Noted Indian-origin doctors in UAE

Putting Indians at forefront of UAE’s healthcare landscape

Indian-trained doctors play a vital role in global healthcare, with an estimated 75,000 practicing abroad, many of them in the developed countries. But even away from the developed world, Indian healthcare professionals have made a name for themselves in other regions, notably the United Arab Emirates.

Globally, India remains the leading supplier of expatriate doctors to developed countries. According to a report by Statista, approximately 75,000 Indian doctors work abroad, primarily in the member nations of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a club of the richest nations in the world.

But beyond the OECD, Indian doctors abound in other parts of the world, too, notably in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Indian-origin doctors are integral to both public and private healthcare institutions, reflecting the nation’s reliance on their expertise. They have a significant presence in healthcare systems worldwide, notably in the United Arab Emirates, UAE. Here are some of the best-known Indian medical professionals in the country.

Shamsheer Vayalil

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil is the Founder and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, a multinational healthcare group operating hospitals and medical centres across the Middle East, Europe and India.

He began his career as a radiologist and transitioned into healthcare entrepreneurship, establishing Burjeel Holdings in 2007. Under his leadership, VPS Healthcare has grown to include 16 operational hospitals and over 23 medical centres. Dr Vayalil has been recognised for his contributions to healthcare and philanthropy.

Zulekha Daud

Zulekha Daud is the founder and chairperson of Zulekha Healthcare Group, which includes two multidisciplinary hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah, four United Arab Emirates medical centres and three pharmacies.

She moved to the United Arab Emirates in 1964, becoming the first female Indian doctor to practice in the country. The group’s facilities treat over 550,000 people annually, making it one of the largest private healthcare providers in the United Arab Emirates. Daud has delivered over 10,000 babies over her 56-year career.

Azad Moopen

Azad Moopen is the founder and chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, a global healthcare conglomerate with over 323 facilities across nine countries, including hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.

He began his career as a lecturer at Calicut Medical College before relocating to Dubai in 1987. Dr Moopen has been recognised for his contributions to healthcare and philanthropy, including receiving the Padma Shri award from the Government of India.

Raza Siddiqui

Raza Siddiqui is the CEO of Arabian Healthcare Group (AHG), which operates the flagship RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah. With a background in Indian pharmaceutical companies like Ranbaxy and Lupin Laboratories, Dr Siddiqui has been instrumental in establishing AHG as a key player in the United Arab Emirates’ healthcare sector.

The group has formed partnerships with renowned institutions such as Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Shalby Hospitals, Tufts University, and the University of Sydney to bring world-class medical expertise to the region.

Jamil Ahmed

Jamil Ahmed, an orthopaedic surgeon trained in India and Germany, founded Prime Healthcare Group in 1999 in Dubai.

His extensive experience in both the United Arab Emirates and India has been pivotal in expanding the group, which now includes multiple medical centres across the UAE. Dr Ahmed is recognised for his entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to providing quality healthcare services in the region.