Paul Almeida, dean and William R. Berkley Chair at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business: “Business interacts dynamically with policy, international relations, politics, and other fields to shape the economic and social future of countries and individuals.”
In a significant expansion of its global footprint, Georgetown University is set to launch a Master’s in International Business and Policy in Dubai this fall. This new program will harness the expertise of both the McDonough School of Business and the School of Foreign Service, aiming to equip students with a robust understanding of the interconnected nature of business and global affairs.
Starting in September, this initiative marks Georgetown’s second academic venture in the United Arab Emirates, after the introduction of its Executive MBA program at the DIFC Academy. Driven by an increasing demand for advanced degrees in business, finance, and international relations, U.S. and European institutions are seizing the opportunity to establish a stronghold in the Gulf region.
“This is a program for those who understand that businesses don’t operate in isolation,” states Paul Almeida, the dean of McDonough. He emphasizes the intricate interplay between business, policy, and international relations, stating that graduates will be prepared to navigate a complex and evolving global landscape by integrating tools from both business and international affairs.
A SUDDENLY CROWDED REGION
The decision to launch this program comes as numerous prestigious business schools are flocking to the Middle East. NYU Stern has set up a full-time MBA program through its Abu Dhabi campus, while Hult International Business School boasts over a decade of experience with its Dubai campus. Additionally, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business has offered programs in Dubai since 2009, and Carnegie Mellon maintains a notable campus in Doha.
Georgetown’s existing connection to the region is not insignificant. The university has already made its mark with Georgetown University in Qatar, which opened in 2005 and offers undergraduate degrees in various disciplines, including International Politics and Economics. However, the new program in Dubai signifies Georgetown’s first foray into business education in this vibrant market.
Despite being relatively new to MENA, American business schools are establishing a strong presence, competing alongside their European counterparts. INSEAD and London Business School have successfully cultivated executive education programs in the Gulf, while institutions like HEC Paris and ESCP are also making significant inroads.
Locally, the American University in Cairo and the American University of Beirut have long served as vital hubs for American-style business education, offering well-regarded MBA programs that cater to the region’s unique needs. Even newcomers like IIM-Ahmedabad plan to open a satellite campus in Dubai, highlighting the increasing competition and desire for top-tier business education in the area.
A MODULAR FORMAT WITH GLOBAL COMPONENTS
The Master’s in International Business and Policy (IBP) Dubai will adopt a modular structure similar to Georgetown’s Washington, D.C. program. This format caters to early- to mid-career professionals looking to advance their careers without pausing their professional journeys.
Over the course of 10 months, students will participate in seven six-day modules, with five taking place in Dubai and two global immersions in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Washington, D.C. An online finance operations course and a Social Action Project complement the curriculum, providing students with real-world applications of their learning.
Faculty will draw from Georgetown’s campuses in the U.S. and Qatar, ensuring a balanced delivery of regional insights and a broad global perspective. Graduates will also benefit from career services provided by both the McDonough and Foreign Service schools and will become part of Georgetown’s extensive alumni network, which boasts over 220,000 members worldwide.
Notably, McDonough is ranked fourth in the United States for International Business according to U.S. News & World Report in 2025. This ranking, though showing a slight decline from second place in 2024, speaks to Georgetown’s commitment to educational excellence and global impact.
A GROWING & COMPETITIVE MARKET
The introduction of the IBP Dubai program aligns perfectly with the Gulf’s ongoing investment in education, finance, and innovation. As economies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar move towards diversification beyond oil reliance, the demand for high-quality academic programs continues to surge.
As a result, the competition among business schools in the region has intensified. With established names like NYU Stern and London Business School offering credentials aimed at working professionals, Georgetown’s new program adds another prominent option for ambitious individuals seeking American-accredited education without the necessity of relocating.
Applications for the inaugural cohort of the IBP Dubai program are currently open, with a final deadline set for July 14, 2025. Georgetown aims to attract candidates holding a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of work experience, emphasizing that applicants do not need a specific background in business or policy.
For further details, prospective students can visit georgetowndubai.com/ibp-program.
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