Professor Ciaran O'Boyle, Director of the Institute of Leadership, RCSI, attended an opening ceremony in the University of Sharjah, as it celebrated the opening of its new Institute of Health Professions Education, Leadership and Research on 26 January 2013.

The Institute was opened by H. H. Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University. Also in attendance were Professor Samy A. Mahmoud, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and Professor Hossam Hamdy, Vice Chancellor and Dean.

The RCSI signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Sharjah in 2012 and the two institutions will offer an MSc in Leadership in Health Professions Education from September 2013.