World’s Top Healthcare Leaders in 2025
Company: Danat al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital
Designation: Chief Executive Officer
Country: United Arab Emirates
Dr. Summia Zaher is a distinguished healthcare leader whose vision has transformed M42’s Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children into a premier center of excellence. As CEO and Medical Director, she brings over two decades of expertise in obstetrics and gynecology, blending clinical acumen with strategic leadership to foster a patient-centered, innovation-driven model of care. Under her leadership, the hospital has expanded its specialized services, encompassing minimally invasive gynecological surgery, menopause care, and pediatric neuro-rehabilitation, ensuring comprehensive support for women and children at every stage of life.
Dr. Summia’s commitment to patient empowerment is at the heart of her approach. She has spearheaded educational initiatives to help women make informed healthcare decisions and has embedded patient voices into the hospital’s research and care delivery strategies. By forming a patient advisory group and advocating for lay representation in the R&D committee, she has redefined the role of patients in shaping healthcare policies. Her dedication to midwifery-led care and minimal-intervention labor underscores her belief in respectful, collaborative care, ensuring a dignified and autonomous experience for every patient.
Beyond clinical innovation, Dr. Summia is actively shaping the future of healthcare in the UAE. She has pioneered residency programs in obstetrics and pediatrics to cultivate the next generation of Emirati medical professionals while elevating the hospital’s research contributions to global platforms such as the RCOG Congress. Through her visionary leadership, she has fostered a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, positioning Danat Al Emarat and the Women and Children’s Care Cluster, including HealthPlus IVF, as regional benchmarks for integrated, high-quality care. Her impact extends far beyond the UAE, influencing global healthcare systems and inspiring the future of women’s health and medical leadership worldwide.