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Health System Research Centre Dubai hosts Global Health System Roundtable on Leadership for Impact

An expert panel gathered to explore how leadership can shape resilient global health systems.

8 July 2025•4 min read
A group of panelists and attendees gathered together by a Spanish style staircase

On Thursday, 26 June, the University of Birmingham Dubai brought together leading voices in health policy, education, policy and practice for a high-impact roundtable discussion on "Leadership for Impact: Shaping the Future of Global Health Systems."

Held on campus, the event explored the critical role of leadership in transforming the health workforce and building a resilient, people-centred health systems. With contributions from senior officials, global health academics, and regional policymakers, the discussion offered deep insights into current challenges and future strategies for global health system strengthening.

The event was moderated by Dr Ayat Abu-Agla, Director of the Health System Research Centre Dubai at the University of Birmingham Dubai. Her moderation reinforced the university’s commitment to advancing healthcare leadership and innovation, with a particular focus on its pioneering MSc Global Health System Leadership programme—designed to equip future leaders with the skills needed to navigate complex health landscapes worldwide.

Prof. Tolib Mirzoev, Board Chair of Health Systems Global, opened the panel with a foundational overview of leadership in healthcare, distinguishing between management and leadership, and highlighting the value of transformational leadership in driving system-wide change. Drawing on global frameworks and his extensive research, he emphasised the need for locally responsive policies, tailored curricula, and context-specific leadership strategies.

Dr. Sumaya AlBlooshi, Director of the Nursing Department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), shared policy perspectives from national workforce planning and her leadership of the UAE’s National Nursing and Midwifery Strategy. She spoke candidly about the challenges of inclusive policymaking, the urgent need for intersectoral collaboration, and the importance of investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Dr. Basem Khalil, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research & Development at King’s College Hospital, brought a clinical and policy perspective to the discussion, drawing from his personal journey working across different healthcare systems—from Sub-Saharan Africa to the UK and UAE. He emphasised the importance of the need to confront social determinants of health, localise healthcare training, and recognise that sustainable health improvements are shaped not just by clinical interventions, but also by education, equity, and building financial literacy among leaders to ensure sustainable system design.

This roundtable marks the first in a series of quarterly events hosted by the University of Birmingham Dubai as part of its commitment to shaping future health leaders and promoting cross-sector dialogue in the region.

Dr Ayat Abu-Agla, Director of the Health System Research Centre Dubai

The panel also featured reflections from policymakers and professionals working across ministries and health authorities in the UAE. A recurring theme was the importance of interprofessional collaboration, inclusive leadership development, and unified workforce planning to avoid working in silos. Attendees and students engaged in an interactive Q&A, raising critical questions around resilience, financing, and how to ensure leadership is built from the ground up.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Ross Millar, Director of the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham, summed up the day’s key themes using three E’s and two C’s—Education, Experience, Environment, Collaboration, and Common Purpose—capturing the shared aspiration for more equitable and sustainable global health systems.

"This roundtable marks the first in a series of quarterly events hosted by the University of Birmingham Dubai as part of its commitment to shaping future health leaders and promoting cross-sector dialogue in the region," said Dr Ayat Abu-Agla, Director of the Health System Research Centre Dubai. "We welcome interested individuals to join us at our next roundtable, which is scheduled for 20 September 2025."

To learn more about the MSc Global Health System Leadership programme and the wider work of the Health Services Management Centre – University of Birmingham Dubai, we invite you to explore how we continue our proud tradition of civic contribution. In line with our mission to support health policy research, deliver world-class education, and put policy into practice, the Health Systems Research Centre and our postgraduate education offer are dedicated to developing the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required to transform the health workforce. Together, we aim to address the health system and population challenges in the MENA region, support universal health coverage (UHC), and advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Panelists in conversation on the topic of leadership for impact

Featured staff

  • Professor Ross Millar

    Director of the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC)

    At HSMC Professor Ross Millar he has been involved in a variety of policy evaluations that include examining the impact of market based reform, the promotion of social enterprise in health and social care.

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