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Agenda
Speakers
Committee
- Scientific Committee
- Organizing Committee
Sponsors
Venue
Contact Us

Local Speakers

Dr. Aisha AlDhahri

Mrs. Aline Atallah

Aline Atallah is a Health and Wellness Specialist at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education operated by the New England Center for Children (MRC-NECC) in Abu Dhabi. She holds a background in clinical psychology and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a Certified Grief Educator, and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (EAP). Mrs. Atallah has over a decade of experience applying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support children with autism and their families, including leadership roles in developing individualized education programs (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans. Her work has also included research in the areas of assessment and treatment of problem behavior, and functional communication training in children with autism. In recent years, she has expanded her work to focus on staff mental health and systemic wellness initiatives within her organization. Drawing on her ABA expertise and clinical training, she remains committed to advancing mental health support across clinical, educational, and organizational settings.

Mrs. Aline Atallah

Health and Wellness Specialist
Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ms. Amna Ahmed Alhosani

A Child Protection Lead Specialist with expertise in psychology, behavioral analysis, and strategic
leadership. Experience in leading national child protection initiatives, strengthening governance
frameworks, and fostering cross-sector partnerships to enhance child welfare systems.
Previous roles include advising military and educational institutions on cadet resilience, mental
health, and safeguarding frameworks, contributing to the development of institutional policies and
well-being programs. Holds a BSc in Psychology & Human Services from Zayed University and an
MSc in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Simmons University, applying evidence-based strategies to
drive impactful change.
Recently earned an MSc in Leadership & Organizational Development at ADSM. Recognized for
expertise in system-building, project management, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring
sustainable and effective child protection and mental health initiatives.

Ms. Amna Ahmed Alhosani

Child Protection Lead Specialist
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

Dr. Cairo Arafat

Dr. Cairo Arafat is an advocate for children across the Middle East, currently serving as Senior Advisor on Child Protection and Early Childhood Development at Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority. She was the Managing Director of Bidaya,Media in Abu Dhabi, where she produced 190 award-winning episodes of the beloved Arabic children’s series Iftah Ya Simsim. With a Ph.D. in Psychology and Master’s in Developmental Neuroscience from Ohio State University, Dr. Arafat has held influential positions at UNICEF, Save the Children, and as Children’s Commissioner for Palestinian Human Rights. Her research and programs have informed child protection issues and systems throughout the region.

Dr. Cairo Arafat

Senior Advisor
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, UAE

Mrs. Gemma Hookins

Accredited Play Therapist,

Certified Clinical Supervisor, and PhD research student.

Gemma Hookins is an accredited play therapist form the United Kingdom. Residing in Dubai UAE for the past 16 years, Co-founder of the play therapy centre (PTC) established in 2025.

Gemma has over 20 years’ experience working with children and young people, in a variety of settings in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

Gemma holds a master’s degree in Practiced Based Play Therapy at Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom, where she graduated in 2019, and awarded for her research on the effectiveness of play therapy with adolescents diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Gemma is currently enrolled on a postgraduate doctorate degree, researching the effectiveness of non-directive play therapy as a treatment for childhood anxiety disorder in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Gemma is a trainee clinical supervisor offering supervision for certificate therapeutic practitioner course trainees and other professionals.

Gemma’s background is in education, she has supported special needs children in schools, she held roles in special needs schools as a teacher and taught within a class of Special needs and mainstream children, furthermore, she is a qualified EYFS (early years foundation stage) teacher. She has gained 7 years’ experience working as a play therapist at a Children’s Hospital in Dubai, UAE (United Arab Emirates), under the mental health centre of excellence, where she provided play therapy within the hospital, and in the outpatient clinic

Gemma is an advocate of young people’s mental health, within her role in the mental health centre of excellence, and her continued research. She promotes awareness of mental health issues to the wider community, breaking the stigma, supporting families, and striving to help heal the young minds of today.

Mrs. Gemma Hookins

Accredited Play Therapist, Children’s Hospital, Dubai
Certified Clinical Supervisor
Co-founder of the Play Therapy Centre (PTC)

Dr. Haidar Al Abdullah

I am Dr. Haidar Al Abdullah, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent mental health. I currently serve at BSP of SAKINA, where I lead and shape services that support young people and their families through some of their most challenging times. My passion lies in early intervention, evidence-based treatments, and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure that every child and adolescent has access to the care they need.

Am currently holding the role different roles like the head of child psychiatry division at BSP, a clinical lead at child inpatient service and the lead in pediatric Eating Disorder Service.

Am also holding the position of Core faculty in the residency training program, providing supervision and clinical teaching for residents during CAMHS rotation for different specialties.

The Chairperson of the scientific committee at the Emirates Society for Cild And Adolescent Mental health.

Dr. Albdullah has participated at a local as well as international conferences with special interest in early onset schizophrenia, eating disorders among others.

He held several administrative and academic roles in the past and was an active member in a team responsible over establishing different mental health services and creating pathways to ensure easy access and fair distribution of service across the area.

Dr. Haidar Al Abdullah

Consultant psychiatrist, CAMHS, UAE

Dr. Huda Al Shemeili

Dr. Huda Al Shemeili is a graduate of the Collage of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE, with experience more than 15 years as a physician Working currently in DOH/ADPHC as Community Health Section Head, leading and coordinating projects related to mental health and child protection Dr Huda is a member in multiple national task forces related to mental health, senior health, and protection against violence Earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA, in 2011 Completed the Harvard Medical School Global Clinical Scholars Research Training (HMS-GCSRT) program, USA in 2014 Earned her DrPH in Public Health, health care management and Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, USA in 2018 An elected member in the Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA, 2019

Dr. Huda Al Shemeili

Community Health Section Head
DOH/ADPHC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Kawthar AlAmri

Dr. Kawthar Alameri, a family medicine consultant, is deeply dedicated to healthcare leadership and passionate about incorporating global best practices into local healthcare systems.

Previously, Dr. Kawthar served as a clinic manager at Ambulatory Healthcare Services under Pure Health, demonstrating exceptional commitment as the Manager of the Covid-19 Prime Assessment Center during the pandemic. She has actively contributed to several boards, including the Quality Council, the Mortality and Morbidity Committee, and the Clinical Guideline Committee.

Dr. Kawthar has pursued extensive professional development, completing notable programs such as the Healthcare Mini MBA in 2018, SEHA-Lead by Harvard in 2021, and earning the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) credential in 2022 & 2024. To further her expertise in fostering innovation and delivering high-quality care, she completed a master’s degree in International Management in Healthcare and Leadership (IMHL) at McGill University in 2024.

She also co-authored a book with her colleagues titled Family Medicine OSCE First Aid, which was published through Springer and received wide acclaim for its practical approach to medical education.

Her initiative, Transformational Care from Zero to Global Hero, earned a prestigious 7-star rating at the 7th International Best Practice Competition in 2021, highlighting her creative and impactful work. Dr. Kawthar has also been recognized for her managerial excellence, receiving the Best SEHA Employee award in 2023 and the Pure Health Trailblazer Impact Award in Health.

As the Director of Surveillance and Screening Programs at ADPHC, Dr. Kawthar Alameri is excited to take on her new role, driving healthcare excellence and innovation to new heights.

Dr. Kawthar Salem Alameri

Director of Strategic Planning & International Coop-Handling Screening and Surveillance Department
ADPHC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Lana Arab Hakim

Dr. Lana Arab is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with vast experience in the field in the region. She completed her training in adult psychiatry then pursued a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Hakim has a special interest in neurodevelopment disorders and mood disorders in adolescents. She holds a master’s degree in the science of healthcare delivery and advocates for evidence –based, patient- centered care and best quality of services.

Dr. Lana Arab Hakim

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Director of Child Mental Health Services
American Hospital Dubai

Dr. Mehtab Iqbal

Dr. Mehtab Iqbal is a British Board certified Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Division Chief, currently working at Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. He was awarded CCT (Completion of Certified Training) in Paediatric Neurology by RCPCPH and subsequently worked as a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at University hospital of Leicester, UK. He was the lead clinician for neuromuscular disorders for children in the region, where he led the MDT Neuromuscular Service and also helped establishing new treatment pathways for children with SMA and DMD.

Dr. Kawthar Alameri, a family medicine consultant, is deeply dedicated to healthcare leadership and passionate about incorporating global best practices into local healthcare systems.

She also co-authored a book with her colleagues titled Family Medicine OSCE First Aid, which was published through Springer and received wide acclaim for its practical approach to medical education.

As the Director of Surveillance and Screening Programs at ADPHC, Dr. Kawthar Alameri is excited to take on her new role, driving healthcare excellence and innovation to new heights.

Dr. Mehtab Iqbal

Division Chief & Consultant Pediatric Neurologist, Tawam Hospital
Adj/Asst Professor, UAE University,
Al Ain
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Mohamed Osman Eltahir Babikr

Dr. Babiker is a consultant paediatric neurologist and is the director of the Paediatric
Neurology Residency program. at Al Jalila Children`s Speciality Hospital in Dubai- UAE
Dr Babiker holds an adjunct clinical Associate Professor position at the Mohamed Bin Rashed
University.
He completed his higher training in paediatric neurology in Scotland and England and then
worked as a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist as well as the clinical lead of the complex
movement disorders service at Bristol Royal Hospital in the UK. He held Honorary Senior
Lecturer positions at Sheffield, Glasgow and Bristol Universities. He is a member of the British
Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA), International Child Neurology Association (ICNA)
and the American Movement Disorders Society. Dr Babiker has published widely in peer-
reviewed medical journals and has authored and co-authored several research papers,
editorials, reviews and book chapters. Dr Babiker is an active member of the teaching faculties
for the well-recognized Paediatric Epilepsy Training (PET 1 & 2), Assessing Children`s Tone
(ACT) course and the Paediatric Movement Disorders courses organized by the British
Paediatric Neurology Association in the UK and internationally.

Dr. Mohamed Osman Eltahir Babikr

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
Director of the Paediatric Neurology Residency Program
Al Jalila Children`s Speciality Hospital, Dubai, UAE

Dr. Muath AlZarooni

Dr. Nadia Taysir Dabbagh

Dr. Nadia Taysir Dabbagh is a UK-trained consultant who has worked in the UAE since 2011, first establishing child psychiatry services at Rashid Hospital and now Chief of Division for Paediatric Mental Health, Dubai Health. She obtained The Executive Council (TEC) approval for Dubai’s first Mental Health Strategy in 2017.

Completing medical studies at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals and University College, London (UCL) and higher training at the Tavistock Clinic, Dr Dabbagh became a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK in 2005 and Fellow in 2022. As a college volunteer, she developed the first Palestine National Strategy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). In 2023 she was awarded a place on the RCPsych ‘Hall of Fame’ in recognition of her contribution to psychiatry in the Middle East.

Holding a BSc and PhD in Medical Anthropology, MSc in Psychiatric Research from UCL and Diploma in Leading Digital Health Transformation from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dr Dabbagh has published articles and books including, ‘Suicide in Palestine: Narratives of Despair’ and ‘How Can We Even Talk about Palestine and Israel: one group’s experience’ (in press, TWiG publishers, 2025)

Dr. Nadia Taysir Dabbagh

Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Chief - Paediatric Mental Health
Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, UAE

H.E. Omniat AlHajri

Salama Saif Bin Khalif Alteniji

Honored by the Head of State with the Abu Dhabi Medal as part of the Abu Dhabi Award, recipient of the title ‘Inspiring Emirati Woman of the Year 2024’, the first Chairperson of the Children’s Advisory Council, and official spokesperson for the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood Award for the Prevention of Bullying in Schools

Ms. Salama Saif Alteniji

Dr. Sarah Mead Jasperse

Dr. Sarah C. Mead Jasperse is an Assistant Professor at Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) in Abu Dhabi. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral with experience applying the science of behavior in a variety of contexts (e.g., general education classrooms, early intervention centers, staff training programs) and with a range of populations (e.g., young children, individuals with autism spectrum disorder) and behaviors (e.g., academic performance, severe and dangerous challenging behavior). Dr. Mead Jasperse has experience working clinically and as a faculty member in both the USA and UAE. At ECAE, she teaches graduate-level courses, conducts and supervises applied research, and works with community partners to support training and dissemination efforts.

Dr. Sarah Mead Jasperse

Assistant Professor, Emirates College for Advanced Education
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Shannon Ward

Dr. Shannon Ward is a doctoral-level behavior analyst who has been applying the principles of learning to improve socially important behaviors of individuals with and without disabilities for 20 years. Dr. Ward started working as a therapist in the home setting, worked as a special education teacher after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from Saint Louis University, and supported individuals living in a residential setting while working at The New England Center for Children (NECC). Dr. Ward worked at FTF Behavioral Consulting Services, supporting professionals dedicated to creating meaningful outcomes from behavior-analytic assessment and treatment processes, and recently served as the Clinical Director at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education, operated by NECC. Dr. Ward is currently the Program Director of the NECC Clinic – Abu Dhabi. She holds a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and a doctorate in behavior analysis from Western New England University.

Dr. Ward has conducted research in the areas of assessment and treatment of problem behavior, functional communication training, the extension of successful skill-based treatment to caregivers, and the social validity of assessment and treatment services. Her current research interests include ethical research practices and assent processes in early childhood.

Dr. Shannon Ward

The New England Center for Children Clinic
Abu Dhabi Program Director
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Zainab Alloub

(MBBcH, MSc (Paediatrics) ,MRCP, FRCPCH, MSc ( Child Development &Health)

Dr. Zeinab Alloub is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor at MBRU.

She graduated from Ain Shams University, Cairo and completed paediatric postgraduate training and specialization in the United Kingdom.

With a career spanning over 25 years, she has vast experience in the assessment and management of children with a wide range of developmental, learning and behavioral difficulties.

Dr Alloub is an avid advocate for children with special needs and their families. Beyond the hospital setting, her service extends into the community through active involvement in parent support groups and voluntary organizations. She also takes leading roles in raising awareness within the health and public sectors.

Dr. Zainab Alloub

Consultant Pediatrician-Neurodevelopment,
Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital
Associate Clinical Professor-MBRU