Dubai, UAE: In a significant move to strengthen business leadership in the UAE, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has announced its new Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. This initiative aims to empower senior executives to tackle complex leadership challenges, marrying academic research with practical applications. As the global business landscape evolves, the demand for professionals equipped with advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills is more relevant than ever. The DBA serves as an opportunity for professional learners to elevate their careers with a prestigious doctorate, recognized as the highest academic credential in business practice.
The DBA program is meticulously structured around three foundational pillars, addressing the ever-changing dynamics of the business world on local, regional, and global scales. The curriculum offers advanced core courses that prioritize depth and innovation. Participants can expect to delve into topics like emerging technologies for business leaders and sustainable strategic decision-making. The flexible design of the program caters specifically to working professionals, allowing them to balance demanding careers, leadership roles, and personal commitments without disruption.
Courses such as the Seminar on Leadership and Organizational Behavior Dynamics and Managing Dynamic Business Environments are integral to the program, preparing executives to become proactive leaders of change. Notably, the program includes 30 credit hours dedicated to a dissertation, enabling students to engage in original research and address real business challenges. Through this rigorous academic training, candidates will develop the skills necessary to convey complex ideas with clarity and influence. The principles of sustainable development are woven throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to consider how business objectives can align with social responsibility and long-term environmental impact.
The CUD DBA is tailored to prepare senior professionals for influential roles, including board-level positions, government executives promoting economic growth, and successors in family businesses looking to scale globally. It is ideal for management consultants eager to foster thought leadership and drive strategic impact. Candidates accepted into the program will move beyond traditional business knowledge, acquiring advanced leadership skills, critical thinking capabilities, and an aptitude for applied research. This qualification not only equips them to generate innovative insights that challenge industry norms but also positions them for high-level roles on a global scale, including opportunities in executive education and academic consultancy.
As the UAE is on the verge of a significant increase in demand for DBA graduates over the next five years, the timing for this program launch is particularly strategic. Program Director, Prof. Syed Zamberi Bin Ahmad, commented on this necessity, stating, “As the nation continues its trajectory towards economic diversification and positions itself as a global business hub, the need for advanced business leaders equipped with doctoral-level expertise becomes increasingly critical. The DBA program is strategically positioned to cultivate the next generation of business leaders. Integrating advanced research methodologies with practical applications ensures that graduates are not only prepared to meet current industry demands but also anticipate and drive future trends.”
Highlighting the transformative nature of this program, Professor Karim Chelli, President and Vice Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai, remarked, “The launch of the DBA program reflects our commitment to fostering world-class business leadership in the UAE. As the nation accelerates its mission to become a global leader across various domains, we aim to contribute to the development of a workforce empowered to navigate this transformative era. The DBA will arm senior professionals with the tools needed to tackle complex challenges and create meaningful change that will influence the future of industry and society.”
Notably, the DBA program is scheduled to be held on weekends, minimizing disruption to participants’ busy lives. Currently, applications are being accepted for the Fall intake in September 2025, with the inaugural cohort limited in size to ensure personalized interaction with faculty and industry partners.
About Canadian University Dubai:
Founded in 2006, Canadian University Dubai (CUD) stands as a leading higher education institution located in City Walk, a vibrant area of Dubai. It holds the distinction of being the top-ranked university in Dubai according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. CUD prides itself on its diverse community, attracting students from over 120 nationalities. The university’s educational framework is grounded in sustainable development principles, preparing graduates for success in an increasingly AI-driven world. CUD offers more than 30 specialized programs across various fields and is recognized for its academic excellence, providing pathways for students eager to pursue higher education, research, and entrepreneurial opportunities in Canada.
