Zaynab Akhtar

Ms. Zaynab Akhtar is an Occupational Therapist at ACPN Abu Dhabi. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Occupational Therapy from Queen Margaret University, UK in 2022. She completed further certifications in Ayres Sensory Integration and Behavioral Activation. She is registered with the DoH, Abu Dhabi and HCPC, UK as an Occupational Therapist.

With 4 years of clinical experience in the UK and the UAE’s pediatric and mental health services, Ms. Akhtar began her career with the NHS Forth Valley, Scotland in 2022, working in community mental health teams delivering evidence-based, function-focused interventions. She contributed to service development, facilitated group programs, supported neurodivergent adults, and collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams. Since relocating to the UAE in 2025, she focused on pediatric occupational therapy, leading the development of occupational therapy services within clinic and school environments, establishing clinical protocols, and delivering individualized, goal-oriented interventions.

Ms. Akhtar is specialized in addressing pediatric sensory processing difficulties, emotional regulation needs, attention and participation challenges, and the developing functional motor and play skills. She conducts thorough clinical assessments with developmentally appropriate, play-based and occupation-focused interventions. She works collaboratively with families, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams to enable independence, confidence, and participation in daily life.