Driven by a passion for organisational development and leadership, Yousef pursued a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a journey that led him to make lasting impact in the UAE’s public sector.
Dr Yousef Mohammed E. Alunuaimi chose to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Central Lancashire, now known as the University of Lancashire, to deepen his understanding of how research can be applied to real-world organisational challenges. The DBA aligned perfectly with Yousef’s career goals, allowing him to strengthen his research and analytical skills to address key areas such as employee engagement, leadership effectiveness, and organisational culture within the public sector.
After graduating, Yousef advanced his career in the public sector as a Training and Development Manager within a federal government entity in the UAE. In this role, he oversaw the design and implementation of national training programmes, competency frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives focused on talent development and institutional performance. He also led the Financial Market Pioneers Program and other key projects in succession planning, leadership development, and knowledge management aligned with ISO standards. His contributions helped strengthen global certification partnerships, enhance employee engagement through training, and promote a culture of e-learning across the organisation.
Reflecting on his time at the University, Yousef said: “Meeting with my professors to conduct a mock viva before the final defence was incredibly valuable; it helped me refine my arguments, anticipate challenging questions, and build the confidence I needed for the real viva. This experience not only strengthened my academic skills but also left a lasting impression of how meaningful mentorship and preparation can be in achieving success.”
"I still remember how supportive and insightful my professors were; they created an environment that encouraged critical thinking while also motivating me to perform at my best."
— Dr Yousef Mohammed E. Alunuaimi, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate
Since graduating, Yousef has achieved numerous personal and professional milestones. One of his proudest moments was presenting a copy of his doctoral research to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. “It was a moment of immense pride and gratitude, representing not only the culmination of my academic journey but also a meaningful recognition from the nation’s top leadership of my research’s contribution to the advancement of the UAE public sector.” he said.
Yousef went on to publish his research in the European Journal of Marketing and Economics, further solidifying his academic credibility and contribution to the field of organisational development. His research has since gained recognition and credibility both within society and across professional networks such as LinkedIn, leading to collaborations with other researchers and opportunities to co-publish papers on employee engagement and organisational development. “It has also allowed me to participate in several recognized conferences in the field of Employee Engagement, where I have shared insights and exchanged knowledge with leading academics and practitioners.” Yousef said.
When asked if he had any advice to future students, Yousef said: “Combine academic knowledge with practical experience. Focus on building strong analytical and communication skills, stay curious, and keep learning from every project or challenge you face. Finally, surround yourself with mentors and coaches, keep up with the latest research and best practices, and approach every task with professional integrity and passion for developing others. That’s what transforms a job in training and development into a lifelong mission of empowering people and shaping the future of organisations.”
