Dubai:The Global Business School for Health (GBSH), part of University College London (UCL), is set to open in Dubai, marking a significant expansion in its global presence. Celebrating its 200th anniversary, UCL is introducing the world's first business school exclusively dedicated to health to the region.
According to Wam, the collaboration with the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) aims to enhance the United Arab Emirates' healthcare, education, research, and innovation sectors. UCL Global Business School for Health, Dubai will support specialized learning and create opportunities for collaboration across the UAE and beyond.
The new school aligns with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and Dubai's Education 33 (E33) strategy. These initiatives envision Dubai as a top global city for students, with plans for over 70 higher education institutions by 2033. The school will focus on key areas such as healthy life expectancy, preventative healthcare, medical tourism, precision medicine, AI, and life sciences.
With a diversified focus across healthcare, life sciences, AI, economics, policy, innovation, and leadership, UCL GBSH Dubai brings the legacy and global research strength of one of the world's leading universities. UCL is ranked joint #8 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, with a 200-year history of academic excellence, research, and innovation as well as 33 Nobel Prize laureates among its former staff and students.
The institution aims to establish a long-term platform for interdisciplinary executive education, postgraduate management degrees, capability-building programs, and collaborative research. This effort is designed to address complex challenges in health systems and organizations.
Allae Almanini, Chief Operating Officer at DHCA, emphasized the academic expertise UCL GBSH brings to the ecosystem, contributing to healthcare delivery advancements and fostering new opportunities for collaboration. The partnership will also enhance DHCC's objective of promoting medical education and developing specialized talent for Dubai's health sector.
Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, highlighted the move as a reinforcement of Dubai's status as a global education hub. The arrival of UCL GBSH supports Dubai's Education 33 Strategy by offering future-focused education and equipping learners with necessary skills.
Professor Nora Colton, Founding Director of UCL GBSH, Dubai, noted the importance of leadership, digital transformation, and organizational performance in healthcare transformation. She stated that the UAE's vision for health extends to prevention, longevity, and technology, requiring leaders capable of adapting to complex systems. UCL GBSH aims to address these needs while contributing to Dubai's educational ambitions.