Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Overview

Teaching

Research

Clinical & Community Services

Faculty & Staff

General Enquiries

Overview

As Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), it is my privilege to welcome you to a dynamic and diverse academic department dedicated to excellence in women’s health, education, research, and clinical care.

At the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), our mission is to train the next generation of OB/GYN professionals who will become leaders in their field, while advancing women’s healthcare across the UAE and beyond. We are committed to providing a comprehensive medical education, grounded in the latest scientific knowledge and best practices, and to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive.

Our department offers a broad range of clinical services, research initiatives, and training programs in areas such as maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, asexual health and minimally invasive surgery. Through collaboration with leading hospitals in Al Ain (Tawam, Kanad and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospitals) and research centers across the country, we strive to improve outcomes for women and new-borns by integrating clinical excellence with cutting-edge research.

We take great pride in our faculty, who are not only experts in their respective fields but also passionate educators and mentors. Our students and trainees benefit from hands-on clinical experience, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to participate in pioneering research projects that contribute to advancements in women’s health.

Whether you are a prospective student, clinician, researcher, or patient, we invite you to explore our department and learn more about the exciting work we are doing to enhance the health and well-being of women across the UAE. We are proud to be at the forefront of women’s healthcare and look forward to continuing our contributions to this vital field.

Teaching

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology plays a vital role in both the Pre-Clinical (Year 3 and Year 4) and Clinical Phases (Year 5 and Year 6) of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at UAEU. Our department is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and integrated learning experience, ensuring that our students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required for success in women’s healthcare.

In Year 3 and Year 4, we contribute significantly to the teaching of medical science, organ systems, and clinical skills. This is achieved through a combination of team-based learning, hands-on practical sessions, and lectures integrated throughout the curriculum. Our goal is to foster a deep understanding of the foundational sciences while building clinical acumen.

During Year 5, students immerse themselves in the principles and practical applications of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The eight-week clerkship provides full-time clinical exposure at Tawam and Al Ain Hospitals. Students are assigned ‘on-call’ responsibilities, ensuring they gain real-world experience in dealing with obstetric and gynecological emergencies. Evaluation is conducted through written examinations, clinical presentations, and oral exams.

By the end of the clerkship, students will have acquired:

Knowledge of women’s health across various life stages, including puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and common conditions affecting the female reproductive system (e.g., pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, infections, and infertility).
Clinical skills to assess reproductive health, manage pregnancy and labor, and engage in evidence-based, cost-effective management of common obstetric and gynecological conditions.
Professional attitudes to practice medicine with compassion and ethics, to respect patients and colleagues, and to continuously improve their clinical knowledge and skills through self-directed learning.

The Department remains committed to preparing future OB/GYN practitioners to provide high-quality care for women and to lead advancements in women’s health.

Research

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAEU is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of women's health through cutting-edge research. Our mission is to address critical challenges in obstetrics and gynecology by fostering an innovative and collaborative research environment where faculty and students work together to improve patient outcomes.

Our research covers a diverse range of areas, each focused on advancing scientific understanding and developing new treatments that benefit women’s health both locally and globally. Below are the key research areas driving our department forward:

Maternal-Fetal Medicine: We explore the health of both mother and fetus during pregnancy, with research focused on prenatal diagnosis, management of high-risk pregnancies, fetal development, and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: This area investigates hormonal disorders that affect reproductive health, along with infertility causes and treatment, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), ovulation induction, and fertility preservation.
Gynecologic Oncology: Our work in this field targets the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, and vulvar cancers. Research includes novel treatment approaches, cancer genetics, and biomarker discovery.
Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Disorders: Research efforts here focus on diagnosing and treating pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse, with the goal of improving diagnostic methods, therapeutic options, and patients' quality of life.
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: This area investigates advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques for conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and abnormal uterine bleeding. We aim to evaluate the outcomes, safety, and cost-effectiveness of these procedures.
Women's Health and Wellness: This broad category spans menopause management, contraception, sexual health, menstrual disorders, and preventive care, with a focus on improving healthcare access, addressing disparities, and promoting well-being across the lifespan.

Our department integrates basic science, clinical research, and population health studies, all aimed at transforming knowledge into meaningful improvements in women's healthcare.

For more information on our faculty’s specific research initiatives, please visit the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology — United Arab Emirates University.

Clinical & Community Services

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAEU is actively engaged in providing high-quality clinical care through our partnerships with Tawam, Kanad and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospitals, the primary teaching hospitals. Our faculty members offer their expertise in a variety of capacities, including inpatient, outpatient, and on-call consultant services across a broad spectrum of clinical. These collaborations ensure that our patients receive the best care rooted in evidence-based medical practices, while simultaneously providing our students with valuable hands-on learning experiences.

In addition to clinical services, we are deeply committed to community outreach and health promotion. Our department organizes several annual events designed to educate the public and raise awareness about critical women's health issues, such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Pregnancy as a journey campaign. These efforts include informational sessions, interactive workshops, and the distribution of educational materials aimed at empowering women to take proactive steps toward their breast health.

We also host various educational workshops, including those focused on family planning, providing individuals and families with the information they need to make informed reproductive health decisions. Topics covered include contraceptive options, preconception care, fertility awareness, and reproductive rights. By offering evidence-based guidance in a supportive environment, we aim to promote reproductive autonomy and empower individuals to take control of their reproductive health.

Through these community outreach initiatives, our department seeks to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the public, fostering open dialogue on women's health topics and encouraging proactive health behaviors. We are committed to ensuring that individuals have access to the knowledge and resources they need to make informed health decisions and lead healthier lives.

Faculty

Note: If calling from outside the UAEU organization, dial (+971 3 713) before the extension.

Name	Position	Email	Extension
Dr. Shamsa A. Al Awar	Associate Professor and Chair	sawar@uaeu.ac.ae	7568
Prof. Hassan M. Elbiss	Professor	helbiss@uaeu.ac.ae	7564
Dr. Moamar Al Jefout	Associate Professor	drmoamar@uaeu.ac.ae	7559
Dr. Kornelia Zareba	Assistant Professor	kzareba@uaeu.ac.ae	7562
Dr Anna Nimer	Assistant Professor	animer@uaeu.ac.ae	7457

Staff

Note: If calling from outside the UAEU organization, dial (+971 3 713) before the extension.

Name	Position	Email	Extension
Ms. Gehan Sayed Sallam	Medical Research Specialist I	gsayed@uaeu.ac.ae	7565
Ms. Sara Maki	Medical Research Specialist	sara.maki@uaeu.ac.ae	7420
Ms Amira Al Baloushi	Senior Administrator	amira.h@uaeu.ac.ae	7143

General Enquiries

Thank you for your interest in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. We welcome your query and encourage you to contact us using the information below:

United Arab Emirates University,

College of Medicine and Health Sciences

P.O.Box: 15551, Al Ain, UAE

Email. Cmhs.office@uaeu.ac.ae