Shaista Asif

Shaista Asif is a healthcare executive and co-founder of PureHealth Group, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East. With more than 22 years of experience, including 16 years in the healthcare industry, Asif co-founded PureHealth Group and later assumed a leadership role as group CEO. She oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes more than 110 hospitals, over 316 clinics, diagnostic centers, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health technology, procurement, and strategic investments.

Asif has led the development and implementation of innovations and strategic healthcare acquisitions across regions including the Middle East, United Kingdom, United States, Greece, and Cyprus. Her efforts have contributed to PureHealth’s growth and diversification, establishing a strong presence in global healthcare markets. During her tenure, Asif has overseen acquisitions such as Abu Dhabi Health Services Co (SEHA), the National Rehabilitation Center, the National Health Insurance Co. (Daman), a stake in Ardent Healthcare, and the acquisition of Circle Health Group in the United Kingdom, a deal valued at more than AED4.4 billion (US$1.2 billion).

Under Asif’s leadership, PureHealth completed an initial public offering on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, raising $986 million by offering 10 percent of its issued share capital. The offering was oversubscribed in both the retail and professional subscriber tranches.

Asif has played a key role in PureHealth’s commitment to sustainability, joining the United Nations-backed Race to Zero initiative for climate change and pledging net zero emissions by 2040. She has also led AI-driven initiatives, including the launch of Pura, an AI-backed healthcare companion app, and PureNet, a healthcare cloud platform providing digital health-as-a-service solutions. Through these efforts, PureHealth advances the science of longevity and introduces innovative healthcare solutions from the United Arab Emirates to global markets.

Forbes Middle East ranked Asif among the top 10 in its list of 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen and as the leading healthcare executive in the region. She organized and hosted the Remarkable Emirati Women summit, attended by more than 500 female leaders and senior government officials, and contributed to the launch of the Emirati Women Chapter, a mentorship initiative supporting Emirati women. Asif’s record of strategic decision-making, global expansion, and commitment to innovation positions her as a leading voice in healthcare leadership.