Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)

Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), is a distinguished leader with more than three decades of experience driving corporate growth across healthcare, real estate, and hospitality. Renowned for his strategic insight, innovation, and commitment to excellence, he leads Dubai Healthcare City’s (DHCC) sustainable growth strategy, enhancing the free zone’s operational efficiency and cementing its position as the enabling healthcare and wellness destination.

In Dubai’s real estate sector, Issam has built a robust reputation for delivering landmark developments and achieving corporate growth objectives. His portfolio includes mega projects such as the record-breaking Burj Khalifa and Atlantis The Royal. 

Issam has been the Founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of Ithra Dubai since 2015, where he continues to oversee the development and long-term success of skyline-defining projects such as One Za’abeel and the community-led Deira Enrichment Project.

During his senior positions at the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) and Emaar Properties, he played a pivotal role in shaping the emirate’s modern real estate landscape. At ICD, he established and expanded the corporation’s real estate portfolio. As CEO of Emaar Properties, he launched globally renowned master-planned communities including Downtown Dubai, Emirates Hills, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, and Emirates Living. Under his leadership, Emaar also expanded internationally into 11 countries across Asia and North Africa, strengthening its global presence.

His impact on Dubai’s hospitality sector extends to his role as Director of ICD Hospitality and Leisure. He also sits as Director and Board Member of Kerzner International Holdings Limited, PM Holdings LLC, Atlantis The Palm Holding Company Limited and Atlantis The Palm, overseeing the expansion and advancement of the prominent Atlantis brand with the development of Atlantis The Royal Resort and Residences, as well as the Director of Adriatic Marinas d.o.o., a landmark yacht marina and waterfront development in Montenegro. Additionally, he previously served as CEO of Meydan and a Board Member of Nakheel PJSC.

A member of GMICE, the UAE Society of Engineers, and the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineering, Issam combines technical expertise with visionary leadership, consistently delivering complex projects that strengthen revenues and advance Dubai’s global profile in real estate, hospitality, and healthcare.