the outpatient clinic at its premises in Abu Dhabi to serve both Emiratis and ...
The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), the UAE's leading rehabilitation body, will open the outpatient clinic at its premises in Abu Dhabi to serve both Emiratis and ...
Read MoreThe National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), the UAE's leading rehabilitation body, will open the outpatient clinic at its premises in Abu Dhabi to serve both Emiratis and expatriates in the country, said Dr. Hamad Al Ghaferi, Director -General of the NRC.
"The NRC is welcoming all patients [who are addicted to any behaviour] to come and seek help from us. Gaming addiction is mainly a behavioural issue and we are building the capacity and training our workforce to deal with any sort of addictive behaviours," he explained.
The NRC's initiative to open the clinic for gaming addicts is in the wake of a decision of the World Health Organisation, WHO, which added gaming addiction to its International Classification of Diseases, ICD, Al Ghaferi said.
The WHO released the 11th revision of the ICD in mid-2018, which defined the gaming disorder as a pattern of gaming behaviour ("digital-gaming" or "video-gaming") characterised by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities.
The inclusion of a disorder in ICD is a consideration, which countries take into account when planning public health strategies and monitoring trends of disorders, WHO said.
According to the NRC, video games, and in particular mobile gaming, remains extremely popular in the UAE.
The UAE is consistently ranked amongst the world's top 100 gaming markets based on revenue source, with more than 80 per cent of smartphone users in the UAE identifying themselves as 'mobile gamers,' said a study by the gaming analytics firm Newzoo in 2019.
However, the NRC has not treated any cases of gaming addiction as of now, Al Ghaferi revealed. "We did not receive any patients as such. We have to raise awareness within the community and we have to alert families about this possible problem," he noted.
It is the addicts' right to seek help and the NRC will offer the treatment, bearing in mind that each individual is different from others and he or she has to be tackled accordingly, the official explained on the sidelines of the 6th meeting on Public Health Implications of Behavioural Addictions, currently being held in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting brings together academics and clinicians from around the world to discuss health conditions, diagnoses and rehabilitation programmes associated with excessive use of the internet and other communication and gaming platforms.
"The participation in the meeting will give us more ideas about tackling this issue," Al Ghaferi said.
The NRC is joining hands with Japanese experts who have conducted a study about gaming addiction in Japan. "We will work with them and utilise the studies they conducted."
He said the NRC would modify the modalities of the Japanese study and try to apply them to the UAE community to assess the magnitude of the problem. It may help find the prevalence of gaming addiction among particular nationalities, age groups etc., the official said.
Panel created to develop gaming disorder screen tool
In
a major breakthrough, a panel was created in the capital today to
develop an internationally agreed upon screening test that will identify
gaming addiction.
The panel will consist of medical experts from across the world, including the UAE’s own rehabilitation centre, the National Rehabilitation Centre, and the World Health Organisation.
The tool will be developed within the next two years, it was disclosed.
“Gaming addiction has only been endorsed globally as a medical condition this May, so we are yet to have internationally agreed upon screening and treatment tools. This meeting has therefore been groundbreaking in helping the global medical community come together to develop the necessary tools to identify and treat this condition,” Susumu Higuchi, a global pioneer and director of Japan’s National Centre for Addiction Services, told Gulf News.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a three-day meeting convened by the NRC to discuss addictions, including gaming disorder, one of the latest mental health conditions to be recognised. In fact, the disorder was only endorsed in May 2019 as a health threat by the International Classification of Diseases, which lists all diagnoses and symptoms treated by healthcare professionals.
Outpatient clinic
Taking initiative, the NRC announced yesterday that it will open a dedicated outpatient clinic in the capital to treat gaming addicts. Dr Hamad Al Ghaferi, Director General of the NRC, said today that the clinic will begin welcoming patients within the first quarter of 2020. While Emiratis will receive treatment free of charge, expat patients will only be charged fees that are nominal compared to international treatment costs, he added.
Dr Al Ghaferisaid, “The inclusion of gaming addiction to the International Classification of Diseases has helped us understand the seriousness of this issue in the UAE and around the world. It not only provides us with the ability to develop the programmes and resources required to help those in need, but it also gives us the opportunity to study its prevalence and develop treatment recommendations to this condition.”
Dr Higuchi, who has been working to combat the disorder in Japan for more than a decade, hailed the NRC’s foresight. in setting up the clinic.
“The most worrying thing about this condition is that 70 per cent of those affected are adolescents. So the NRC clinic will help tackle a problem that is increasing in magnitude among the youth,” he explained.
While it is difficult to ascertain the prevalence of gaming addiction, Dr Higuchi estimates that it affects 0.5 per cent to 27 per cent of each community.
Mortality, health risks
In its mild forms, the addiction can interfere with a patient’s daily life. But mortalities have been reported, the first in the United Kingdom in 1999 and the second in South Korea in 2003.
“Of course, death only occurs in extreme cases, mainly because of prolonged inactivity causing a blood clot that leads to cardiac arrest or a stroke. But like all other addictions, gaming disorder has many comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and substance abuse,” warned Dr Anas Mohammad, head of health education at the NRC.
UAE gaming
Video games, and in particular mobile gaming, remains extremely popular in the UAE. According to a study, the UAE is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top 100 gaming markets based on revenue source, with more than 80 per cent of smartphone users in the UAE identifying themselves as ‘mobile gamers’. Dr Al Ghaferi however cautioned that this does not speak to the magnitude of the issue in the UAE, adding that the NRC is now running a pilot study to determine this.
Dr Higuchi likened gaming addiction to addiction to tobacco or alcohol. He explained that those affected face a similar disinterest in other forms of entertainment, and often end up confined in their rooms, which further exacerbates comorbidities like depression, anxiety, reduction in brain volume and loss of muscle tone.
Treating the addiction
While experts are yet to agree upon a clinical treatment pathway, they say that effective interventions will combine counselling, cognitive behavioral therapies and medication.
“For instance, at the Kurihama Medical and Addiction Centre that I oversee in Japan, we ask patients to attend group counselling sessions that last from an hour to an hour-and-a-half. We also prescribe medicines to help control ADHD or depression so that the patients resume normal activities like going to school,” Dr Higuchi said.
His Excellency Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri is elected president of the International Society Of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) Dr. Al Ghafri becomes the first GCC National to hold the position
The announcement is a significant one as it marks a new chapter for ISAM and its efforts in combatting addiction around the world. It also establishes the NRC and the role it has played in working with the World Health Organization (WHO) in supporting international efforts in combating addictions and providing the best services for prevention and rehabilitation. The support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Council Ministers and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the Center has been instrumental in achieving the goals of combating addiction in the UAE.
The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) was founded in 1998, by an international fellowship of physicians and specialists, with the aim of conducting research and deepening the understanding and broadening the scope of addiction treatment worldwide. The association has close partnerships with a range of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The association hosts major conferences around the world to collect and exchange important information about addiction and the ways to prevent and treat it.
Cooperation between the National Center for Rehabilitation (NRC) and the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) dates to 2009, when His Excellency Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri hosted a delegation from ISAM to showcase the nature of the NRC’s work and to advice on ways to develop the performance of the Society. Since then, His Excellency has regularly participated with ISAM in their annual conferences where he has presented scientific research on addiction-related topics. The NRC also hosted the nineteenth annual conference of the Society in Abu Dhabi in 2017. It was during this session that His Excellency was nominated and elected as a member of the Board of Directors of ISAM. Today, this cooperation has culminated in Dr. Al Ghafri being elected as President Elect of ISAM.
Commenting on his appointment Dr. Al Ghafri said: "I am honoured that the members of ISAM have chosen me to fulfil this role during the next phase of the society, which will be defined by the obstacles we face related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has not only impacted the global economy but has facilitated the emergence of new addictive behaviours that we have not seen previously. I look forward to working at ISAM and continuing its close cooperation with the NRC.”
“The NRC has been working closely with ISAM for more than a decade, with a focus on combining clear goals and efforts to diagnose addiction, its behaviours and to develop methods for prevention and treatment. Our focus has always been on sharing important information and enhancing cooperation and coordination between addiction stakeholders around the world.”
Dr. Hamad Al Ghaferi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and General Surgery from The University of Jordan’s College of Medicine, a Master’s degree in Public Health from Tulane University, and a PhD in Primary Health Care and Addiction from the College of Medicine at the University of Aberdeen.
Dr. Hamad Al-Ghaferi has held several key positions within local and international organizations and his extensive experience includes working within a range of institutions and local and international committees concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of addiction. From 2010-2012 he chaired the International Consultative Committee consisting of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). He has also led the National Committee for Treatment and Rehabilitation and is a member of the Drug Control Council in the United Arab Emirates.
Patients with addictive behaviours and substance abuse concerns are especially at risk of contracting the coronavirus and suffering from its complications, a top health official has warned.
Dr Hamad Al Ghaferi, director general at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), has therefore cautioned families to watch out for warning signs in order to ensure that addicts do not relapse into problematic behaviours.
“Patients with addiction are immunocompromised, and are therefore more prone to contracting COVID-19, as well as suffering from its complications. But in addition, the strict social environment and social isolation has increased their risk of suffering from mood disorders,” Dr Al Ghaferi told Gulf News.
“We have noted that 41 per cent of patients with addiction have developed post-traumatic stress disorder, while seven per cent have come down with depression. In addition, there has been a 75 per cent increase in online gaming addictions,” he added.
The official was speaking on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is marked annually on June 26 to strengthen action and cooperation towards a society free of drug abuse.
The NRC offers rehabilitation services in Abu Dhabi, and has noted that prescription medications and heroin are the most widely abused substances in the UAE after tobacco.
Dr Al Ghaferi advised families and community organisations to keep an eye on their vulnerable members, especially those who had previously suffered from addiction issues.
“If you notice empty bottles lying around the house, or a disinterest in previously enjoyable activities, it is best to consult an expert,” he said.
“Our observation has been that women with addiction have been more prone to mood disorders during this coronavirus crisis, as are those within lower income groups and those in conflict with the law or the community. These people need access to mental health services during this challenging time, as well as security of housing, food and medicine,” the official added.
A group of Abu Dhabi schools are running a new pilot programme which sees pupils taught how to manage mental health pressures
On 28 July, WHO will celebrate World Hepatitis Day 2020 under the theme “Hepatitis-free future” and launch the new recommendations for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Join high-level speakers and experts from WHO, member states, key partners and civil society to hear about the progress towards elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
· Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
· Her Excellency Mrs Sika Kaboré, First Lady of Burkina Faso
· Dr Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, Namibia
· Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, Nigeria
· Mrs Amira El Fadil, African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs
· Dr Alioune Coulibaly, Board of World Hepatitis Alliance
· Dr Tshidi Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
· Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia
· Dr Ren Minghui, WHO Assistant Director-General Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases
· Progress and challenges towards prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in the WHO African Region and globally.
· Service disruptions and impact on hepatitis services due to the COVID-19 pandemic
· Highlights from all WHO regions towards viral hepatitis elimination
· Highlights of the new WHO guidelines on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus.
In this webinar sponsored by the Global Breastfeeding Collective, WHO and UNICEF, key global leaders will discuss why investment in skilled breastfeeding support is essential to achieving equitable health outcomes. The audience will hear from funders, implementing organizations and national government level leaders.
The webinar will be conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation in French, Spanish, Arabic, and Russian.
Date: 5 August 2020
Time: 13:00 - 14:30 UTC (9:00 New York, 15:00
Geneva, 16:00 Nairobi, 18:00 Islamabad, 20:00 Tokyo)
Dr Victor Aguayo, Associate Director, Programme Division, Chief, Nutrition Programme, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Dr Francesco Branca, Director, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, World Health Organization (WHO)
Dr France Begin, Senior Advisor, Early Childhood Nutrition, UNICEF
Ms Mudiwah Kadeshe, President, International Lactation Consultant Association
Mrs Juliana Abdul Razak, Breastfeeding mother, Malaysia
Her Excellency Mrs Samina Alvi, First Lady of Pakistan
Dr Laurence Grummer-Strawn, Unit Head, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, World Health Organization
Dr Amy E. Pollack, Director, Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Ms Helga Fogstad, Executive Director, Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
Dr Steve Wall, Senior Director, Newborn Health, Save the Children
Dr Alma Golden, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development
Her Excellency Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady of
Ghana
PLEASE NOTE THAT GIVEN THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH RESPECT TO COVID-19, WHO IS CURRENTLY REVIEWING WHETHER & IF SO, HOW & WHEN THIS COURSE WILL BE HELD.
CURRENTLY WE ARE LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING A FACILITATED
ONLINE VERSION OF THIS COURSE
Course announcement
The Seventh WHO Advanced course on health financing for universal coverage for low- and middle-income countries, was planned to be held from 21-25 September 2020 in Geneva, Switzerland. This week-long advanced training program is organized by WHO’s Health Financing Policy team based in Geneva with selected contributions from global experts.
Who is the course for?
The course is designed for policy makers, advisors and analysts in the health and social sectors, senior managers of service provider organizations and health insurance funds, and other relevant actors in government (e.g. Ministries of Finance, Parliamentarians), the private sector and civil society. This is an advanced course and participants are expected to have extensive and relevant work experience and knowledge of health financing policy, and previous training in health systems and policy (e.g. participation in a Flagship Course).
This course is delivered exclusively in English.
Course content
The course is structured in line with WHO’s approach to thinking and analyzing health financing policy and its role in improving health system performance, in particular making progress towards universal health coverage. During the course, participants will be able to apply WHO approach to analyze and reflect on their own health systems performance, assess the problems it faces, and discuss ideas with professionals from a wide range of countries. The course which is organized around the following core health financing functions or topics:
Raising revenues – strategic issues for policy makers
Pooling health revenues – minimizing fragmentation to maximize performance
Purchasing – more health for the money through payment reforms
Benefit design – considering equity, efficiency, financial protection and transparency
Health financing and public finance management – addressing bottlenecks
Coordinating reform – aligning multiple policy instruments with system goals
Faculty
The faculty comprises both core trainers and guest keynote speakers, reflecting a diverse experience in health financing policy:
Core training team
Joseph Kutzin, Head of Health Financing Policy Team, WHO Geneva
Matthew Jowett, Senior Health Financing Specialist, WHO Geneva
Helene Barroy, Senior Health Financing Specialist, WHO Geneva
Cheryl Cashin, Managing Director, Results for Development Institute
Keynote speakers
Previous keynote speakers include: Eduardo Gonzalez Pier (Visiting Fellow at the Center for Global Development, former Deputy Minister of Health, Mexico), Viroj Tangcharoensathien (Senior Advisor, Ministry of Health, Thailand), Professor Diane McIntyre (School of Public Health and Family Medicine at the University of Cape Town), Professor Sarah Bennett (Johns Hopkins School of Public Health), and Dr. Agnès Soucat (Director for Health Systems Governance and Financing at WHO Geneva).
This year’s Keynote Speakers will be announced closer to the course.
Applications and deadlines
Please check this webpage for updates as we review the situation and its implication for holding the course on the planned dates.
Costs and registration fee
There is no tuition or registration fee to attend the course.
WHO covers all costs related to the organization of the training course, including provision of course materials, drink and snacks breaks (morning and afternoon), and a midday meal on each of the five days of the course, plus one evening dinner reception.
Participants are responsible for organizing all other costs i.e. travel, accommodation, and other subsistence costs while attending the course. WHO will make recommendations with respect to accommodation.
Visa
Applicants are responsible for obtaining a visa, if required, to enter Switzerland. A formal invitation and visa support letter will be provided by WHO. Please note that obtaining a visa may require several weeks. Applicants are advised to confirm as early as possible the application process and likely timeframe with their nearest visa issuing authority.
Contact
Any queries regarding the
application process should be sent by email to: hfcourse@who.int
World Patient Safety Day 2020
On 17 September 2020, the World Health Organization, international partners and all countries will celebrate World Patient Safety Day.
World Patient Safety Day was established by the 72nd World Health Assembly, in May 2019, with the adoption of resolution WHA72.6 on ‘Global action on patient safety’, and an endorsement for the Day to be marked annually on 17 September. World Patient Safety Day builds on a series of successful annual Global Ministerial Summits on Patient Safety, which started in London in 2016.
The overall objectives of World Patient Safety Day are to enhance global understanding of patient safety, increase public engagement in the safety of health care and promote global actions to enhance patient safety and reduce patient harm. The origin of the Day is firmly grounded in the fundamental principle of medicine – First, do no harm.
The COVID-19 pandemic is presently among the biggest challenges and threats to face the world and humanity, and health care is living its greatest crisis in patient safety ever! The pandemic has exerted unprecedented pressure on health systems worldwide. Health systems can only function with health workers, and a knowledgeable, skilled and motivated health workforce is critical for the provision of safe care to patients.
WHO urges all stakeholders to “Speak up for health worker safety!"
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the huge challenges health workers are currently facing globally. Working in stressful environments exacerbates safety risks for health workers, including being infected and contributing to outbreaks in the health care facility, having limited access or adherence to personal protective equipment and other infection prevention and control measures, and inducing errors which can potentially harm patients and health workers. In many countries, health workers are facing increased risks of infections, violence, accidents, stigma, illness and death.
During these unprecedented times, a combination of virtual and other activities is being planned by WHO to observe and celebrate the Day in September. The signature mark of the global campaign is to light up iconic monuments, landmarks, and public places in orange colour, in collaboration with local authorities. This will also be a gesture of respect and gratitude to all health workers.
28 July 2020 15:00 – 16:30 UTC Time
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the supply of blood and blood components in many countries through reduction in blood donations and disruption of routine practices in blood establishments. Blood services throughout the world must move quickly in response to the pandemic to maintain blood sufficiency for critical patient needs, ideally through development, implementation and activation of emergency response plans in cooperation with hospitals. Meanwhile, COVID-19 convalescent plasma can be made available on an experimental basis through local production provided that ethical and safety criteria are met for its preparation and use. Blood systems that provide COVID-19 convalescent plasma must ensure that blood establishments have sufficient capability to safely collect, process and store these special products in a quality-assured manner in compliance with WHO and other internationally recognized standards for plasma for transfusion.
WHO provided interim guidance on “Maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply during the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on 20 March 2020. More recently, on 10 July 2020, WHO published updated interim guidance entitled “Guidance on maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and on the collection of COVID-19 convalescent plasma.” Compared with the earlier version, the updated interim guidance provides greater details on management of the blood supply and expanded recommendations on collection of COVID-19 convalescent plasma. The BTT organized webinar on 28 July 2020 will include a presentation on the “Scientific rationale and clinical experience with experimental treatment with COVID-19 convalescent plasma” and a summary of the 10 July 2020 WHO interim guidance.
The National Rehabilitation Center ‘NRC’ was established upon the insightful directives of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 2002 to serve....
The National Rehabilitation Center realized from the very beginning that it could not deliver on its mission unless it is manned wit staff of high caliber.
NRC conducts UAE-cross surveys to collect data on drug addiction, the findings are usually analyzed and relative recommendations are derived to minimize drug ...
NRC pays much heed to education as a preemptive tool; it launched several initiatives to educate community on drug detriments and preventive measures.
Director General
H.E. Dr Hamad Al Ghafri is the Director General and the Head of the WHO Collaborative Centre for substance use prevention and treatment of substance use disorders (National Rehabilitation Centre Abu Dhabi). He received his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology in 1999 and his Masters in Public Health from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, USA in 2002. He obtained his PhD from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom in 2013.
Dr Hamad Al Ghafri serves in many national and international bodies. He is the Head of Higher Committee for Treatment, Rehabilitation and Social Re-integration and a Board Member of Anti Dugs Council in the UAE. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences of the United Arab Emirates University.
Internationally, he is the Vice President of the Arab Federation for Drug Prevention since 2005. He was a member of the Management Board that established the new journal the International Journal of Prevention and Treatment of Drug Use Disorders (IJPTSUD). Under his leadership this was re-launched as the International Addiction Review (IAR) in 2017. He is a Mental Health Advisor to the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) of the WHO and Chair of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of UNODC and WHO. He is a Board member of the International Society for Addiction Medicine and was the chair of the local organizing committee of ISAM 2017 conference and a Board Member of the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR). He is also Emeritus Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan and Adjunct Professor at College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University. From 2016 to 2018 was the Chair of the Commissioners of the Global Centre for Credentialing and Education of Addiction Professionals (GCCC) of the Colombo Plan.
His research interests include public health aspects and prevention of addiction, particularly in Arab countries. He has published widely in these areas. He has a particular interest in promoting research in the developing world and dissemination of research information.
In recognition of his contribution to his field and the country, Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri was awarded the Sheik Rashed Award for Science and Culture in 2003 and 2014. In 2017, he was awarded the honor of Lifetime Membership of the American Society for Addiction Medicine.
PhD
Faculty of Medicine
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
November 2013
Thesis Title: A descriptive study of the characteristics of alcohol and drug abusers in a treatment centre, in Amman, Jordan
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine,
Tulane University, USA
May 2002
Environmental & Occupational health GPA 3.72/4
Excellence Certificate in Environmental Health Sciences.
Eta chapter Delta Omega Society.
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Faculty of Medicine
Jordan University of Science and Technology,
Irbid, Kingdom Hashemite of Jordan.
June 1999
Name:
drhamad@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +9712 306 0444
Office Address:
W1
Acting Medical Services Sector Director
Mrs. Samya Al Mamari has a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Sharjah University. Then, she continued her education and obtained a Master’s of Quality Management from University of Wollongong in Dubai, UAE; class of 2007 and in 2011 she completed her second degree; Master of Public Health in Leadership and management of Health Care Systems in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) and currently she is doing her Doctoral Degree with the same university. Professionally, she progressed through the nursing profession starting from being a practical nurse to become a Director of Nursing. She worked in different units such as Medical, surgical, VIP, ICU and Dialysis as a staff nurse. She also took part as a part time instructor in the School of Medical Services at Zayed Military Hospital. Then she changed her work direction to nursing administration by becoming a Head Nurse, then Medical/Surgical Assistant Chief Nurse, followed by being a Deputy Director of Nursing and currently a Director of Nursing at the National Rehabilitation Center. During her career years, she was invited to be a speaker in few conferences and she is an active member in couple of committees at the national level.
Mrs. Samya Al Mamari has a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Sharjah University. Then, she continued her education and obtained a Master’s of Quality Management from University of Wollongong in Dubai, UAE; class of 2007 and in 2011 she completed her second degree; Master of Public Health in Leadership and management of Health Care Systems in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) and currently she is doing her Doctoral Degree with the same university. Professionally, she progressed through the nursing profession starting from being a practical nurse to become a Director of Nursing. She worked in different units such as Medical, surgical, VIP, ICU and Dialysis as a staff nurse. She also took part as a part time instructor in the School of Medical Services at Zayed Military Hospital. Then she changed her work direction to nursing administration by becoming a Head Nurse, then Medical/Surgical Assistant Chief Nurse, followed by being a Deputy Director of Nursing and currently a Director of Nursing at the National Rehabilitation Center. During her career years, she was invited to be a speaker in few conferences and she is an active member in couple of committees at the national level.
Feb 2018-till today: Acting Medical Services Sector Director
National Rehabilitation Centre - Abu Dhabi
Oct 2017-till today: Head of DG Technical Office
National Rehabilitation Centre - Abu Dhabi
July 2013-till today: Director of Nursing
National Rehabilitation Centre - Abu Dhabi
Jan 2012-July 2013: Nursing Unit Manager
National Rehabilitation Centre - Abu Dhabi
Aug 2010-Jan 2012: Acting Deputy Director of Nursing
Zayed Military Hospital - Abu Dhabi
Aug 2009-Aug 2010: Acting Director of Nursing
Zayed Military Hospital - Abu Dhabi
July 2007-Aug 2009: Assistant Director of Nursing
Zayed Military Hospital - Abu Dhabi
Sep 2005-Jan 2012: Nephrology Unit Manager
Nephrology Unit - Zayed Military Hospital - Abu Dhabi
March 2005-Sep 2005: Deputy In-charge of Nephrology Unit
Nephrology Unit - Zayed Military Hospital - Abu Dhabi
Feb 2005- Feb 2007: Part-time Nursing Instructor
School of Medical Services - Zayed Military Hospital - Abu Dhabi
July 2003-March 2005: Register Nurse (RN)/Dialysis Nurse
Nephrology Unit - Zayed Military Hospital - Abu Dhabi
Coming soon
Name:
samya.almamari@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0200
Office Address:
12029 W1
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Dr Shamil Wanigaratne is Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Senior Advisor to H.E. Director General at the National Rehabilitation Centre, Abu Dhabi. He is Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychology at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University and Visiting Associate, King’s College London. Until April 2011 he was Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Clinical Psychology for Addictions at the Maudsley Hospital London.
Dr Shamil Wanigaratne is Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Senior
Advisor to H.E. Director General at the National Rehabilitation Centre,
Abu Dhabi. He is Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychology at the College
of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University and
Visiting Associate, King’s College London. Until April 2011 he was
Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Clinical Psychology for
Addictions at the Maudsley Hospital London. He has worked as a
psychologist in the field of Addiction since 1987 and has been involved
in teaching and training psychologists and other health professionals,
throughout his career. He has conducted research and published widely on
psychological aspects of addiction. This includes 37 peer reviewed
papers and 18 chapters and books. He has been a sole and co-holder of
research grants totaling over five and a half million British Pounds. He
was a founding member of the British Psychological Society’s Faculty of
Addiction and was its Chair from 2000 to 2001. He is a Director of
Samutthāna, the King’s College London Resource Centre for Trauma,
Displacement and Mental Health in Sri Lanka. He is a member of the
Presidential Task Force on Psychosocial Wellbeing in Sri Lanka and
Honorary Consultant to Mel Medura Addiction Treatment Centre, Colombo.
In recognition of his of his contribution to his field and profession,
he was elected as a Fellow of the British Psychological Society in 2011.
He was also elected as a Fellow of the British Association of
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists in 2017.
Coming soon
Coming soon
Coming soon
Name:
shamil.wanigaratne@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0003
Office Address:
12019 W1
Director of Public Health
A physician and a holder of two masters degrees with more than 15 years of experience in the field of public health, health care management and communication. Represented the UAE in many regional and international meetings and conferences and initiated and led major public health projects in the country.
A physician and a holder of two masters degrees with more than 15 years of experience in the field of public health, health care management and communication. Represented the UAE in many regional and international meetings and conferences and initiated and led major public health projects in the country.
Highlights of experience:-
The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) (June 2011 to date)
Director of the Public Health and Research Department with various projects and initiatives for a leading drug treatment and rehabilitation organization in UAE. The department is responsible for the first initiative within the NRC strategic plan (reducing the burden of drug addiction in the UAE).
Acting Director of the Patients Affairs department (2017 to 2019): In addition to my main role at the Public Health and Research Department, I was given the task to run the newly established patient affairs department. During these two years I have managed to successfully organize the work in this department which plays a crucial role in the patients’ recovery process.
Dubai Health Authority (2006-2011)
Director of Public Health and Safety Department with different roles and responsibilities related to strategy and policy development, research, outbreak control and health reform.
Health Authority OF Abu Dhabi (HAAD) (2004-2006)
Director of the Preventive Medicine Department in Abu Dhabi.
Managing one of the busiest and most important departments in HAAD with more than 12 sections, 200 staff and more than 1500 daily costumers.
Ministry of Health (2002-2004)
Director of Central Disease Prevention Department.
With 7 offices across the country and the burden to detect disease trends and provide strategic support and interventions in addition to dealing directly with the World Health Organization and the Minister’s office, the department played significant role in shaping the health structure in UAE.
Ministry of Health (1997-2002)
Joined the Ministry of Health and did my internship and attachments.
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Other related activities:
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Professional development:
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Scientific paper presentations:
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Name:
ali.almarzooqi@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0600
Office Address:
21091 W2
Organizational Development Department Director
"Organizational Development Department Director"
May 2018 – present : National Rehabilitation Centre – Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
"Human Recourses Manager"
Feb 2013 – May 2018 : National Rehabilitation Centre – Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Coming soon
- Work Ethics
- Time Management
- Team Work
- Skills of Dealing with Others
- Creative Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
- Business Communication
- Legal Controls of Professional Life
- Active Communication Skills
Name:
ahmed.almudalaa@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 1100
Office Address:
11027 W1
Acting Executive Director of Support Services & Organizational Development Sector
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Other Contributions:
Name:
ali.alobaidli@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 3000
Office Address:
12027 W1
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Name:
mohamed.alhosani@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0700
Office Address:
11047 W1
Hesham Farouk Elarabi assumes the role of a consultant on medical and technical subject matters and projects. He brings over 20 years of experience in mental health. He has developed and delivered the landmark clinical trial, the Suboxone Treatment and Rehabilitation Trial (STAR-T), in collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King’s College London. START is assumed to set the stage for a paradigm shift in treatment of opioid use disorders and will facilitate safe access to opioid assisted treatment. Previously, Dr. Elarabi several roles including head of health education, research, and studies and contributed to establishing school and family based prevention programs and social mobilization. He contributed to policy, advocacy and legislative amendments and contributed to the transformation of treatment and care services. Hesham also established key capacity building programs including the Diploma in Applied Psychological Skills in collaboration with Maudsely International, and College of Medicine and Health Sciences-UAE University.
Coming soon
He is has several publications across addiction sciences in high impact journals like Addiction. Hesham’s research interests include pharmacopsychiatry, neurobiology and integration of imaging in treatment planning, cognitive and memory, social psychology and individual differences, and artificial intelligence in responses to mental health challenges.
Dr. Elarabi is American board certified in psychiatry pharmacotherapy and specializes in medication assisted treatment of substance use disorders. Academically, Hesham has completed Doctor of Philosophy in Addictions at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences at King’s College London. He holds a Master of Science in Addiction Studies-King’s College London-UK/ Adelaide University-Australia, Diploma in Applied Clinical Psychological Skills- College of Medicine and Health Sciences-UAE University, Masters in Psychology©- Brunel University-UK, and a diploma in project management-Cambridge University-UK. Hesham completed his post graduate clinical doctorate training at Indiana University-Purdue University hospitals in the United States. Hesham is an International Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP) and trained in Refugee Trauma from Harvard University Medical School, Project Management-London University. He is qualified to practice in his home country Canada, United States, UAE and Egypt.
Name:
hisham.alarabi@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0054
Office Address:
11033 W1
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Name:
hassane.lounis@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0002
Office Address:
11036 W1
Public Health Specialist
Health Education Section Head | the National Rehabilitation Center – Abu Dhabi
November 2019 - Present
Developing and implementing drugs and Alcohol demand reduction strategies, including Drugs & Alcohol prevention and awareness programs, promotion for Addiction prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Senior Health Education Specialist & Acting head of health education| the National Rehabilitation Center – Abu Dhabi
February 2017 – November 2019
Delivering evidence based prevention and awareness programs and activities, and responsible for running the health education section duties.
Senior researcher | the National Rehabilitation Center – Abu Dhabi
April 2014 – February 2017
Designing, implementing, and analyzing public health research and studies in the field of Drugs and Alcohol addictions and related disorders.
General Physician | the National Rehabilitation Center – Abu Dhabi
November 2009 – April 2014
Assessing, treating & following patients with drug & alcohol related disorders.
Providing health education sessions for patients and their families.
Surgical intern Doctor| Our Lady of Lords Hospital, DROGHEDA, Rep. of IRELAND
July 2008 – January 2009
Worked in Orthopedics, gastrointestinal surgery, breast and general Surgery.
Medical intern Doctor| Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Rep. of IRELAND
January 2008 – June 2009
Worked in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Geriatric Medicine
Abu Dhabi Ambassador| Abu Dhabi Tourism and culture authority
January 2015 – October 2015
Volunteered as an tourism and culture Ambassador for the Emirates of Abu Dhabi
Doping Control Doctor| UAE National Anti-Doping Committee
September 2014 – September 2015
Volunteer anti-doping doctor to test sport players against illegal drugs and stimulants.
Trainer| treat-net & United Nations Office on Drugs and crime
2010 – 2011
Certified trainer on screening, assessment & brief intervention for drugs and alcohol related disorders
Coming soon
Imperial College London
September 2013
Master degree in Public Health (MPH)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
November 2007
Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery & Obstetrics (MB BCh BAO)
Name:
anas.mohamed@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0052
Office Address:
21089 W2
TAREK A. GAWAD, MDPP
Consultant Psychiatrist
Prof. Gawad is currently holding the position of Director of Treatment and Rehabilitation at the National rehabilitation centre of Abu Dhabi. He is a Professor of Psychiatry at Cairo University, Cairo Egypt.
He graduated in 1981 from the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University where he received his M.B. BCh ; Master degree in Psychological Medicine and Neurology (1985) ; MD Psychiatry (1991) and a Diploma in Addiction Behaviour from the Institute of Psychiatry, London University (1987) .
Since his graduation, he was appointed as staff member at the department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine at Cairo university, where he is still holding his position as professor since 2001.
He served as the past President of the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) as well as the past Chair of the World Psychiatric Association Section of Addiction Psychiatry (WPA).
He participated and published numerous research covering a wide array of psychiatric subjects; notably in addiction. His primarily interested in comorbidy studies and developing addiction psychiatric services. He is the Co-PI of the Fogarty grant of Addiction Research between Cairo university and UCLA since 2012.
His goal is to achieve well-established scientifically-based centres in drug addiction with a suitable network, both regionally and internationally.
He served as the past President of the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) as well as the past Chair of the World Psychiatric Association Section of Addiction Psychiatry (WPA).
He participated and published numerous researches covering a wide array of psychiatric subjects; notably in addiction. His primarily interested in comorbidity studies and developing addiction psychiatric services. He is the Co-PI of the Fogarty grant of Addiction Research between Cairo university and UCLA since 2012.
His goal is to achieve well-established scientifically-based centres in drug addiction with a suitable network, both regionally and internationally.
Name:
tarek.gawad@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0500
Office Address:
1102 W1
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Assaf has joined the National Rehabilitation Center in 2016 and is currently a Consultant Psychiatrist there . Before which he worked with Zayed military hospital in Abu Dhabi (from 2011 to 2016 ), where he was mainly involved in the addiction unit. Dr. Assaf has a rich experience gained from his years of working in Egypt , Faculty of Medicine , Ain Shams university , Where he obtained his Doctorate degree (MD ) in Psychiatry and has been trained as a researcher ,and clinician reaching the post of Psychiatry Lecturer. He has also received membership of The Arab medical council in 2007 and later in 2014 he obtained the membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrist (MRCPsych) from London - UK .
Dr. Mansour Assaf is a consultant psychiatrist, who has joined the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) in 2016. He has around 16 years of clinical experience and he has earned the Medical Doctorate Degree in Psychiatry (MD degree) in 2011 from the Faculty of Medicine- Ain Shams University – Cairo – Egypt .He is an active member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists- London – UK, since 2014. He also holds a Master’s degree of Neuropsychiatry since 2005 from Faculty Of Medicine – Ain Shams University and he was Arab Board certified in 2007.
Dr . Assaf has completed his training and residency program in Psychiatry at Ain Shams University, Faculty Of Medicine, where he was trained on utilizing multidisciplinary approach of management to tailor culturally sensitive management plans with a solid background in Psychopharmacology and Neuropsychiatry as well as in-depth knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET).
His past clinical experience included working as a specialist psychiatrist at Zayed Military Hospital- Abu Dhabi – UAE (2011 –2016) hospital) and before that at Prof. Ahmed Okasha hospital – Cairo – Egypt (2006 -2011) and also worked as a lecturer of psychiatry at the faculty of medicine- Ain Shams University, Cairo.
Addiction Psychiatry - General Adult Psychiatry.
Name:
mansour.assaf@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0108
Office Address:
42088 W4
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Mohamed Thiyab Al Karkhi is working as consultant psychiatrist in National Rehabilitation Center / Abu Dhabi / United Arab Emirates. He was assistant Professor of Psychiatry who studied at Baghdad Medical College, Baghdad University. He has extensive expertise in the field addiction (more than 20 years). He was awarded an M.B.Ch.B in Baghdad in 1981, and MD Psychiatry from Baghdad University ( F.I.C.M.S) in 1994. He has qualification from ( 4 years study ) Hamburg University / Germany as psychotherapist in Child &Adolescents / 2004- 2007. He has Diplomas in Cognitive Behavior Therapy ‘CBT”/ Al Emirates College/ UAE/ 2015.
Dr. AL Karkhi/ Consultant Psychiatrist, has been working at the National Rehab Center as a Consultant Psychiatrist since March 2007 , he is licensed by HAAD/ UAE . He graduated from Baghdad Medical College/Bagdad/ Iraq/1981. He has a decorated CV “ F.I.C.M.S. June 1994 (MD in psychiatry) ;Psychotherapy , Hamburg- Eppendorf University /Germany/Recognized European Curriculum/ Nov. 2004-2007& Post graduate Professional Clinical Diploma in Psychological Skills and Competencies Mental Health and Cognitive Behavior Therapy/ AL Ain /United Arab Emirates University/ Nov.2014.
He had posts on the Iraqi Board Council in Psychiatry, Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Al-Mustansria Medical College/Iraq and has published researches to his name in the field.
AL Karkhi, currently, is a decorated leading a strong team at the busiest unit of the National Rehabilitation Center, namely our Motivational program and tasked with the adolescent program at the Juvenile Welfare Center.
Dr. AL Karkhi have more than 12 researches (published) as:
Name:
mtalkarkhi@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0113
Office Address:
70163 W7
Laboratory Supervisor
Dr Elrasheed Joined the National Rehabilitation Center, Abu Dhabi, on January 2012, as Clinical Scientist and Laboratory Supervisor. He holds a Specialty Certificate in Clinical Chemistry (doctorate), from the Medical University of Sofia , Republic of Bulgaria, a member of The Academy Of Clinical Sciences & Laboratory Medicine, Ireland ,Fellowship of The Academy of Clinical Sciences & Laboratory Medicine, Ireland , a Fellow of the Academy of Clinical Sciences & laboratory Medicine, Ireland Member of The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) U.S. A, and a Member of the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring& Clinical Toxicology–IATDMCS (USA & Canada).
Name:
abuelgasim.elrasheed@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0005
Office Address:
21007 W2
Prof. of Neuropsychology, Senior Consultant Psychologist
Before joining the NRC in 2011, Professor Sami A Ahmed has previously worked in both academic as well as clinical settings. For example, he was the lead (Head) psychologist at the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, KSA. As an academician, he is a professor of clinical psychology at Ain Shams University in Egypt and worked as a professor teaching varied psychological courses in the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). After a long journey that culminated in his awards in publishing and as a physician specializing in Psychiatry, he decided to incorporate his academic aspiration by obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Ain Shams, Cairo, Egypt. He wrote extensively in physiology, psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, three areas that of which he became a reference of note. He published numerous books that received critical acclaim and are the preferred textbooks for graduate and undergraduate students of both psychology and Psychiatry. As a recognition of his outstanding efforts he was awarded the prestigious State Award ( Jaeyzat Al -Dawla)- in his home country of Egypt in 1994, for his book in Psychophysiology. He commenced his academic journey at Ain Shams University in Cairo, with two Bachelor’s Degrees in medicine & surgery (1979), and in psychology (1984). He continued his higher education and got two Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and in Neurology & Psychiatry from the same university in 1986. Three years later, he completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (1989).
Before joining the NRC in 2011, Professor Sami A Ahmed has previously worked in both academic as well as clinical settings. For example, he was the lead (Head) psychologist at the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh, KSA. As an academician, he is a professor of clinical psychology at Ain Shams University in Egypt and worked as a professor teaching varied psychological courses in the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). After a long journey that culminated in his awards in publishing and as a physician specializing in Psychiatry, he decided to incorporate his academic aspiration by obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Ain Shams, Cairo, Egypt. He wrote extensively in physiology, psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, three areas that of which he became a reference of note. He published numerous books that received critical acclaim and are the preferred textbooks for graduate and undergraduate students of both psychology and Psychiatry. As a recognition of his outstanding efforts he was awarded the prestigious State Award ( Jaeyzat Al -Dawla)- in his home country of Egypt in 1994, for his book in Psychophysiology. He commenced his academic journey at Ain Shams University in Cairo, with two Bachelor’s Degrees in medicine & surgery (1979), and in psychology (1984). He continued his higher education and got two Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and in Neurology & Psychiatry from the same university in 1986. Three years later, he completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (1989).
Name:
sami.abdulkawi@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0118
Office Address:
40407 W4
Dr. Mansour Shawky,
Consultant psychiatrist
Consultant Psychiatrist
Following his graduation with Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine from Assiut University in 1998, he completed his Master’s Degree in Neurology & Psychiatry from the same university in 2003. He received a scholarship for 2 years at the University of California, Los Angeles “UCLA” where he got training on addiction psychiatry at the Integrated Substances Abuse Program. He also got training on the matrix model of intensive outpatient treatment of substance use problems at the Matrix institute in Los Angeles and on opioids maintenance treatment at West LA clinics. In 2008, Dr. Shawky won the award for the Best Research in Psychiatry within the category of young psychiatrists in Egypt. In 2009, he completed his Doctorate degree in Psychiatry and Addiction from Assiut University. He conducted researches, wrote and published several articles on addiction treatment in international peer-review journals. He held several key positions including consultant and lecturer on Addiction psychiatry in Assiut University.
Dr Shawky is a qualified consultant psychiatrist with 20 years of experience effectively treating patients with various psychiatric problems across different age groups. I’m more specialized in treating general adult psychiatry patients and patients with addiction and/or other co-morbid psychiatric disorders.
He graduated from the medical school, Assiut university, in 1998, got his master degree in neurology and psychiatry in 2003 and got his doctorate degree in Psychiatry in 2009.
He spent two years scholarship training on addiction treatment and research at the University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (UCLA, ISAP) (2005-2007).
Dr Shawky was working as a lecturer of psychiatry at Assiut university hospital until 2009 then moved to work at the national rehabilitation centre in Abu Dhabi since 2010 until now, leading the intake/assessment unit and the outpatient services.
DR Shawky is also a certified addiction professional from a number of international organizations:
He is also a member of the following associations:
Name:
mansour.shawky@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0109
Office Address:
20021 W2
Head, Psychiatry Department
Dr. Ahmed Yousif is a consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Psychiatry Section at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), Abu Dhabi, UAE. He graduated from the University of Khartoum, Sudan, and trained at St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, United Kingdom. He joined the NRC in 2002 as a member of the founding team. He became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK, in 2001 and was elected to the Fellowship of the college in 2013. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Substance Abuse treatment, U.S.A since 2007.
Coming soon
Name:
ayali@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0093
Office Address:
71077 W7
Professor of Psychology
Dr. Mohamed Sayed is a graduate of Howard University in Washington DC
with a PhD in Psychology (1993). He further completed a Post-doctoral
fellowship and training at The Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry and
Mental Health Sciences, Topeka Kansas, USA. He served in the Faculty of
Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry (1996-2000) teaching Psychiatry in
Cross-Cultural settings. During the same period he obtained a
Respecialization Certificate in Clinical Psychology from Forest
Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri, USA. Dr.
Sayed has a Masters of Arts in Psychology from Ball State University as
well as Masters of Science degree in Information and Communication
Science from Ball State. He is the author of numerous
Scientific-Peer-reviewed articles in international Journals and Books
(Psychopathology in Arabic) and is contributor to the widely acclaimed
book: Cross-Cultural Counseling around the World (SAGE Publication,
2009). He has worked in multiple clinical as well as academic settings
around the world including SKMC , as an Associate Professor of
Psychology at the Department of Psychiatry , Faculty of Medicine,
Psychology Department, UAEU; Professor Madia at the Institute of
Medicine University of Brunei Dar As Salam. He worked as a consultant at
the Neuroscience Center at King's Fahad Medical City (KFMC) in KSA.He
serves in the Review board of American Journal of Health Behavior, and
recently is appointed as founding and associate editor of the Journal of
Health Behavior and Policy Review (the Review), He currently serve in
the board of the American Journal of Health Behavior as Middle Eastern
Editor. IJMHHR. At present, Dr Sayed is Department Head of the Clinical
Psychology Program at the National Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi,
UAE. Dr. Mohamed is a member of the American Psychological Association
(APA), the British Psychological Society (BPS), American Psychological
Science (APS), and American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB).
Coming soon
Sayed, M. (2015). Mental Health Services in the United Arab Emirates:
Challenges and Opportunities. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience, Vol. 17, No.3, pp. 661-663, ISSN 1522-4821
Al-Ghafri, H., Sayed, M., Ali, A. (2015). Social Drift in Patients suffering from Alcohol and Substance Related Disorders, Amman, Jordan. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience, Vol. 17, No.1, pp. 345-351.
Sayed, M. (2012)“Psychological Profiles of a Cohort of Drug Addicts Admitted to the National Rehabilitation Center, NRC” Paper presented at the XXX1X Jornadas Nacionales, socidrogalcohol , WPA sponsored Thematic Meeting ,Addiction Psychiatry ,World Psychiatric Association, Tarragona, Spain -28-31 March 2012
Sayed, M. & Al-Darmaki, F. Counseling in the United Arab Emirates: Challenges
and Cultural Perspectives. (2009). Gerstein, L., Heppner, P.P., Ægisdóttir,
S., Leung, S.A., & Norsworthy, K.L. (Eds.). International Handbook of Cross
Counseling: Cultural assumptions and Practices Worldwide. Thousand Oaks,
CA: Sage.
Sayed, M. & Al-Darmaki (2008). International Perspective in Counseling Psychology in the United Arab Emirates. Presented at 2008 International Counseling Psychology Conference. March 8th, 2008. Chicago, Illinois, USA
Abiola, O., Sayed, M; Morris, R. (2007). Science or Politics? An Evaluation of British and Canadian Models of BSE crisis management. International Forum of
Crisis Management for Infectious Disease. URM of Preventive Medicine. The University of Tokyo Medical Campus, Tokyo, Japan, November, 17th-18th, 2007.
Sayed, M. (2007). Recent trends in the treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers: Have we learned from the Past? A paper presented at Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Medical Science Conference. Gadong, Brunei Darussalam, July 28-29, 2007.
Sayed, M. (2007). The Effects of Specialization and Place of Training in the Diagnosis of Depressive Symptoms in a Developing Country. A paper presented at Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Medical Science Conference. Gadong, Brunei Darussalam, July 28-29, 2007.
Sayed, M. (2006). Recent Trends in Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers: Challenges and Opportunities. A Key-Note Presentation presented at the 3rd Annual Forum for Drug Addiction. Dubai Department of Punitive and Penitentiary Training & Rehabilitation, In Association with Arab Union of Drug Prevention (AUDP), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20th June, 2006.
Sayed, M. (2006). How to make coercive treatment works in rehabilitation settings? Presented at Dubai Department of Punitive and Penitentiary Training & Rehabilitation, In Association with Arab Union of Drug Prevention (AUDP), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 21st June, 2006.
Sayed, M. & Mughairbi, F. (2005). Psychopathology. Insignia Advertising & Publishing: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sayed, M. & Wilkinson, S. (2005). How The Therapist Works: Clinical Process and Supervisory Consultation. . 2nd Counseling Arabia Conference, May 4, 2005. Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Sayed, M. & Al-Darmaki (2005).. Mental Health Services in the United Arab Emirates: In Search for a New Paradigm. A paper presented as part of symposium: Culturally Competent Mental Health services for Arab Patients. American Psychological Association (APA) 113th Annual Convention, Sunday 21st August, 2005.Washington, DC, USA.
Sayed, M, & Al-Darmaki (2005). Challenges of the Field of Psychology in the Arab World. Conversation Hour. August 18th, 2005. American Psychological Association (APA) 113th Annual Convention, Washington DC, USA
Sabri, S., Sayed, M; Eapen, V, et al (2005). Interrelationships between Psychosocial Variables and Hypertension in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) I:
Methods and Risk Factors. UAEU, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Sabri, S., Sayed, M; Eapen, V, et al (2005). Interrelationships between Psychosocial Variables and Hypertension in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) II: Effects of Nationality and Gender. UAEU, Faculty of Medicine and health Sciences.
Sayed, M. & Al-Darmaki, F. (2004). Practicing Polymorphism in Traditional Gender-Role Emirates: Conflicts and Challenges. Presented at Symposium: Learning from International Psychologists about Feminist & Social Justice Issues. American Psychological Association 112th Annual Convention 28/7-1/8, 2004. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Sayed, M. (2003). Psychotherapy of Arab patients in the West: Uniqueness, Empathy and “Otherness”. American Journal of Psychotherapy, Vol. 57, No.4, 445-459
Sayed, M. (2003a). Conceptualization of Mental Illness within Arab Cultures: Meeting Challenges in cross-cultural Settings. Journal of Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, VOL 31, NO 4, 333-342
Sayed, M. (2003b) Arab Conceptualizations of Mental Health and Contemporary Treatment Practices. Presented to Topeka Psychoanalytic Society. Topeka, Kansas, USA, August 6th, 2003.
Sayed, M. (2002). Arabic Psychiatry & Psychology: The Physician who is a Philosopher, and the Physician who is not a Philosopher”: Some Cultural Considerations. Journal of Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, Vol. 30, 3, 235-242.
Katsavdakis, K., Sayed, M., Bram, A. & Brand-Bartlett, A., (2001) “How was this Story Told in the Mother Tongue? An integrative Perspective”. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 65[2], 246-265
Katsavdakis, K., Sayed, M., Bram, A. & Brand-Bartlett, A., (2000) “ How was this Story Told in the Mother Tongue?: An integrative Perspective”. Presented At the American Psychoanalytical Association 89th Annual Meeting,, May 10-14th, 2000, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Katsavdakis, K., Sayed, M., Bram, t., & Brand-Bartlet, A.(2000): “The use of Projective tests in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Bilingual and Poly lingual Patients” Menninger Clinic, Psychology Discipline, Topeka , Kansas USA, February 2nd 2000
Sayed, M., Collins D. & Takahashi, T. (1998) “West Meets East: cross-cultural Issues in Inpatient Treatment”. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 62[4]. 439-454
Sayed, M. (1993) “The Effects of Ethic Group Membership & learning Conditions on Task Performance and Task Motivation”. A Ph.D. Dissertation. Howard University, Washington DC, USA.
Sayed, M. (1993) “Individualistic and Communal Orientations: A Model for Cultural Integrity”. Presented at the 1st Conference on the Psycho-Cultural Development of African American Children: Educational Implications, Howard University, Washington DC, October 28-29, 1993
Designed and carried out a number of studies: (1) Antecedence of Depression among
Unmarried Sudanese Females, (Khartoum, Sudan, unpublished).
(2) Abugessaysa, A., Taha, Z., & Sayed, M., “The Use of Bender Gestalt Test in the
Assessment of Mild and Moderate Mental Retardation: A Sudanese Sample”,
University of Khartoum, Sudan, Unpublished.
Coming soon
Name:
mohamed.sayed@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0112
Office Address:
40409 W4
Specialist Psychiatrist
Dr. Muez Siddig, earned his Arab board certificate in psychiatry in 2016. He completed his psychiatry training at sheikh Khalifa medical city, he also obtained his membership from the Royal college of psychiatrist – United Kingdom (MRC psych) in 2019
Name:
muez.siddig@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0127
Office Address:
20011 W2
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Nael Moustafa Hassan Mohamed, consultant psychiatry and addiction treatment, currently working at the National Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi UAE; Earned Arab Board of Psychiatry certification.
Dr. Nael Moustafa Hassan Mohamed, consultant psychiatry and addiction treatment, currently working at the National Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi UAE; Earned Arab Board of Psychiatry certification.
Current job duties include:
Initially trained in the Behman hospital, in Cairo, then joined the Hubert Humphrey, NIDA fellowship program, certificate of addiction and public health from Bloomberg School of public health, Johns Hopkins University.
With training and teaching interests and activities, he is a designated UNODC Treatnet Master Trainer, and Unplugged prevention program trainer.
Name:
nael.hasan@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0116
Office Address:
42011 W4
Specialist Internal Medicine
Dr Khalid Saran , physician by training , completed MRCP (UK ) , Arab Board internal medicine , DM diploma (Leister University , UK ) , he works in ER , general medicine , Pulmonology and Endocrinology department at Alain Hospital from 2006 till 2014
Dr Khalid Saran , physician by training , completed MRCP (UK ) ,
Arab Board internal medicine , DM diploma (Leister University , UK )
, he works in ER , general medicine , Pulmonology and
Endocrinology department at Alain Hospital from 2006 till 2014
Dr Khalid Saran , has experience of providing care for patient with acute medical condition , diagnosing , treating and following those with chronic medical condition like DM, HTN , Rheumatoid disease and Bronchial Asthma .
Name:
khalid.saran@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0107
Office Address:
71078 W7
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Radwan had her Medicine and Surgery Bachelor degree from the faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt in 1999. She completed her residency basic training and her Master’s degree in neurology and psychiatry (MSc) in 2003 then she finished her advanced training in psychiatry and her medical doctoral degree (M.D.) in psychiatry in 2007 in the Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, a WHO collaborating center for research, and training in mental health. Meanwhile, she finished the ISAM (International Society for Addiction Medicine) for addiction specialization (2005) and the Arab Board for Medical Specialization in Psychiatry (2005). She had training courses on research and medical statistics in the Institute of Psychiatry, the Maudsley’s (Health Service and Population Research Department Summer School), King’s Collage London in 2010. In addition, she fulfilled and maintained advancement in her academic and research career and she is currently appointed as a professor of psychiatry and consultant psychiatrist in the Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Dr Radwan’s clinical expertise includes general adult psychiatry, substance use disorders and their management, co-occurring disorders management with a special interest in women psychiatry. In her positions, she led multidisciplinary teams in different settings. She is experienced in service development in ASU with the hotline Egypt and in the NRC, UAE.
She has contributed to research and research supervision and training on many levels as she contributed to preparation and implementation of teaching curricula of both undergraduate studies and postgraduate degrees in psychiatry and addiction medicine in the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.
She participated in many research projects and some clinical trials and has publications in peer reviewed international, regional and national journals. She contributed as well to international and national congresses by oral and poster presentations. She received the Egyptian Psychiatric Association (EPA), the Okasha Award for young Psychiatrists and researchers 2008 and the WPA (World psychiatric association) fellowship for young psychiatrists in 2011. She is an active international member of the WPA, EPA (European psychiatric association) and ISAM (International Society for Addiction Medicine), AAAP as well as an international fellow to the APA (American psychiatric association).
Dr. Radwan has joined the National Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi in 2014 as a consultant psychiatrist in addiction field. She is responsible mainly for improvement and implementation of clinical services in women program (inpatient and outpatient services) and in the general detoxification services. She contributes task forces responsible for services improvements and policies and procedures revisions. She contributed to research held in the NRC and training of psychiatric residents, medical students and students from other professions who are enrolled in elective trainings in the NRC. She also joined the NRC collaboration with international organizations e.g. WHO, ISAM, Colombo plan. She has been appointed as the Acting head of research department from January 2019 to April 2020.
Degrees:
Fellowship:
Name:
doaa.radwan@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0101
Office Address:
42012 W4
Consultant psychiatrist
Dr Mohammed is an Arab board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating mentally ill patients with various psychiatric problems across different age groups in different settings. Expert in treating general adult psychiatry patients and patients with addiction and/or other co-morbid psychiatric disorders.
Currently Dr Mohammed is working as consultant psychiatrist At National rehabilitation center in AbuDhabi.
Graduated from college of medicine, United Arab Emirates University, in 2006, competed his training in psychiatry at Tawam and Alain hospitals in 2011, got his Arab board certificate in psychiatry in 2012.
Coming soon
Name:
mohammed.aljneibi@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0114
Office Address:
20013 W2
Legal Consultant
Name:
Mohamed.Khalifa@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: 02 306 0800
Office Address:
W1
Specialist Psychiatrist
Coming soon
Psychiatry Specialist at The psychiatric clinic of The Diabetes Centre Omdurman, Sudan from July, 2007 up to Feb, 2009.
Coming soon
Education & Training:
Degrees:
Fellowship:
Certificate of specialist registration no: 91 Psychiatry, Sudan Medical Council.
Name:
amir.abdalla@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: +971 2 306 0096
Office Address:
70184 W7
Communication Office Manager
MA in Political Science, University of Jordan.
Bachelor's degree in general communication, United Arab Emirates University.
I am currently working as Director of the Community Communication Office at the National Rehabilitation Center.
Held several positions including:
IT manager
Amal Al Ghafri currently heading the IT Section, graduated in 2006 with a master degree in International Business from Wollongong Australian university, holding a bachelor degree in Technology applied science from HCT.
Currently am working as an IT Manager. Am assisting in managing Finance, HR, Procurement, Service beside my work as an IT Manager. I have been giving a new role to as head of Recruitment committee, which is responsible for recruiting 83 vacancy at my work place, as well as was in charge of managing the agreements and international cooperation as international affair manager for a certain time of period. through this we are looking into new business opportunities and help the countries with the addiction programs Through my work, I was able to obtain certain knowledge and skills in different areas as well like : legal, corporate communication. Skills like: team work, innovative thinking, employee motivation skills, planning, employee guidance and advice
Degrees:
Name:
amal.alghaferi@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: 02 306 0067
Office Address:
Worked in Etisalat (2004-2005) in the Human Resources Department (HR Training Coordinator)
Working in Emirates Advanced Investments as HR Officer from 5 April 2009-14 October 2009.
2009- National Rehabilitation Centre Recruitment Officer
2015 – National Rehabilitation Center Senior HR Specialist
2018 Human Resources Deputy Manager National Rehabilitation Center
2020 Human Resources Section Manager National Rehabilitation Center
2004 – 2008
Bachelor of Education, Teaching English to ESL Learners
Higher Colleges of Technology, Melbourne University, Australia/Abu Dhabi Women’s College, UAE.
2006
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Band 6.
2002 – 2004
Certificate in Information Technology with Distinction award (GPA 3.50)
Higher Colleges of Technology.
EFQM Certificate 13-17 Sep 2015
CIPD Diploma, Bradfield Group, 2018
Name:
Phone:
Office Address:
Specialist Nurse
Waed Alhawamdeh, a nurse specializing in drug and alcohol abuse treatment. she is currently a specialist nurse for the Specialized Women's Programs Unit at the National Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi.
She graduated in 2007 from the Faculty of Nursing at Al Al– Bayt University where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
She believes the role of nursing care to improve patient life within high standards and evidence-based practice. Therefore, she continued her education to fulfill master’s degree in applied Behavior Health Analysis Program from the faculty of nursing at The Jordan University of science and Technology,2011.
Cumulative experience in clinical services in drug and Alcohol abuse treatment for more than 10 years.
Degrees:
Name:
Waed.alhawamdeh@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: 02-3060000
Office Address:
National Rehabilitation Centre, Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
July 2016-PRESENT, National Rehabilitation center (NRC ) , ABU DHABI:
Specialist drug addiction Nurse & educator :
March 2013- May 2016 , Abudhabi onshore ( ADCO ) , ABU DHABI:
Register Nurse:
Basic Life Support & heart saver instructor (American Heart Association ) :
July 2010-March 2010-2013 , zayed Militery hospital ( global medical solutions company ), ABU DHABI:
Register Nurse & acting charge male medical , surgical ward :
Medical Flight Escort Nurse :
May 2006-June 2010 – Kalba hospital , Sharjah :
Register Nurse in maternity unit :
Master Of Science in Quality and Business Excellence : AbuDhabi school Of Management , Abu Dhabi , 2019 , GPA :3.400
Bachelor of science in nursing ( Bridging ) : Fatima College Of health sciences , Abu Dhabi , 2017 - 2018 , GPA : 3.040
Diploma in Practice Nursing Studies : MOH , Fujairah , 2006-2007
BLS & heart saver instructor : American heart association ( AHA ) , 2014-2016
Addiction Specialist Nurse
Reham Abukheit, Addiction Specialist Nurse is currently working as Addiction Specialist Nurse and Acting Charge Nurse for Women’s Specialized program Unit at the National Rehabilitation Centre of Abu Dhabi.
She is active Member in Nursing Practice & Education Committee in National Rehabilitation Centre.
She was graduated in 1997 from the Faculty of Nursing at Jordan University of Science and Technology where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Cumulative experience in clinical services both in Addiction and Critical Care for more than 23 years.
Degrees:
Name:
reham.abukheit@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: 02-3060000
Office Address:
National Rehabilitation Centre, Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Social Worker
Helal Alkatheeri, he’s currently holding social worker at National rehabilitation center,
He graduated in 2006 from United Arab Emirates where he received his Bachelor in social work and social work in Addiction (2015), since his graduation, he was appointed as a social worker at the social services at ministry of education, currently he’s still holding his position as a social worker in national rehabilitation center since 2014,
He’s a member in many association of public benefit in United Arab Emirates. He’s member at awareness team in national rehabilitation center. He participated and published research covering a social and psychologists subjects, one of them in awareness.
He’s PHD student in one of popular government university in Malaysia ( USM ), his research about ( relationship between drug prevention campaign and awareness to reduce addiction phenomenon among college students in United Arab Emirates). ( under published )
His goal is to achieve well-established scientifically-based centers in addiction awareness.
Degrees:
Name:
Helal.alkatheeri@nrc.gov.ae
Phone: 02-3060000
Office Address:
National Rehabilitation Centre, Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Addiction is described by psychiatrists as a disease which affect people like any other disease. It has its causes and different treatment methods. If we agree that addiction is, in fact, a disease why do we then look upon an addiction patient as an outlaw which should not be approached?
Addiction is described by psychiatrists as a disease which affect people like any other disease. It has its causes and different treatment methods. If we agree that addiction is, in fact, a disease why do we then look upon an addiction patient as an outlaw which should not be approached?