About Us
About Us:
The Arab Shoulder and Elbow Association (ASEA) is a pioneering organization founded by leading experts from across the Middle East region, dedicated to advancing shoulder and elbow care, education, and research. ASEA fosters regional collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving innovation and excellence in the field through specialized events, training, and partnerships.
Vision
Our vision at ASEA is to be the leading authority in the Arab region for shoulder and elbow healthcare, education, and innovation. We envision a future where the knowledge and expertise of our members drive groundbreaking research, elevate the standard of care, and improve the lives of individuals affected by shoulder and elbow conditions. Through our dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge, we aspire to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our communities, establishing ASEA as a beacon of excellence in orthopedic care across the Arab world.
Mission
The mission of the Arab Shoulder and Elbow Association is to enhance shoulder and elbow care across the Arab region through research, education and collaboration. We strive: • To advance the scientific understanding of shoulder and elbow conditions through research that leads to improvements in surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols and medical devices. • To provide the highest quality education and training programs for orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and other medical professionals involved in shoulder and elbow care. • To develop and disseminate best practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of common shoulder and elbow disorders. • To facilitate information sharing and collaboration between shoulder and elbow specialists across the Arab world in order to accelerate progress and provide all patients with access to the latest innovations and standards of care. • To advocate for policies that improve access to shoulder and elbow treatments for all patients, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.
Meet Our Board

Dr. Saeed Al Thani - President
Dr. Saeed Al Thani is a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopy, sports medicine, and joint reconstruction. He is the Chairperson of the Education Committee for AOTRAUMA MENA, a member of the Sports Medicine Committee for the UAE Football Association, and served as the Past President of the Emirates Orthopedics Society (2011-2019). After earning his MBBS from Dammam University in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Al Thani completed his orthopedic residency and advanced fellowships in Toronto, Canada. An international speaker and researcher, he has developed innovative techniques for shoulder and knee surgeries, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures and deformity correction.

Prof. Hatem G. Said – President Elect
Prof. Hatem G. Said is a leading consultant in arthroscopic surgery of the hip, shoulder, and knee, with extensive experience in treating conditions such as FAI, labral tears, and rotator cuff injuries. Following fellowships in shoulder arthroscopy (Birmingham, UK) and hip arthroscopy (Munich, Germany), he established the shoulder service in Upper Egypt and became a pioneer in hip arthroscopy across the Middle East. As Head of the Arthroscopy Unit at Assiut University, Prof. Hatem is a passionate educator, teaching surgeons worldwide, and a prolific researcher in arthroscopy and trauma. He is the Past Treasurer and current President-Elect of SICOT (International Orthopedic Society).

Dr. Usama H. Saleh – General Secretary
Dr. Usama H. Saleh is a board-certified orthopedic and trauma surgeon with expertise in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery, and joint replacement of the shoulder, knee, and hip. A graduate of Cairo University, he completed his PhD in knee surgery and holds the MRCS diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Dr. Saleh underwent advanced fellowship training in upper extremity and trauma surgery at the University of Toronto, Canada, and is certified by the Egyptian and Arab Boards of Orthopedic Surgery. As an International AO Trauma faculty member, he is dedicated to teaching trauma surgery to junior orthopedic surgeons across the region.
