Trusted Bariatric Surgeon in Dubai
Where Surgical Excellence Meets Profound Human Connection
Years in Bariatric Surgery
Surgeon of Excellence
Students Mentored

They ask me who I am.
I’ve performed over 4,000 surgeries, a number that sounds vast even to me. But in the quiet moments before a procedure, that number fades into insignificance. I have never seen my patients as numbers on a chart or cases in a textbook; I remember their stories, their fears, and the incredible strength they carry into my office.
I treat bodies, yes—that is the craft I have honed for decades. But before my hands ever touch a scalpel, I make a point to sit, listen, and truly look into their eyes. In that space, I am not just a surgeon diagnosing an ailment; I am a witness to their journey. I’ve learned that a tremor in the hand can tell you more than a lab result, and the silence between words can reveal a fear that no MRI can capture. I don’t just treat the disease that presents itself; I try to understand the life it has disrupted and the roots from which it grew.
After all, not all pain starts in the body, and not all healing comes from medicine. Sometimes, the most potent prescription is validation—the simple act of acknowledging someone’s suffering. It is a lesson I am passionate about passing on. I teach the future generation of doctors to master their technical skills, but never at the expense of their humanity. I urge them to remember that behind every diagnosis is a person hoping to be seen.
So, for today, don’t think of me as “Doctor.” Think of me as a friend, someone who understands that healing is not an event, but a process. Someone who sits with you until the fear softens.
Professional Background of an Expert Laparoscopic Surgeon
From Damascus to Dubai, my career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to advancing surgical care while maintaining the human touch that transforms patient outcomes.
Current Practice at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai
Since February 2023, I serve as a Specialist General Surgeon at Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai, performing advanced bariatric, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries. Simultaneously, I maintain my role as a Visiting Consultant General Surgeon in Muscat, Oman, extending world-class surgical expertise beyond UAE borders.
My practice is built on a foundation of continuous innovation—from pioneering minimally invasive techniques to integrating robotic-assisted precision surgery, always with patient safety and optimal outcomes as the paramount priority.
Academic Contributions & Surgical Education
As an Adjunct Assistant Professor at international and national medical institutions, including the University of Sharjah and Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, I am deeply invested in shaping the next generation of surgeons.
I also serve as Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Emirates Society of Endoscopic & Laparoscopic Surgery and hold the position of ATLS Instructor Candidate, reflecting my commitment to surgical education and trauma care excellence.
My practice is built on a foundation of continuous innovation—from pioneering minimally invasive techniques to integrating robotic-assisted precision surgery, always with patient safety and optimal outcomes as the paramount priority.
Professional Certifications & Memberships







Milestones of Excellence
A Journey in Weight Loss Surgery
2023 – Present
Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai
2017 – 2020
Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah
2013 – 2017
Rashid Hospital, Dubai
2009 – 2013
Damascus Assembly Hospital, Syria
2000 – 2009
Al-Adan Hospital, Kuwait
1994 – 1999
Syrian Ministry of Health
What our clients say
about Dr Nazim Alrifai
Samar DlaimiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabrice FillingerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "Following a medical emergency in Dubai, I was treated by Dr. Alrifai at Al Zahra Hospital. He is a man who combines professionalism and generosity. His support and follow-up were impeccable. I thank him infinitely for his humanity and his kind heart. Clarence"Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 2 reviews
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