The challenge
The UAE is committed to strengthening leadership capability across its higher education system to support national strategic ambitions. The National Leadership Academy responded to this need by equipping emerging leaders with the knowledge, confidence and strategic insight required to drive institutional and system-wide enhancement.
Advance HE works with universities worldwide to transform leadership.
Advance HE works with higher education providers across MENA to strengthen leadership capability and support the delivery of national strategic priorities. Our partnership approach ensures programmes like the National Leadership Academy are designed to build personal, professional and strategic leadership skills that enable participants to drive institutional and system-wide improvement.
Today, we have successfully empowered creative energies and built leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills and innovative thinking needed to excel in academic and administrative roles in public higher education, which aligns with the government’s national priorities.
His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Former UAE Minister of Education
Our approach
- A year-long structured leadership development programme
- Delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education
- Supporting emerging leaders across diverse higher education institutions in the UAE
Impact
Participants are now positioned as key contributors to delivering the UAE’s higher education strategy. Their enhanced leadership capability supports continuous improvement, national transformation and long-term sector development.
Why institutions choose Advance HE
Advance HE is the strategic partner of choice for higher education providers seeking to strengthen leadership capability and deliver national strategic priorities at scale. Our work supports institutions to build confident, future‑focused leaders who can drive meaningful improvement across the sector.
Institutions choose Advance HE because we offer:
- Strategic alignment that supports national ambitions for a high performing higher education system
- Recognised expertise in designing leadership programmes that develop personal, professional and strategic capability
- Transformational development experiences that equip emerging leaders to influence institutional and system‑wide enhancement
- A collaborative partnership approach shaped by sector knowledge and shared purpose
- Sustainable impact through programmes that strengthen leadership pipelines and contribute to long‑term educational transformation
Advance HE brings deep expertise, insight and a commitment to partnership. The National Leadership Academy demonstrates how targeted development can empower leaders to contribute directly to the delivery of the UAE’s higher education strategy.
