Dubai Health Graduates First Leaders from Oxford Program

Dubai has marked a major milestone in the development of its healthcare leadership with the graduation of the first cohort of the Dubai Health Leadership Academy’s flagship Systems Leadership Program, held at the Museum of the Future.

The ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Health Board of Directors, and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board, underscoring the leadership’s commitment to building a future-ready health system driven by strong and capable leaders.

The program, delivered in partnership with Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, saw 40 senior professionals graduate after completing an intensive 14-month leadership journey designed to strengthen strategic thinking, system-wide collaboration, and innovation in healthcare.

Congratulating the graduates, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the initiative reflects Dubai’s broader vision to invest in people and empower leaders who can navigate change and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

“Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai is advancing the future of healthcare by developing leaders who can manage rapid change and turn it into meaningful progress for the sector and the community,” he said. “I congratulate the graduates whose leadership will shape the future of health in Dubai and enhance the quality of care and life for our society.”

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the graduation represents an important step in Dubai Health’s journey toward building a sustainable, knowledge-driven healthcare system.

“We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of the Systems Leadership Program, delivered in partnership with Oxford’s Saïd Business School. Building future-ready leaders remains central to our mission of creating a health system founded on innovation, excellence and global best practices,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors and Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation; His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority; and His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, along with board members and senior representatives from Oxford Saïd Business School.

Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali described the program as a key driver of transformation across Dubai’s health system.

“The Systems Leadership Program develops leaders who can navigate complexity, think across the entire continuum of care, and uphold the values at the heart of Dubai’s health sector. By strengthening the foundations of a resilient, people-centred system, we are ensuring excellence today while building a healthier and more sustainable future,” he said.

Dr. Amer Sharif said the program was built on the belief that leadership in healthcare must reflect both the complexity and compassion of the system it serves.

“The Dubai Health Leadership Academy was created with a clear purpose: to prepare leaders for a system as dynamic and ambitious as Dubai. Today, our graduates are ready to carry that purpose forward,” he said, while thanking Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed and Sheikh Mansoor for their continued support.

He also expressed appreciation to the program’s partners — Emirates, Dubai Airports, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre — for their contributions, which added depth and practical insight to the learning experience.

Dr. Eleanor Murray, Academic Director and Senior Fellow in Management Practice at Oxford Saïd Business School, said the journey of the first cohort had been especially meaningful.

“The program brought together world-class faculty and experts who encouraged thoughtful dialogue and deep reflection on leadership in complex health systems. The certificate jointly awarded by Dubai Health and Saïd Business School recognises not only academic achievement, but a demanding and transformative learning journey,” she said.

Dr. Mark O’Brien, Program Director of the Systems Leadership Program, said the graduation marks an important milestone in the partnership between Dubai Health and Oxford.

“The progress made by this cohort has been remarkable. The leadership capabilities they have developed will support Dubai’s pursuit of excellence and innovation in healthcare for many years to come,” he said.

Launched in September 2024, the Dubai Health Leadership Academy and its inaugural Systems Leadership Program were designed in collaboration with global experts and aligned with Dubai Health’s strategic priorities. Over four modules spanning 14 months, participants applied their learning directly within the health system, supported by personalised executive coaching and guidance from Oxford Saïd Business School.

The graduation of the first cohort now sets the stage for a new generation of leaders who will play a central role in shaping the future of healthcare in Dubai.