Alex is a seasoned expert in health and travel risk management with extensive experience throughout Southeast Asia, both as an insurance broker and assistance provider. Alex’s journey into travel assistance services began at International SOS Paris and has since led him to set up his own company, Feti’a assistance.

Feti’a is based in regions where access to quality medical care is a challenge, and its motto is ‘presence matters’. To facilitate seamless cross-border medical transfers and to promote local assistance providers who often work in the shadows, Alex also founded AWARE24, a regional network of local assistance experts across Asia.

Dr Gul, a preeminent physician and healthcare executive, carries a rich blend of clinical and managerial expertise to his role as Chief Executive Officer of Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital. Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Top 50 Healthcare Leaders, he is a well-respected thought leader, continually championing progress and innovation within the healthcare sector.

Upon earning his medical degree, Dr Gul pursued management courses at renowned institutions such as Cornell University and Harvard Business School. His career began at the patient’s bedside, which provided him with invaluable insights into patient care. Driven by his passion for healthcare technology and operational efficiency, he assumed diverse and demanding healthcare project management roles. These included building rural clinic chains for petroleum pipeline projects to commissioning the first civilian helicopter ambulance service in Saudi Arabia.

Dr Gul’s commitment to enhancing both patient and caregiver experiences saw him rise to leadership positions at esteemed companies such as Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) and Fakeeh Care. He was instrumental in the management of rehabilitation centers, development of outpatient clinic projects, and significantly contributed to international healthcare investments and social initiatives.

His leadership shone when he was entrusted with the commissioning and operation of Dubai’s first teaching hospital, Fakeeh University Hospital, the Middle East’s first environmentally friendly, LEED-certified university hospital. He led the hospital from its construction phase, through its commissioning, and into a successful operational phase. Under Dr Gul’s visionary guidance, the hospital garnered numerous regional firsts and prestigious awards.

As CEO of Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, he brings extensive operational knowledge and empathetic leadership style. His leadership philosophy is centered around a people-centric approach, recognising healthcare as fundamentally a people business. His dedication extends to enriching the employee experience, fostering a satisfying work environment, and most importantly, enhancing patient satisfaction.

Dr Gul is also a passionate advocate for CSR, sustainability, and ESG awareness. He founded CSR Middle East in 2005, an organisation that has garnered numerous international accolades. Through speeches, podcasts, and thought leadership, he encourages the healthcare industry to invest responsibly in the environment, actively supporting King Charles III’s Terra Carta initiative.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr Gul’s contributions to healthcare have been marked by a relentless pursuit of operational excellence, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to patient and staff satisfaction. As he leads Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital into its next chapter, he remains committed to providing world-class healthcare services, prioritising quality, value, and satisfaction for both patients and caregivers.

Mandy is Managing Editor of ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue. She has been involved in the international travel and health insurance sector since 2006 and regularly writes about industry issues such as underwriting, consolidation, cost containment, consumer education, fraud, assistance provision and complex air ambulance missions.