MEET THE FERTILITY TEAM
Get to know our specialist
IVF team
We believe that family is for everyone and we do everything we can to help you achieve your dream. Our dedicated doctors, embryologists and nurses all work together to ensure you get the very best fertility treatment – and as you get to know them, you will soon feel like you are part of the Samaa family.
Dr Nawal Al Abbasi is a consultant surgeon in Obstetrics & Gynecology with over 30 years of clinical experience in the field, with minimally invasive surgery, infertility & prenatal care and delivery, being her main focus. Dr Al Abbasi is the Founder and Chairman of the Samaa Medical Group.
She started her career as a Specialist Obstetric Gynecologist and Military General Surgeon at the Al Rashid Military Hospital in Iraq, where she was also a Professor and Head of the Gynecology Department. During her time at Al Rashid, Dr Al Abbasi was responsible for the first ceaserian section and natural delivery. Over the years she has practiced as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist all over the MENA region, including Iraq, Yemen and the UAE. Within the UAE, Dr Al Abbasi has treated patients at the Al Gharhoud Private Hospital, the International Modern Hospital, Emirates Hospital, the Saudi German Private Hospital, the Emirates Private Hospital (DHCC), as well as at the Mediclinic and Medcare Clinics.
Since establishing the Samaa Medical Group in 2004, Dr Al Abbasi has earned a reputation as one of the most loved obstetricians and gynecologists in Dubai. She is keen to introduce the same unparalleled quality she offers to all her loyal OB/GYN patients to fertility treatment. The Samaa Fertilization Center has been a labor of love, created for those struggling with infertility, with only their best interests in mind. Dr Al Abbasi's vision, to offer the highest possible quality of treatment and care within a state-of-the-art fertility center, is now a reality. By meticulously selecting a team of highly qualified and skilled professionals, our chairman endeavors to guarantee the highest chances of achieving a pregnancy for every patient.
''An individualized, honest, patient-focused approach is the key to our success.''
Dr Nawal Al Abbasi
Languages: Arabic & English
Zhanna Gaifulina
IVF PhD, ESHRE, ASRM
Group Medical Director & Specialist Reproductive Medicine & InfertilitySamaa Medical Group
Dr. Zhanna Gaifulina is a specialist in reproductive medicine and infertility with more than 30 years of clinical experience in this field.
Dr. Zhanna earned her medical degree in 1992 and began her career as an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Siberian State Medical University, Russia.
Dr. Zhanna earned PhD in 1997 year and is the author of more than 50 scientific papers.
She has participated a in several international conferences and is also a member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Dr. Zhanna founded the ART Center in 2011, where have performed modern methods of treating infertility and have conducted clinical studies in the field. She has extensive experience working with patients of advanced maternal age, patients with recurrent implantation failure and patientswith genetic problems.
After moving to UAE, she joined Samaa Assisted Fertilization Center in 2023.
Dr Sumi Thomas is a gynecologist specialized in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility with over seven years of clinical experience in the IVF field. Dr Thomas has recently joined SFC from the prestigious Christian Medical College Vellore in Tamil Nadu, one of the most highly acclaimed medical institutes in South India.
Dr Thomas received her medical degree from Maharasta Institute of Medical and Educational Research in Pune. She then obtained her residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Manipal University and the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi.
She obtained her fellowship in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility from Dr M.G.R University, Tamil Nadu and since then has treated many couples with complex fertility issues successfully.
Dr Thomas is trained in the evaluation of female and male sub fertile couples and is skilled in all aspects of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment and fertility enhancing endoscopic surgeries. Her skills include the management of recurrent pregnancy loss, PCOS and early pregnancy assessment. She has advanced training in subfertility and reproductive health, together with a special interest in acute gynaecology and early pregnancy ensures he is able to deliver bespoke and supportive care for his patients.
She has a publications in National and International journals to her credit.
Languages: English, Malayalam, Hindi.
Narjes Dibavand
MD, Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fellowship of fertility.
Specialist OB/GYN
Dr. Narjes Dibavand, MD, Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fellowship of fertility.
She started to work as a obstetrician/gynecologist at September of 2009 in Khuzestan Province of Iran. Then, completed the fertility courses (IVF-IUI) in Zakaria Fertility Center in Ahvaz city. Then started to work independently as a fertility fellowship in Zakaria Private Fertility Center, University Jihad Fertility Center, Arvand Private Hospital and Private Office for about 12 years and all of them positioned in Ahvaz city of Iran.
During these years, She actively involved in treatment of infertile couples based on the best fertility protocols including: Visiting the couples, Pelvic Sonography (Trans Vaginal), Intrauterine Inseminatin(IUI) ,OPU (Oocyte Retrieval Ponctuation Ultra-Sound Guided) ,Embryo Transfer (Fersh/Frozen-single/Double) ,Laparascopy ,Diagnostic Hysterosopy, Hysteroscopy+Septum Resection,Hysteroscopy+Endometrial Biopsy±Polypectomy ,PRP( Intrauterine Platelet-Rich Injection) ,Intrauterine G-CSF Injection ,Cerclage ,Bartholin Cyst Drainage ,Vaginal Cyst Drainage ,Ovarian Cyst Drainage ,Abdominal Ascitis Drainage ,Endometrial Biopsy,Dilatation & Curetage,NVD,cesarean section,laparotomy,cystectomy,myomectomy.
She started a new position in the field of fertility in SAMAA Fertilization Center of UAE (Dubai) from October of 2023 and her activity is going to be continued.
Madiha joined the Samaa Fertilization Center in July 2019. She has been in the field of Clinical Embryology since 2011. Madiha graduated from the University of Nottingham, UK with a Master of Medical Sciences degree in Assisted Reproduction Technology. She then undertook the Association of Clinical Embryologists training program during her time working as a clinical embryologist at the highly respected CARE fertility group, in the United Kingdom. Following this Madiha moved to Middle East and joined the IVI Group in Abu Dhabi where she worked as a clinical embryologist.
Over the years she has acquired extensive embryology experience in leading fertility centers across the UK, India and the UAE. Her goal is to utilize her knowledge coupled with her experience to serve those who are in need of infertility treatment and to ensure that couples fulfill their dream of creating a family.
Languages: English, Hindi & Malayalam
Maria Luisa Manayan
Head Nurse
Maria Luisa obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Northwestern University, Laoag City, Philippines in 2002. She began her career working as a Volunteer Nurse in Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital & Medical Center, Philippines. In 2004, she worked as a Contracted Nurse in the General Ward in Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital & Medical Center, Philippines. She also worked as a Clinical Instructor at the Northwestern University in the Phillippines. From 2006 to 2009, she worked as a Staff Nurse; Male Surgical Ward Nicu/Nursery in Prince Abdul Mohsen General Hospital Al-Ula, in K.S.A, after passing the Saudi Licensing Examination for Health Specialties.
In January 2011, Maria Luisa started working at Samaa Medical Center as a General Nurse (Ob-Gyne, General Practitioner). In 2018, she earned a position as the Senior Registered Nurse (Ob-Gyne, General Practitioner). From October 2019, she began working as a Head Nurse for the Samaa Medical Group. She also passed the Saudi Licensing Examination for Health Specialties in June 2006. As our nurse, Maria Luisa strives to provide the utmost personal care and attention to each one of our patients as she believes there is nothing more fulfilling than helping our patients achieve their dream of parenthood.
Madiha joined the Samaa Fertilization Center in July 2019. She has been in the field of Clinical Embryology since 2011. Madiha graduated from the University of Nottingham, UK with a Master of Medical Sciences degree in Assisted Reproduction Technology. She then undertook the Association of Clinical Embryologists training program during her time working as a clinical embryologist at the highly respected CARE fertility group, in the United Kingdom. Following this Madiha moved to Middle East and joined the IVI Group in Abu Dhabi where she worked as a clinical embryologist.
Over the years she has acquired extensive embryology experience in leading fertility centers across the UK, India and the UAE. Her goal is to utilize her knowledge coupled with her experience to serve those who are in need of infertility treatment and to ensure that couples fulfill their dream of creating a family.
Languages: English, Hindi & Malayalam
M.Shahid Asghar
Head of Accounts
Muhammad Shahid Asghar joined the Samaa Medical Group working as a Senior Accountant in January 2019.
Shahid completed his Bachelor of Commerce in 2014 where he also received training as an accountant in SAZ Beauty Instruments in Pakistan. Subsequently, he started working as an accountant in Dar Expo Pakistan 2015. In July 2017, he worked in Sareefa Basha contracting LLC Dubai as a senior accountant.
With over 8 years of experience in the field of accounting, Shahid brings his combined studies to Samaa IVF to bridge business and healthcare. Through the development of our business model, we continue to prioritize and ensure top quality patient care with an emphasis on individualized attention.
Dr Shahad Alsaadi is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Samaa Medical Group which includes the Samaa Fertilization Center. With many years of experience in the healthcare industry, her career has afforded her comprehensive experience in equity research covering many sectors, including international pharmaceuticals, medical tourism, the regulation of healthcare providers to the mining sector, crude oil industry, and many more. Dr Alsaadi's experience also covers strategic healthcare marketing in the MENA region, and her specialties include marketing research within the pharmaceutical & healthcare industry.
Before joining the Samaa Medical Group she was the General Manager of PSMC, in Dubai Health Care City; where, as well as managing the medical center, she was also responsible for the daily operational management of the facility, as well as all international marketing. Prior to this she was the Regional Manager for Roche Diagnostics Middle East, in Baghdad. With over 8 years of experience in the healthcare field contributing to the structured growth and success of different healthcare business throughout the MENA region (Noor Al Aseima, Roche Diagnostics, Stago Diagnostics, Bio-Rad, Asco), Dr Alsaadi brings forth a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
She has been the Chief Operating Officer of the Samaa Medical Group since its early start and has played a huge role in its exponential growth to the present level of more than 40 employees. She is involved in all aspects of strategy, finance, HR, marketing, and patient care.
Languages: Arabic & English
Azima Rashidova
Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology, PhD
Specialist OB/GYN
Doctor Azima Rashidova is a licensed specialist in gynecology and women's health.Experience: 39 years.
Dr. Azima headed the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Bukhara Medical Institute in Uzbekistan. In 1998, she underwent training in the United Kingdom.For the past 20 years, Azima Muminovna has been successfully working in the UAE.
Dr. Azima is the author of more than 20 publications in various journals and a participant in numerous international conferences and symposiums.She currently works as a doctor in the field of obstetrics and gynecology at the Samaa Assisted Fertilization Center.
Her scope of work includes:
- Normal and operative deliveries
- Management of normal and high
-risk pregnancies
- Acute and chronic gynecological diseases
- Planned and emergency gynecological surgeries
- Family planning and contraception
- Menopause and hormone replacement therapy
- Infertility (female and male)
- Breast diseases-
Pediatric gynecology-
Cosmetic gynecology
- Cervical cancer screening, colposcopy, cryotherapy, and coagulation.
Languages: English, Russian, Farsi, and Arabic.
Madiha joined the Samaa Fertilization Center in July 2019. She has been in the field of Clinical Embryology since 2011. Madiha graduated from the University of Nottingham, UK with a Master of Medical Sciences degree in Assisted Reproduction Technology. She then undertook the Association of Clinical Embryologists training program during her time working as a clinical embryologist at the highly respected CARE fertility group, in the United Kingdom. Following this Madiha moved to Middle East and joined the IVI Group in Abu Dhabi where she worked as a clinical embryologist.
Over the years she has acquired extensive embryology experience in leading fertility centers across the UK, India and the UAE. Her goal is to utilize her knowledge coupled with her experience to serve those who are in need of infertility treatment and to ensure that couples fulfill their dream of creating a family.
Languages: English, Hindi & Malayalam
Janavi Sanghvi
MSc, BSc
Senior Embryologist
With 17 years of experience in IVF, Janavi Sanghvi-Mehta is a dedicated Senior Embryologist, renowned for her expertise and commitment to helping families achieve their dreams.
Janavi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from the University of Mumbai (2005) and completed her Postgraduate degree at the University of Sydney, Australia (2006). Her career began at the prestigious BLOOM IVF Centre in Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, where she worked alongside leading fertility specialists, gaining extensive knowledge in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Beyond her technical skills, she played a key role as a scientific coordinator in organizing conferences and workshops on IUI & ART.
From 2008 to 2011, Janavi served as the Chief Embryologist in IVF centers in Nairobi and Eldoret, Kenya. During her tenure, she became known for her meticulous approach to research, strong work ethic, and excellent communication skills.
Janavi has worked in the region for 11years, she is deeply passionate about her work and is dedicated to helping individuals and couples build healthier and happier families.
Main Areas of Expertise:
IVF/ICSI, Vitrification, Day 3/5 Biopsies, IMSI, Lab QA/QC
Madiha joined the Samaa Fertilization Center in July 2019. She has been in the field of Clinical Embryology since 2011. Madiha graduated from the University of Nottingham, UK with a Master of Medical Sciences degree in Assisted Reproduction Technology. She then undertook the Association of Clinical Embryologists training program during her time working as a clinical embryologist at the highly respected CARE fertility group, in the United Kingdom. Following this Madiha moved to Middle East and joined the IVI Group in Abu Dhabi where she worked as a clinical embryologist.
Over the years she has acquired extensive embryology experience in leading fertility centers across the UK, India and the UAE. Her goal is to utilize her knowledge coupled with her experience to serve those who are in need of infertility treatment and to ensure that couples fulfill their dream of creating a family.
Languages: English, Hindi & Malayalam
