

Senior
leadership team
Meet Our Senior Leadership Team
At Citizens School, our Senior Leadership Team is dedicated to shaping an innovative and inclusive educational experience. The SLT is make up of seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of expertise to guide our school towards excellence.

Ursula Zeitouny
Managing Director of Operations
Ursula Zeitouny, originally from Brazil and later establishing roots in Lebanon, is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in hospitality management and education. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a specialized focus on Hospitality Management.
Ursula has had a diverse career and currently holds the position of Managing Director of Operations at Citizens School in Dubai, UAE steering the comprehensive operations of the school, overseeing admissions, marketing, IT, and procurement. Her dedication to effective communication has been instrumental in cultivating a positive and collaborative atmosphere within the institution.
Ursula’s journey includes impactful teaching experiences in Muscat, Oman, and Sharjah, UAE. Serving as a Kindergarten Teacher, she instructed in English, Arabic, and Math, leaving a positive impact on young minds. This teaching journey not only refined her linguistic skills but also instilled in her a profound appreciation for diverse cultures. She is committed to leveraging her diverse skills and rich experiences to make meaningful contributions to the fields of education.

Donal O’Callaghan
Vice Principal and Head of Secondary
Donal O’Callaghan, Vice Principal and Head of Secondary, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Citizens School. Having previously served as Senior Leader and Head of Secondary at a British Curriculum school in Sharjah, Donal is passionate about combining the best of British Curriculum with a real-world approach to learning.
With a background in research and development and experience teaching Geography, Biology, and Chemistry, Donal believes it’s vital for mentors to know their learners, understanding who they are, where they want to go, and what will motivate them to get there.
Beyond his professional career in education, Donal enjoys golf and playing rugby with the Sharjah Wanderers. He also loves to travel and experience different cultures, a passion he brings to his work with learners, ensuring everyone is heard and all are respected.
Donal is a dedicated educator committed to preparing learners to lead and inspire in the future. With a focus on learner empowerment, he’s looking forward to helping learners expand their horizons and reach their fullest potential.

Dialla Mustapha
Vice Principal of Inclusion and Well-Being and Safeguarding
Dialla Mustapha, Vice Principal of Inclusion and Well-Being and Safeguarding, has been an educational leader for over 23 years, dedicated to creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments where learners’ well-being is a top priority.
With a Master of Education and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University, Dialla possesses strong leadership and effective communication skills. She approaches challenges head on with determination and optimism, always seeking innovative solutions to achieve the best outcomes for her learners and her team.
Dialla’s passion lies in advocating for inclusive education, developing the systems that promote emotional health, diversity, and safeguarding. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing at the beach, swimming, and adding to her coin collection, a hobby that allows her to explore history and learn more about different cultures.
Dialla’s commitment to life-long learning continues in her role at Citizens where she is excited to contribute to an environment where all learners are empowered to grow and their diverse backgrounds are valued and respected.