Dr Shajir Gaffar

Dr Shajir Gaffar is a healthcare industry leader with nearly two decades of experience and currently serves as Managing Director of Nuqaim Holdings, where he leads global healthcare and pharmaceutical investments aimed at building accessible, quality-driven, future-ready healthcare infrastructure. Previously, he served as CEO of Burjeel Holdings, Dubai & Northern Emirates and was widely credited with driving transformational growth and operational scale, helping shape the organization into a regional healthcare powerhouse with an extensive hospital network, large bed capacity, and thousands of clinical and support staff across dozens of specialties.

Known for translating strategy into execution, he has led acquisitions, greenfield launches, business turnarounds, and complex cross-functional initiatives, while also advancing IPO readiness and building Centers of Excellence across multiple specialties. His leadership was especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he guided frontline response efforts supporting the UAE’s safe return to normalcy. He also pioneered bio-secure medical ecosystems for major international sporting events, including the ICC T20 World Cup, IPL, Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, UFC, UAEFA, and the AFC Champions League, setting new benchmarks in event healthcare management. Under his leadership, multiple hospitals secured international accreditations such as JCI and CAP, alongside global recognition and awards, including ‘Hospital CEO of the Year’ and honors from IMTJ, Arab Health, and TEMOS.