UCL to open health business school in Dubai Healthcare City

University College London (UCL) plans to open a health-focused business school in Dubai Healthcare City, with the first students expected in 2027, according to Arabian Business.

The announcement

The Global Business School for Health, part of UCL, is described as the first business school dedicated entirely to health. Arabian Business reported on 27 October that the school has received approval from the UAE to set up its Dubai hub. The announcement came at an industry event attended by the director general of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the chairman of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, which developed the initiative with UCL.

What will be taught

The school plans to offer postgraduate degrees and executive education in healthcare management, leadership, digital transformation and innovation, along with tailored training and research collaboration for organisations. Professor Nora Colton has been named as founding director.

How it will run

The Dubai site is planned as a specialist education centre rather than a large campus. London-based faculty will teach in intensive blocks, so working professionals can study with limited travel. Degrees will be awarded by UCL under the same academic frameworks as its London programmes, the report said.

Context for Dubai

The project fits within Dubai's Education 33 strategy and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, according to the report. Arabian Business noted that UCL is marking its 200th anniversary and that this would be its first new international expansion since it opened a campus in Adelaide, Australia, in 2010. The school aims to serve professionals across the UAE, the Gulf, Africa and South Asia.

What to watch

Fees, admission requirements and the exact start date have not been published in the report. Prospective students and employers in the health sector should check the school's official channels for programme details and regulatory approvals before applying.