Faculty members of the College of Dentistry (CoD) were recognized and felicitated at the GMU Rewards & Recognition Ceremony 2026, held on the 17th of January 2026 aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2. The ceremony was graciously attended by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President, Thumbay Group, Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of Healthcare Division at Thumbay Group, Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor, GMU, and Prof.Hesham Marei, Vice Chancellor Academics, GMU.
The College of Dentistry received several prestigious honours during the ceremony. Prof. Hesham Fathi Marei, Dean, CoD and Vice Chancellor Academics, GMU, received a Special Appreciation Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the overall growth and achievements of the College of Dentistry. Prof. Walid Elsayed, Associate Dean, CoD, was conferred the “Above and Beyond” Chancellor’s Special Award for his exceptional commitment and contributions.
The ceremony also acknowledged long-service milestones, with Prof. Sura Ali Fuoad, Professor of Oral Medicine, being honoured for her years of dedicated service. Among the award recipients, Dr. Pooja Narain Adtani, Associate Professor of Oral Histopathology, was recognised with the Faculty of the Year Award, while Dr. Jovita D’souza, Lecturer and Specialist in Periodontics, received the Lecturer Excellence Award. The Excellence in Administration Award was conferred upon Dr. Bhavna Jha Kukreja, Associate Professor of Periodontics and Program Director of the MDS Periodontics Program, and Dr. Nelly Abdelsalam, Associate Professor and Consultant in Endodontics, was honoured with the Rising Star Award. In addition, the Academic Support Excellence Award was presented to Mr. Pradeep John Ekka, Executive Secretary, CoD.
The College of Dentistry takes pride in the accomplishments of its faculty members, whose recognition at this prestigious ceremony reflects the College’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and continuous professional growth.
