The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has introduced a new Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) programme aimed at developing healthcare leaders in Qatar and the wider region. Launched on June 22, 2026, at the university’s premises, the initiative is a collaboration between UDST’s College of Business and the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa.
The inaugural launch event brought together key figures from Qatar’s healthcare sector, including Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani, director of the Ministry of Public Health’s Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes, Dr Rayana Ahmad Bou Haka, World Health Organisation country director, and UDST president Dr Salem al-Naemi. The gathering also included academic leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and representatives from major public and private medical facilities.
Dr Salem al-Naemi described the programme’s primary objective as equipping healthcare professionals—such as doctors and nurses—with the leadership skills necessary to assume executive roles within their fields. Initially accepting approximately 20 candidates, the programme plans to expand enrolment in subsequent cycles. Eligibility requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and possess at least five years of full-time professional experience.
Dr Vincent Mangematin, dean of UDST’s College of Business, underlined the significance of the partnership with the University of Ottawa in aligning with Qatar’s healthcare development goals. He noted the rapid evolution of the healthcare sector in Qatar, supported by advanced medical technology and highly qualified personnel. “The launch of the Executive Master of Health Administration reflects our commitment to developing highly skilled leaders capable of advancing healthcare systems and driving innovation across the sector,” he said. The programme is designed to blend rigorous academic study with practical, industry-relevant training, preparing participants to address strategic, leadership, and systems-level challenges in complex healthcare environments.
From the University of Ottawa side, Dr Greg Richards, vice-dean for Graduate Professional Programmes, emphasized the value of international cooperation in healthcare education. He highlighted the programme’s focus on preparing leaders to navigate an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. Dr Richards noted that many alumni of the University of Ottawa’s health administration programmes have risen to senior leadership roles, including chief executive positions within Canadian healthcare institutions.
Graduates of the EMHA programme will receive dual degrees from both UDST and the University of Ottawa, affording them internationally recognized qualifications and a broadened global perspective on healthcare leadership. Applications for the first cohort are currently open, with classes commencing in the upcoming academic year.