Four Burjeel Holdings Physicians Recognized Among the World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists in 2026
Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, has announced that four of its expert physicians have been included in the 2026 edition of the World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists database. The recognition highlights the international research contributions of physicians working across oncology, hematology, medical genetics and surgery, underscoring the growing role of UAE-based healthcare professionals in advancing medical science.
The database is developed by researchers associated with Stanford University using citation information from Elsevier’s Scopus database. It identifies researchers whose scientific publications have achieved significant citation impact across a wide range of disciplines. The assessment considers research influence at both the individual-year and career-long levels, providing a broader view of researchers’ contributions to scientific knowledge.
The four Burjeel physicians recognized in the 2026 edition are Prof. Humaid O. Al-Shamsi, Prof. Khaled M. Musallam, Prof. Ayman W. El-Hattab and Prof. Basil J. Ammori. Their inclusion reflects research activity across several important medical specialties and highlights the contribution of clinical experts to the international scientific community.
For Burjeel Holdings, the recognition reinforces its focus on combining clinical expertise with scientific research, academic collaboration and the continued development of specialized healthcare services. By supporting physicians who contribute to research alongside their clinical responsibilities, the organization aims to strengthen the connection between medical discoveries and their practical application in patient care.
International Recognition for Medical Research Excellence
Scientific research plays an important role in improving the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Across healthcare, research conducted by physicians and other medical professionals can contribute to the development of new treatment approaches, improved diagnostic methods and more effective patient management strategies.
The World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists database is designed to identify researchers whose publications have received substantial recognition through citations in scientific literature. Citations can indicate that other researchers have referred to, discussed or built upon an individual’s published work.
The database uses a structured methodology to evaluate scientific impact across different fields. Its assessments consider several indicators, including citation counts, the h-index, co-authorship-adjusted measures and a composite citation score that takes authorship position into account.
The 2026 edition incorporates citation data through the end of 2025 and includes separate assessments of single-year and career-long research impact. Researchers may qualify through their composite citation-impact ranking or by achieving a position within the top 2% of their scientific subfield, according to the methodology.
Because scientific disciplines differ in publication practices and citation patterns, the assessment considers researchers within relevant fields and subfields rather than relying solely on a single measure across all scientific disciplines.
The inclusion of four Burjeel physicians highlights the breadth of research expertise within the organization. Their work spans cancer treatment, blood disorders, inherited diseases and surgical practice, reflecting areas of medicine in which continuing research is essential to improving clinical knowledge.
Although citation rankings are one measure of research influence and do not independently establish clinical effectiveness, they provide an indication of how scientific publications have been recognized within the research community.
Prof. Humaid O. Al-Shamsi Advances Oncology Research
Specialty: Oncology and Carcinogenesis
Prof. Humaid O. Al-Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute and President of the Emirates Oncology Society, has been recognized in the Oncology and Carcinogenesis subfield.
According to Burjeel Holdings, Prof. Al-Shamsi ranked within the top 1.2% of researchers worldwide in his specialty based on citation impact during 2025. His inclusion highlights the international reach of his research contributions in cancer care, precision oncology and clinical studies.
Oncology remains one of the most rapidly evolving areas of modern medicine. Advances in molecular biology, diagnostic technologies and treatment development are creating new opportunities to understand how cancers develop and how therapies can be tailored to individual patients.
Precision oncology is particularly important because cancer is not a single disease. Tumors can differ in their biological characteristics, genetic alterations and responses to treatment. Research that improves understanding of these differences can help clinicians evaluate treatment options and develop more individualized approaches to care.
Clinical research also plays a critical role in assessing the safety and effectiveness of emerging therapies. Through clinical studies, researchers can investigate new treatment strategies, evaluate patient outcomes and contribute evidence that informs medical practice.
Prof. Al-Shamsi’s recognition reflects the contribution of his work to this broader research environment. His leadership roles at Burjeel Cancer Institute and the Emirates Oncology Society also place him within the region’s wider oncology community.
The recognition highlights the importance of maintaining strong connections between research and clinical practice, particularly in cancer care, where scientific advances can influence diagnostic pathways, treatment decisions and long-term patient management.
Prof. Khaled M. Musallam Recognized for Hematology Research
Specialty: Hematology
Prof. Khaled M. Musallam, Group Chief Research Officer at Burjeel Holdings and Deputy CEO and Chief of Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy at Burjeel Cancer Institute, has been included in both the single-year and career-long citation-impact databases.
His research focuses on hematology, particularly thalassemia, a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the body’s production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Thalassemia can vary in severity and may require long-term medical management. Depending on the type and severity of the disorder, patients may need regular monitoring, blood transfusions, iron management and other specialized interventions.
Research into thalassemia is important for improving understanding of the disease, refining treatment approaches and identifying new therapeutic options. Advances in hematology can also support better management of complications and help clinicians evaluate how different treatments affect patients over time.
Prof. Musallam’s research contributions over approximately two decades have focused on advancing knowledge in this area and supporting the development of novel therapies and improved patient management approaches.
His inclusion in both the annual and career-long assessments highlights research influence across different timeframes. The single-year assessment reflects citation impact during a particular period, while the career-long assessment considers a researcher’s contributions over a broader professional history.
His role as Group Chief Research Officer also reflects Burjeel Holdings’ emphasis on research as part of its wider healthcare activities. Through this position, his expertise aligns with the organization’s broader objective of strengthening physician-led research and supporting collaboration across medical specialties.
The recognition highlights the continuing importance of hematology research in addressing inherited and acquired blood disorders and expanding the evidence available to healthcare professionals.
Prof. Ayman W. El-Hattab Contributes to Medical Genetics and Rare Disease Research
Specialty: Genetics and Heredity
Prof. Ayman W. El-Hattab, Director of the Genetics and Rare Disease Center, has been recognized in the Genetics and Heredity subfield and appears in both the single-year and career-long citation-impact databases.
Medical genetics is an important area of healthcare that examines how genetic variations contribute to inherited conditions, disease susceptibility and individual differences in health.
Research in this field can help healthcare professionals understand the causes of complex disorders, improve diagnostic accuracy and evaluate approaches to disease management.
Rare genetic diseases can present substantial challenges for patients and families. Some conditions have symptoms that overlap with other disorders, making diagnosis difficult. Others may affect multiple organs or require coordinated care across different medical specialties.
Genetic research can help identify the underlying causes of these conditions and provide information that supports clinical evaluation. Depending on the circumstances, genetic testing may also help clarify a diagnosis, inform family counseling or guide ongoing medical management.
Prof. El-Hattab’s research focuses on medical genetics, rare genetic disorders and inherited diseases. His work contributes to the wider scientific effort to improve understanding of complex conditions and identify approaches to their diagnosis and management.
Recognition in both the annual and career-long citation databases reflects the reach of his research publications across different periods.
His leadership of the Genetics and Rare Disease Center also connects his academic expertise with specialized clinical services. Centers focused on genetics and rare diseases can help bring together diagnostic expertise, clinical assessment and coordinated care for individuals with complex conditions.
As scientific understanding of the human genome continues to develop, medical genetics remains an important area for research and clinical innovation. The recognition of Prof. El-Hattab highlights the role of specialized researchers in advancing knowledge that may inform future approaches to rare and inherited diseases.
Prof. Basil J. Ammori Recognized for Contributions to Surgery
Specialty: Surgery
Prof. Basil J. Ammori, Consultant Laparoscopic, Bariatric, General, Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Surgeon at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, has been recognized in the Surgery subfield.
He appears in both the single-year and career-long citation-impact databases, reflecting the influence of his research publications across these assessment periods.
Surgical research is essential to the continued development of operative techniques, patient selection methods, treatment pathways and postoperative care. It can help physicians evaluate clinical outcomes, compare different approaches and identify opportunities to improve safety and recovery.
Prof. Ammori’s research contributions include work related to minimally invasive and gastrointestinal surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery uses specialized instruments and techniques to perform procedures through smaller incisions than those generally required for traditional open surgery. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s circumstances, these approaches may offer benefits such as reduced tissue trauma and shorter recovery periods.
Bariatric surgery is another specialized area of his clinical practice. These procedures are used to treat selected patients with obesity and may help address related health conditions when performed as part of an appropriate medical care plan.
Gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery focuses on diseases affecting the digestive system, liver, bile ducts and related structures. These conditions can require highly specialized assessment and treatment, making continuing surgical research important for refining clinical practice.
Research in these fields can contribute to improved understanding of patient outcomes, procedural techniques and the management of complex surgical conditions.
Prof. Ammori’s inclusion in the 2026 database highlights the role of academic and clinical research in surgical specialties. It also demonstrates the breadth of medical expertise represented by the four Burjeel physicians recognized in this year’s edition.
Strengthening Physician-Led Research at Burjeel Holdings
The recognition of the four physicians highlights Burjeel Holdings’ emphasis on integrating research with specialized healthcare delivery.
Physician-led research can connect questions that arise in clinical practice with scientific investigation. Clinicians working directly with patients may identify areas where additional evidence is needed, while research findings can help inform future diagnostic and treatment approaches.
This relationship is particularly important in specialties such as oncology, hematology, medical genetics and surgery, where treatment options and scientific understanding continue to evolve.
Supporting research requires an environment in which clinicians can participate in academic collaboration, publish scientific findings and contribute to the development of medical knowledge alongside their clinical responsibilities.
Burjeel Holdings has emphasized its commitment to physician-led research and international academic collaboration. The organization’s research focus is intended to support the translation of scientific advances into practical applications relevant to patient care.
Such efforts can include strengthening research capabilities, encouraging collaboration between specialties and supporting the dissemination of findings through scientific publications.
The recognition of physicians across four distinct disciplines also highlights the value of a multidisciplinary research environment. Many complex health conditions involve overlapping clinical considerations, and advances in one specialty may inform work in another.
For example, progress in genetics can contribute to understanding disease mechanisms, while developments in oncology and hematology can inform the evaluation of targeted therapies. Surgical research can similarly benefit from advances in imaging, diagnostics and other medical technologies.
Continued collaboration among clinical experts and researchers can help broaden the evidence available to healthcare professionals and support more informed clinical decision-making.
Contributing to the UAE’s Medical Research Landscape
The inclusion of four physicians associated with Burjeel Holdings in the World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists database also highlights the contribution of UAE-based medical professionals to international research.
Healthcare systems increasingly combine clinical services with education, scientific investigation and academic partnerships. These activities can support the development of specialized expertise and strengthen connections between regional healthcare institutions and the international scientific community.
For the UAE, research contributions across oncology, hematology, genetics and surgery reflect participation in areas of medicine that address significant health challenges.
International research recognition can also help raise the visibility of medical professionals working in the region and highlight the scientific work taking place within its healthcare institutions.
However, long-term research development depends on more than rankings or individual recognition. It also requires sustained investment in research infrastructure, collaboration, training, publication and the translation of scientific findings into clinical practice.
The achievements of the four Burjeel physicians provide an opportunity to recognize their research contributions while underscoring the importance of continued support for medical science.
Connecting Scientific Discovery With Patient Care
The inclusion of Prof. Humaid O. Al-Shamsi, Prof. Khaled M. Musallam, Prof. Ayman W. El-Hattab and Prof. Basil J. Ammori in the 2026 World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists database marks an important research recognition for Burjeel Holdings.
Their work spans four distinct specialties, from cancer care and blood disorders to inherited diseases and surgical treatment. Their presence in the database reflects the citation impact of their scientific publications and highlights the contribution of physician-researchers to international medical knowledge.
For Burjeel Holdings, the recognition supports its stated focus on combining clinical excellence, research and academic collaboration. The organization aims to continue supporting physicians whose scientific work contributes to the understanding and management of complex medical conditions.
As medical research continues to advance, collaboration between clinicians, scientists and healthcare institutions will remain important for evaluating new discoveries and determining how they can be applied in clinical settings.
Ultimately, the value of medical research lies not only in the recognition it receives but also in its contribution to the evidence that guides healthcare decisions. Through continued research and collaboration, physician-scientists can help strengthen medical knowledge and support the ongoing development of patient-centered healthcare.
The latest recognition places Burjeel Holdings’ four physicians among researchers whose work has achieved notable citation impact, highlighting the breadth of scientific expertise within its clinical teams and the contribution of UAE-based professionals to global medical research.
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