He is a gamer and a modern-day philosopher, always leaving you to wonder if there's anything he truly takes seriously or if he can be easily upset.
When I first met him, I was hesistant and cautious. However, once we started discussing dark comedy and memes, the connection was immediate and effortless.
He is the most down-to-earth and laid-back person you could ever meet; "Chill" is not just his vibe, it's his mantra. He craves friendships, family, gaming, occasional travel, and some juicy gossip. And let's not forget about fooooodd!!!!
He is a true Arab with a wealth of practical knowledge, leaning more towards tech than traditional literature.
Despite his quirky and lively exterior, he has a serious and sensitive side that he keeps hidden. He rarely discusses his private matters, believing that not everything needs to be said, as talking often doesn't solve problems. Regardless, he is wise enough to handle them.
His roots are in Syria, a place he knows little about, except that it’s facing tough times. The country is caught in the chaos of war and economic struggles. Electricity is a rare treat, often disappearing for over twelve hours a day, and in some rural areas, it’s completely absent. Without power, water becomes hard to come by. Many people rely on solar energy or community generators to get by. The currency is in freefall, losing value daily due to sanctions, and with factories destroyed by conflict, there’s not much to export.
But for him, Syria has never felt like home. The Emirates is where he was born, where he grew up, learned, and built his life. So, for now, that’s where his heart lies.
His connections to Syria are pretty distant—just a few family members he rarely talks to, aside from his grandmother and uncle. Friends? Not really. Syria is more of a birthplace than a place of belonging.
He didn’t choose medicine out of passion; it was a practical choice. With good grades, a dislike for math, and a love for biology, the path was clear. Plus, he thought a career in medicine would be financially rewarding. So, he went for it—not out of love, but because it made sense.
His childhood was spent bouncing between Sharjah and Dubai, surrounded by the vibrant mix of cultures in the UAE. His friends came from all walks of life—Arab, Indian, East Asian. Football games in the neighborhood park brought them together, with nationality never being a barrier. He attended an Arabic school under the UAE curriculum, where English wasn’t widely spoken. Yet, his English thrived, thanks to an unexpected teacher—American cartoons.
Even though he feels deeply rooted in the UAE, his nationality can be a hurdle. Visa issues are a constant source of frustration, and airport searches have become a regular part of life. "Random" screenings happen so often that he’s learned to pack smart—electronics separated, essentials grouped—ready for the inevitable checks.
To him, medicine is just a job, like any other. A shoemaker makes shoes, an accountant crunches numbers, and he practices medicine. The idea of "helping people" has lost its sparkle—it’s just part of the job, not a grand calling. After all, a delivery driver "helps" by bringing food, but no one romanticizes that.
As for the future, his plan is simple—live comfortably, without being a burden to anyone, and, if luck is on his side, pass away early and in good health. Retirement and legacy aren’t on his radar. What matters most is finding happiness in the present. Right now, he’s focused on climbing the career ladder, securing a better salary, and finding a less stressful job. Board certification is the next step on his journey.
Does he think about changing his citizenship? Absolutely. His passport is one of the weakest in the world. But the process is long and tiring, and for now, he has responsibilities. And so, he stays where he is.
"Thanks for coming to my TED Talk," he would say with a warm smile, a twinkle in his voice.
Dr Ammar Khoudeir