Dr. Lihadh Ibrahim Al-Gazali

Dr Lihadh Al Gazali, a British researcher, is a pioneer in genetics research in the Arab world. With a Bachelor of Medicine from Baghdad University, Dr Al Gazali earned an M.Sc. in Human Genetics from Edinburgh University, and went on to train in the field of medical research in genetics in Leeds, UK from 1986 to 1990.

Dr. Al Gazali moved to Al Ain with her husband in the 1990s, when there was very little knowledge or understanding of genetics in the United Arab Emirates.

Throughout her long and distinguished career as a Professor and Senior Consultant in Clinical Genetics and Pediatrics at the United Arab Emirates University, Dr Al Ghazali led public awareness campaigns, developed collaborations with international research organizations and helped establish the first gene registry in the UAE.

Dr. Al Gazali has dedicated her life to identifying and characterizing genetic conditions and abnormalities unique to families in the region. Among her many breakthrough discoveries was a genetic disease in the UAE, now named the Al Gazali Syndrome. Furthermore, she launched a Clinical Genetics Service, supported by cytogenetic and DNA laboratories, for the entire UAE population. Moreover, she offers counselling, education and support for families affected by genetic diseases.

Her work has seen her bestowed with countless domestic and international awards, including the globally-recognized honor, L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science.