Dr Sami Habal is a Vitreoretinal Surgeon at American Hospital Dubai. Formerly an NHS consultant at King’s College Hospital, with a private practice in London and fellowships at Oxford and Birmingham, he spent 15 years building one of the most demanding careers in UK ophthalmology before relocating to Dubai. In this interview, he shares his honest advice for UK doctors considering the move, what surgical practice in Dubai actually looks like, and the practical things to plan for before you leave.
A Career Built on Never Wasting a Day
Dr Habal’s path to Dubai was anything but linear, and that is precisely the point. From the moment he decided vitreoretinal surgery was his calling, every step was deliberate. He researched the best training centres in the UK, applied for the most competitive fellowships, and pursued proper vitreoretinal and medical retina fellowships at Oxford and Birmingham. Interview with Dr Sonia Saib reveals her insights on the evolving field of ophthalmology. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration in improving surgical outcomes.
He did not fall into his specialty by default either. Early in his training, he spent three weeks in anterior segment cornea, not out of uncertainty, but to make sure. “I was very happy because I realised I definitely chose exactly what I want,” he says. “I want the retina.” That kind of intentionality runs through everything he has done.
He went on to complete his postgraduate ophthalmology examinations at both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2010) and London (2017), and chose the CSER route to specialist registration, one of the more demanding paths available to internationally trained doctors, completing it through South Yorkshire in Sheffield. He joined the GMC specialist register as a consultant ophthalmologist in March 2019.
Around the same time, he built a parallel private practice at Circle Health Group and Harley Street in London. He spent almost eight years performing complex cataract surgeries with Spa Medica, all while holding his NHS consultant post at King’s College Hospital in London.
“I remember the last day I was working in Toronto and the following day I was working in Oxford,” he says. “I didn’t waste any single day, even moving from one continent to another.” That is not a one-off anecdote. It is a pattern. And it is the same energy he brings to how he thinks about this move.
Adjusting to Private Practice Here
More familiar than most expect. The main difference is the insurance system, where patients here are covered by their employers rather than out of pocket as in UK private practice or by the government as in the NHS, but that is something you get your head around within weeks.
The clinical standards and patient expectations are very much in line with what NHS-trained doctors are already used to. Dr Habal’s years of parallel private work in London gave him a head start, but he is clear that it is not a prerequisite. “The NHS gives you really very strong training,” he says. “That is the foundation.”
What to Expect Surgically (Especially in Ophthalmology)
Dr Habal is refreshingly candid here. The UAE population, particularly in Dubai, skews significantly younger than in the UK or Europe. For ophthalmologists, that means fewer age-related conditions and, importantly, fewer cataract surgeries. In the NHS, 10 to 14 cases a day is normal. In Dubai, the numbers are lower.
“Doctors have to accept that before they come,” he says. “For someone like me, who has done thousands of cases, I don’t mind doing a bit less. The quality of the work and the results still speak for themselves.”
His advice: this move suits surgeons who are already experienced and comfortable with their skills rather than those still building volume. For other surgical specialties such as ENT, general surgery, or gynaecology, the numbers in the UAE tend to be equal to or higher than in the UK.
What keeps him motivated is not volume but impact. “If you can provide something unique, that is always good,” he says. “Patients are happy, the hospital is happy, the doctor is happy. That is the best combination.”
The Things UK Doctors Actually Worry About
Beyond the clinical and lifestyle questions, doctors moving from the UK come with a long list of practical concerns. What happens to their pension? How does the tax situation work? What are they giving up and what stays protected?
Dr Habal, having done that transition himself, was thoughtful about doing his homework beforehand. His advice: these questions have answers, and the picture is far more reassuring than most people assume. The key is to speak with the right specialists early, well before your departure date, so you can plan with clarity rather than uncertainty.
Family, Schools, and Actually Living Here
Dr Habal’s family will be joining him in Dubai shortly. His younger daughter will attend a British curriculum school, of which there are at least 10 to 15 in the city offering A-levels and IB. Dr raymond hreiche’s smooth transition to Dubai signifies a new chapter for his family. He looks forward to exploring the vibrant culture and unique opportunities that the city has to offer.
His practical advice for families: proximity matters. Dubai traffic is a real consideration, and choosing a home near your child’s school will save considerable daily stress. More broadly, do not underestimate how much the lifestyle itself plays into the decision.
“You have to love the style of life,” he says. “And I doubt anyone will not like it here. There is something for everyone, 100%.”
There is also something more personal woven into this move. During his fellowship years in the UK, he would break his fast between surgeries during Ramadan, fitting his faith around a relentless schedule. He arrived in Dubai just weeks before Ramadan this year, the first time in 15 years that the working day itself adjusts around it. It is a small detail, but it says something about what this move means beyond the professional.
One Practical Note: Wind Down Before You Leave
For doctors with private practices in the UK, Dr Habal recommends stopping private operations at least two to three months before you leave. Post-operative follow-up care is a responsibility that cannot simply be handed over overnight.
“This is very important,” he says. “Any doctor who has private patients back home needs to factor this in well before their departure date.”
Working with Allocation Assist
Dr Habal worked with several members of our team across a process that took longer than average, largely because he was managing one of the busiest clinical schedules you will find in UK ophthalmology at the time. That did not stop Allocation Assist from securing him a position at one of the most respected hospitals in Dubai.
He speaks warmly about the support he received along the way. “There is no point in doing your own research and paying less, but then ending up in a place that is not good,” he says. “Allocation Assist has very good connections with excellent institutions. The preparation, the logbook, the licensing, all of it really helps.”
The Bigger Picture
Dr Habal’s overarching message is simple: come with a plan. Not a rigid one, because life will change it, but a realistic sense of how long you want to stay, what you want to build, and what you are willing to adjust. Longer term stays can always facilitate things and make plans smoother and easier with more peace of mind.
He is now approaching his third month at the American Hospital Dubai, exploring a new corner of Dubai each week, settling in ahead of his family’s arrival. Asked whether he has any regrets, he does not hesitate. “It is much more comfortable for me now. I came from one of the busiest setups in the UK. The quality of work here is excellent. I am very happy.” Dr Julia Ellert’s journey from Denmark has been marked by significant professional achievements. She has embraced the opportunities presented by her new environment, facilitating innovative healthcare solutions.
About Dr Sami Habal
Dr Sami Habal is a Vitreoretinal Surgeon at American Hospital Dubai. He spent 15 years in UK ophthalmology, including roles as NHS consultant at King’s College Hospital London, parallel private practice at Circle Health Group and Harley Street, and almost eight years of complex cataract surgery with Spa Medica. He holds postgraduate ophthalmology qualifications from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2010) and London (2017), completed fellowships at Oxford and Birmingham, took the CSER route to specialist registration via South Yorkshire in Sheffield, and joined the GMC specialist register in March 2019.
How Allocation Assist Supports UK Doctors Moving to the Gulf
As a medical recruitment and healthcare jobs consultancy in Dubai, our team has built relationships with 95+ hospitals across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, supporting consultants at every stage of the process, from the first conversation to the first day on the ward.
Key Areas of Support
- Hospital matching, based on your specialty, seniority, and family priorities.
- DHA, DOH, MOHAP, and SCFHS licensing, including logbook preparation and credentialing.
- Contract review and negotiation, including salary, package, and insurance terms.
- Relocation and family logistics, including schooling, housing, and post-arrival support.
- Ongoing peer community, connecting you with consultants who have made the same move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr Sami Habal?
Dr Sami Habal is a Vitreoretinal Surgeon at American Hospital Dubai. He previously worked as an NHS consultant at King’s College Hospital London, with private practice at Circle Health Group and Harley Street, and almost eight years of complex cataract surgery with Spa Medica. He completed fellowships at Oxford and Birmingham, and joined the GMC specialist register in March 2019.
How does private practice in Dubai compare to the UK?
More familiar than most expect. The main difference is the insurance system, where patients in Dubai are covered by their employers rather than paying out of pocket as in UK private practice or relying on the government as in the NHS. The clinical standards and patient expectations are very much in line with what NHS-trained doctors are already used to.
How many cataract surgeries do ophthalmologists do per day in Dubai vs the UK?
The UAE population skews significantly younger than the UK, so age-related conditions and cataract surgeries are less common. In the NHS, 10 to 14 cases a day is normal. In Dubai, the numbers are lower. Dr Habal’s advice is to accept this before moving, as the move suits experienced surgeons who are comfortable with their skills rather than those still building volume.
How do other surgical specialties compare in case volume?
According to Dr Habal, for surgical specialties such as ENT, general surgery, or gynaecology, the numbers in the UAE tend to be equal to or higher than in the UK. Ophthalmology is a specific case where the younger population affects volume.
What should UK doctors do about their UK private practice before leaving?
Dr Habal recommends stopping private operations at least two to three months before you leave. Post-operative follow-up care is a responsibility that cannot be handed over overnight, and managing the wind-down properly protects both your patients and your professional record.
What about pension, tax, and other UK financial concerns?
Dr Habal’s view is that these questions have answers, and the picture is more reassuring than most people assume. His advice is to speak with the right specialists early, well before your departure date, so you can plan with clarity rather than uncertainty.
What schools are available in Dubai for UK doctor families?
Dubai has at least 10 to 15 British curriculum schools offering A-levels and IB. Dr Habal’s practical advice is to choose a home near your child’s school, since Dubai traffic is a real factor in daily life.
Did Dr Habal experience Ramadan differently in Dubai compared to the UK?
Yes. During his fellowship years in the UK, he would break his fast between surgeries during Ramadan. Arriving in Dubai just weeks before Ramadan this year was the first time in 15 years that the working day itself adjusted around it.
What is Dr Habal’s overall advice for UK doctors considering the move?
Come with a plan. Not a rigid one, but a realistic sense of how long you want to stay, what you want to build, and what you are willing to adjust. Longer term stays make plans smoother and give more peace of mind.
How can Allocation Assist help me move to Dubai as a UK consultant?
Allocation Assist has relationships with 95+ hospitals across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia and supports consultants at every stage of the process. The team handles hospital matching, licensing (including logbook preparation), contract negotiation, relocation logistics, and post-arrival support.
