He commenced his neurosurgical training at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, where he developed his interest in neuro-oncology research. He undertook further training in neurosurgery in Manchester, Leeds, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. He has been actively involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students and is a faculty member for Leeds and Edinburgh operative neuroanatomy courses. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. Mr Al-Haddad is the founder and director of the highly successful Aberdeen FRCS (SN) Viva course, which gives practical advice to neurosurgeons preparing for the challenge of the neurosurgical exam.