Management Team

Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), is a distinguished leader with more than three decades of experience driving corporate growth across healthcare, real estate, and hospitality. Renowned for his strategic insight, innovation, and commitment to excellence, he leads Dubai Healthcare City’s (DHCC) sustainable growth strategy, enhancing the free zone’s operational efficiency and cementing its position as the enabling healthcare and wellness destination.

In Dubai’s real estate sector, Issam has built a robust reputation for delivering landmark developments and achieving corporate growth objectives. His portfolio includes mega projects such as the record-breaking Burj Khalifa and Atlantis The Royal.

Issam has been the Founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Ithra Dubai since 2015, where he continues to oversee the development and long-term success of skyline-defining projects such as One Za’abeel and the community-led Deira Enrichment Project.

During his senior positions at the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) and Emaar Properties, he played a pivotal role in shaping the emirate’s modern real estate landscape. At ICD, he established and expanded the corporation’s real estate portfolio. As CEO of Emaar Properties, he launched globally renowned master-planned communities including Downtown Dubai, Emirates Hills, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, and Emirates Living. Under his leadership, Emaar also expanded internationally into 11 countries across Asia and North Africa, strengthening its global presence.

His impact on Dubai’s hospitality sector extends to his role as Director of ICD Hospitality and Leisure. He also sits as Director and Board Member of Kerzner International Holdings Limited, PM Holdings LLC, Atlantis The Palm Holding Company Limited and Atlantis The Palm, overseeing the expansion and advancement of the prominent Atlantis brand with the development of Atlantis The Royal Resort and Residences, as well as the Director of Adriatic Marinas d.o.o., a landmark yacht marina and waterfront development in Montenegro. Additionally, he previously served as CEO of Meydan and a Board Member of Nakheel PJSC.

A member of GMICE, the UAE Society of Engineers, and the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineering, Issam combines technical expertise with visionary leadership, consistently delivering complex projects that strengthen revenues and advance Dubai’s global profile in real estate, hospitality, and healthcare.

Allae Almanini, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), is a distinguished professional with more than 28 years of experience across various sectors. His extensive expertise includes strategy development, business transformation, corporate governance and compliance, optimisation and efficiency, organisational development and profitability. In his current role as the COO, he is responsible to drive investments and oversees business development. Since joining DHCA in 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Operating Officer, Allae has played a leading role in shaping the organisation’s future direction and mandate to enhance Dubai’s position as a global medical and health centre.

Allae’s professional journey began in 1996 at Al Muhaidib Group, where he was instrumental in establishing and stabilising the group’s operations in Qatar, and managed significant acquisitions and organisational restructuring in the UAE. As Group Finance Head at RAR Holding, he directed strategic initiatives in the petrochemical sector. In 2014, Allae took on the role of Executive Finance Director at Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est., leading business evaluation and overseeing international market investments.

Allae’s academic journey began in accounting, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales in 2012. He also holds aa master’s degree in international business law, achieving the highest distinction “Summa Cum Laude” from the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas, in 2021.He is currently enrolled in the EMBA programme at Georgetown University.

Ashraf Shaarawy, Chief of Internal Audit at Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), is an audit professional with over three decades of experience. He has held his current position since 2020 with a primary focus on implementing comprehensive audit plans, financial reporting and delivering insightful recommendations for process improvements. Before joining DHCA, he was the Chief of Internal Audit for Dubai World from 2004 to 2020.

Prior to that, Ashraf gained valuable experience at the Financial Audit Authority (formerly known as H.H. The Ruler’s Court of Dubai / Financial Audit Department) as a Government Auditor in 1997. His early career began in 1987 at the State Accountability Authority in Cairo, Egypt.

Ashraf has actively contributed to the development of the internal audit community by participating as a speaker and trainer in numerous IIA conferences and seminars. He has also chaired the 2011 IIA Annual Regional Conference in Dubai and conducted workshops on risk-based auditing, corporate governance, and internal auditing essentials for government entities in the UAE and Qatar. Furthermore, he played a key role in translating and reviewing the Sawyer's Guide for Internal Auditors (6th edition) into Arabic.

Ashraf holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Cairo University, a Diploma in Project Analysis & Implementation from the University of Connecticut, and a Diploma in Performance Auditing from Lincoln University. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Control Auditor (CICA), and holds a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) from the Institute of Internal Auditors. Additionally, he possesses certifications in International Corporate Governance and IA Quality Assurance.

Jaffar Bin Jaffar, Director Property and Sales Operation at Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), brings over 15 years of experience in the dynamic world of Dubai's property management sector. He holds his current position since 2020, where he oversees leasing & sales operations, registration & licensing, customer services, as well as leading a team responsible for maximising occupancy rates, attracting tenants, and delivering exceptional customer service. Jaffar's expertise extends beyond daily operations, as he plays a pivotal role in building partnerships, as well as developing and implementing comprehensive sales and leasing strategies to ensure maximising revenue generation.

Prior to joining DHCA, Jaffar held the position of Senior Manager in Asset Management and Infrastructure Operations at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 2013 to 2020. This experience equipped him with a deep understanding of the leasing cycle, coupled with a strong focus on legal and regulatory compliance. During his tenure, he spearheaded the entire leasing operation, from marketing and tenant screenings to lease negotiations and ensuring smooth tenant transitions.

Jaffar's career journey began at Union Properties, where he served as a Property Manager from 2009 to 2012. Here, he laid the foundation for his future success. He advanced not only his property management skills but also developed a customer-centric approach, ensuring tenant satisfaction and maximizing footfall. This early experience instilled in him the importance of anticipating customer needs and delivering exceptional service.

Jaffar holds a Master's degree in International Business Law from the prestigious University of Paris II, Sorbonne Assas and a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Big Data and Business Analytics at ESCP Business School, Dubai.

Wafa Issa is the Head of Marketing and Communications at Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), where she leads the development, implementation and oversight of marketing and corporate communications strategies for DHCA and Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC).

Since joining DHCA in 2016, Wafa has held several roles within the marketing and communications department. She also managed key projects to strengthen brand reputation and drive business growth.

Earlier in her career, Wafa worked as a journalist with Gulf News, The National and 7 Days, gaining valuable media insights that continue to inform her leadership in communications.

Wafa holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from the University of Durham and a Master’s degree in Middle East Politics from the University of London - School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

Rashed Alawadhi is an asset management and operations professional with extensive experience in property operations, asset optimisation, and portfolio performance across large-scale developments. He is recognised for his results-driven approach, operational discipline and ability to deliver sustainable asset value through strong governance, financial oversight and service excellence.

In his role as Director of Property Management at Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), Rashed leads end-to-end property management operations across Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), overseeing leasing, facilities and community management, customer service and HSE. His remit also includes stakeholder engagement with investors, government entities, and healthcare partners to support leasing, land sales and joint venture initiatives.

Prior to that, Rashed held senior roles at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, where he led full P&L accountability across a diversified portfolio. He led asset management strategies focused on maximising financial returns, strengthening tenant retention, optimising CapEx and OpEx planning, and maintaining high standards of facilities management. Earlier roles within the organisation saw him build strong expertise in tenant relations, property operations, leasing, and cross-functional coordination, delivering consistent operational improvements and enhanced customer experience.

Rashed holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Plymouth Marjon University in the United Kingdom, alongside advanced qualifications in strategic business management.

Fahad Sulaiman is an accomplished government official with more than 25 years’ experience in registration, licensing, and free zone governance across Dubai’s leading economic zones. He is recognised for his regulatory expertise, operational leadership, and sustained contribution to advancing business facilitation and government service excellence.

In his current role as Senior Director of Licensing and Government Services Operations (GSO) at Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), Fahad oversees registration and licensing operations at Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), supporting the free zone’s mandate to deliver efficient, compliant, and investor-centric services. His work plays a critical role in enhancing regulatory clarity, reducing turnaround times, and strengthening the overall ease of doing business within the healthcare ecosystem.

Previously, he served as Senior Director - Registrar of Companies at DHCA, leading company registration, commercial licensing, and government operational services in line with Free Zone and Commercial Licensing Regulations. During this period, he introduced performance-driven KPIs, streamlined processes, delegated operational authority to reinforce accountability, and delivered measurable improvements in service efficiency.

Earlier in his career, Fahad held senior leadership roles at Dubai Creative Clusters Authority and the Port, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), directing commercial registration and licensing operations across major developments including Dragon Mart, Palm Jumeirah, International City, Ibn Battuta Mall, Jebel Ali, and Al Hamriya Port. He began his career within the Dubai World ecosystem, holding progressive roles at Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) and Nakheel.

Fahad is a member of key government committees including the Dubai Free Zone, the Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), and the Anti-Money Laundering (AML). He holds a BSc (Hons) in Business Management from Greater Salford University in the United Kingdom, and a Diploma in Applied Business from the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE.