Lubna Al Ariqi: Director of Public Health Emergency Department
Lubna Al Ariqi
BSc Biochemistry, 2016
Based in: Saudi Arabia
Formerly from: UAE
First job:
Intern at WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO)
Ambitions for the future:
I’m passionate about building resilient health systems in the Gulf region and globally. I’d like to continue shaping public health emergency frameworks that are inclusive, science-driven, and adaptive to future threats. I’m also committed to strengthening the next generation of public health leaders - especially from underrepresented backgrounds - and creating platforms for innovation, equity, and knowledge-sharing across borders.
Director of Public Health Emergency Department at the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Gulf CDC)
Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.
I lead the Public Health Emergencies department at the recently established Gulf CDC, where I oversee regional preparedness and response efforts to health threats affecting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. My role involves strategic planning, epidemic intelligence, coordination with international health agencies, and supporting Member States in risk assessments and emergency operations. What drew me to this role was the opportunity to contribute to shaping a newly established regional health institution from the ground up, especially at a time when global health systems are being redefined. It combines my background in biochemistry (from Warwick) and public health with a mission that has regional impact and international relevance.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
The collaborative spirit of working across borders with passionate professionals to strengthen systems that protect millions of people. I also find deep purpose in mentoring younger public health professionals and driving forward initiatives that bridge science, policy, and operational action in real time.
What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?
Warwick gave me a strong scientific foundation and analytical mindset that have been essential throughout my career. Studying biochemistry taught me how to think critically, interpret complex data, and communicate scientific concepts clearly, skills that I rely on daily in public health decision-making. One of the most valuable aspects of my time at Warwick was the flexibility to take optional modules outside the School of Life Sciences. I explored subjects in sociology and business, which broadened my understanding of systems, human behaviour, and organisational dynamics, perspectives that have proven incredibly relevant in managing public health programmes and leading multidisciplinary teams. Warwick also fostered a collaborative and intellectually curious environment through the Students’ Union societies that shaped how I approach problem-solving and leadership.
Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?
At the time, I was passionate about science and curious about how biology could be applied to real-world problems, but I didn’t have a specific career path in mind. Warwick opened my eyes to the broader applications of science, and over time I discovered how I could combine my scientific background with public health and policy work to contribute to health systems at a population level.
What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?
Stay open to interdisciplinary opportunities: public health benefits from diverse skill sets, including science, policy, communication, and systems thinking. Gain practical experience through internships, global health programmes, or emergency response work, and don’t underestimate the value of strong writing and communication skills. Finally, stay curious: the best public health leaders are those who keep learning, adapting and collaborating across sectors.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, which is part of what makes my work exciting. A typical day can include reviewing regional health threat alerts, leading coordination calls with GCC Health Ministries or international partners like World Health Organization (WHO), providing strategic input on emergency response plans or supporting my team through capacity-building efforts. I also spend time mentoring colleagues, drafting policy briefs and contributing to regional preparedness strategies. It’s a balance of high-level thinking, rapid decision-making, and meaningful collaboration.
What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges was helping establish a new department for public health emergencies in a newly formed regional institution, during a time of global uncertainty following the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to build structures, systems and trust - all from scratch - while responding to real-time public health threats. My background in science gave me the analytical foundation to make evidence-based decisions, while my training in public health (after Warwick) and past experience working at the WHO helped me navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and foster regional collaboration.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?
Don’t wait to be ready, just start. I’ve learned that growth often comes from stepping into roles or challenges before you feel fully prepared. Trust your foundation, stay humble, and be open to learning as you go. That mindset has helped me take bold steps and build confidence along the way.
What’s the strangest interview question you’ve ever been asked?
During an interview for a graduate scheme at a pharmaceutical company in my final year at Warwick, I was unexpectedly asked, “How would you fire someone?” It was a tough question - especially as a student with no managerial experience at the time. But I realised they were testing emotional intelligence and ethical judgment, not just leadership potential.
What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?
Network. Network. Network. Stay curious and be proactive. Take advantage of internships, volunteer experiences, and networking opportunities - even those outside your exact field of study. Reach out to alumni, attend events and don’t be afraid to ask questions or request mentorship. Building relationships, gaining exposure to different working environments, and showing a genuine interest in learning can open doors in unexpected ways. Also, don’t underestimate the value of refining your communication skills, how you present your ideas often matters as much as the ideas themselves.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?
That your career path doesn’t have to be linear - and that’s okay. I wish I’d known that it’s perfectly normal to explore different directions before finding your true fit. The skills you gain in each experience, even if it feels unrelated at the time, often come together in surprising and valuable ways later on. Don’t limit yourself to job titles that perfectly match your degree - look for opportunities where your skills can grow and have impact.