Dr. Saliha Afridi is a clinical psychologist and the visionary founder and Chairwoman of The LightHouse Arabia, a mental health and wellness center based in Dubai.
With a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and both Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Arizona School of Professional Psychology in Phoenix, Dr. Afridi brings a wealth of knowledge and a broad range of clinical expertise to her practice and speaking engagements.
Her professional career is marked by comprehensive experience as a generalist, delivering therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. Over the past decade, her focus has notably shifted towards on adult development and navigating the personal and processional transitions of midlife. Dr Afridi specializes in workplace and executive mental health, and also possesses deep-seated expertise in parenting strategies and dynamics.
Dr. Afridi’s transition from the US to the UAE 15 years ago marked the beginning of a dedicated effort to significantly enhance the mental health landscape of the region. In 2011, Dr Afridi founded The LightHouse Arabia, and under her leadership, it has evolved into one of the most influential mental health centers in the UAE and the region. Since its inception, Dr. Afridi, alongside her dedicated team, has devoted thousands of volunteer hours to community education, focusing on the cultivation of mental health and wellness best practices. Notably, Dr. Afridi has been instrumental in introducing the internationally recognized Australian Mental Health First Aid program to the United Arab Emirates, wherby The LightHouse Arabia is the only licensed provider and have successfully trained over 6,000 individuals in the essential skills of early mental health intervention and support within their communities.
In addition to her clinical and educational achievements, Dr. Afridi is also a sought out keynote and corporate speaker, as well as a respected media authority on mental health. She regularly shares her expertise through radio appearances, podcasts, and printed publications, offering invaluable insights into mental health challenges and solutions. Dr. Afridi’s significant contributions and unwavering commitment to enhancing mental health awareness and services have solidified her status as a key influencer in the mental health domain, not just within the UAE but across the broader region.
