The Faculty of Business and Economics at the United Arab Emirates University launched its first cohort for the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program yesterday with 20 students (12 male and eight female) of different nationalities, all carrying Master's degrees from accredited universities both within and outside the UAE. The students were selected after an extensive and thorough application screening process, to enroll into the DBA program. Moreover, all candidates have extensive years of work experience in senior executive positions across government, semi-government and private sectors.
H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education, and the Chancellor of UAEU, praised UAEU's continuous efforts in higher education during the inauguration ceremony held at ADWEA Academy - where the classes will be taking place in Abu Dhabi - yesterday. The university's Vice Chancellor, Provost, the new DBA students and faculty members were all present at the reception. Commenting on the launch, Dr. Abdullah Al Khanbashi, UAEU's Vice Chancellor said "UAEU is proud to continue its investment in post graduate education. This new program will assist talented executives to formulate new practices, which will further sustain global leadership from this region."
His Excellency Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, highlighted the Authority's keenness to host this program, as this paves the way for the UAE University to be on par with other international universities. H.E. Al Nuaimi also pointed out ADWEA's role in supporting higher education in the UAE, and its pursuit for the personal development and enhancement of all employees.
The aim of the DBA program is to enable research-oriented professionals working in management positions to enhance their professional practice, allowing them to take back to their organizations an increased understanding of conceptual thinking in business management, at the highest level. Professor David Graf, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, explained "We have developed an excellent faculty over the past five years in order to be able to offer a strong doctoral program to allow executives to study in the UAE rather than having to travel abroad."
Dr. Mohamed Madi, DBA Director and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics said: "The DBA program at UAEU has attracted students with diverse professional and academic backgrounds, and with considerable senior-level management experience. This diversity will allow DBA students to share and expand on their experiences and qualifications, deepen their expertise, and prepare them for the complex analyses and decision-making required of senior management."
From the onset, prospective students were able to recognize their organizations' need for change, and had identified gaps in the ways they were currently conducting business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions. A recurring theme was their desire to differentiate themselves as market leaders, and set an example for other organizations on a regional and global level, through continuous learning and applied research.
Taking into account the importance of work-life balance, the DBA program will be offered on a part-time basis, allowing students to continue with their work commitments, while also allocating time towards completing their DBA. Most students are scheduled to complete the program in four years.
As the interest in the DBA program at UAEU continues to increase, FBE is now accepting applications for its second cohort, which is scheduled to start in October, 2011.
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
- UAEU is a 21st Century research-based university, providing research solutions to support the UAE and, through its global partners, the wider world
- The UAE's first and leading national university
- Founded in 1976 by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
- Chancellor: His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Senior management:
- Vice-Chancellor: Dr Abdullah Al-Khanbashi
- Provost: Professor Wyatt R. Hume
Nine faculties:
- Business & Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Food & Agriculture
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Information Technology
- Law
- Medicine & Health Science
- Science
First PhD program in UAE national institution commenced in 2009.
Strong focus on providing specific research solutions and benefits to society ? the new model of a 21st Century university, furthering research as part of the global network of discovery and innovation.
-Ends-
About FBE
The Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) is the first AACSB accredited college of Business in the Middle East, and has been described as being "A dynamic organization, which views its role as fulfilling the needs of both the UAE economy and its students." AACSB also cited the faculty's engaged staff and strong research culture.
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Press Release 2011
