LVMH and SKEMA: Pioneering Luxury Education in Dubai
A Strategic Alliance
LVMH, a powerhouse in the luxury industry, has teamed up with SKEMA Business School to launch an innovative educational track in Dubai aimed at shaping the next generation of leaders in luxury retail. This exciting collaboration signifies a strong commitment to enhancing the educational landscape of the region, tapping into Dubai’s reputation as a major hub for luxury.
Developing Qualifications for the Future
The partnership has resulted in the creation of the Retail Excellence & Client Relationship Management qualification. This new track is designed to address the evolving dynamics of the luxury sector, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a competitive landscape. As the Gulf region strategically positions itself as a center for higher education, this initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to nurturing talent in the luxury market.
Market Projections and Regional Impact
The luxury market in the United Arab Emirates is on a trajectory of growth, projected to reach $5.39 billion by 2029. Moreover, Dubai alone contributes an impressive 30% of the region’s luxury market revenue. The establishment of this educational track will not only benefit aspiring industry leaders but also bolster the local economy by enhancing the quality of talent available to luxury brands in the region.
Building on Existing Programs
SKEMA Business School has a history of collaboration with prestigious institutions, having offered a Luxury Digital Marketing & Strategy program in partnership with New York University. This program’s structure allows students to experience diverse cultural and educational environments, benefiting from a semester in New York followed by another in Paris. The new initiative with LVMH is a natural extension of their commitment to luxury education.
Expertise from Industry Leaders
According to Pierre-Julien Bousquet, LVMH’s global VP of people engagement, the collaboration aims to provide a training program that is both excellence-driven and aligned with the evolving luxury landscape. Students will have the opportunity to engage with experts through lectures and masterclasses focused on critical topics such as e-commerce, client experience, and AI in retail. This hands-on approach exemplifies the high standards of training that the luxury sector demands.
Immersive Learning Experience
Starting this fall, the Retail Excellence & Client Relationship Management course will be entirely in English, offering an inclusive environment for students worldwide. In addition to academic coursework, students will engage in roundtables, talks, and visits to LVMH’s flagship stores within Dubai. A crucial component of this program is the four- to eight-month internship, providing immersive experience in the luxury sector, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Addressing Industry Needs
"The collaborative effort between SKEMA and LVMH is pioneering a curriculum that speaks directly to the needs of the rapidly changing luxury market," says Alice Guilhon, dean of SKEMA. The program is positioned to develop true experts in client relationship management, poised to tackle both strategic challenges and immediate demands of luxury players.
Regional Educational Developments
The commitment to luxury education is not unique to this partnership. The Saudi Fashion Commission has also aligned with the Institute Français de la Mode (IFM) to create specialized training programs for the luxury sector, attracting numerous participants in an intensive course format. Such initiatives highlight the growing emphasis on luxury education in the Middle East.
A Global Educational Landscape
SKEMA Business School is an international institution, with 11,000 students from over 130 nationalities and a faculty of 190 professors. The school emphasizes sustainable talent transformation, preparing students not just for careers in luxury, but for meaningful impacts on the global market. With 60,000 alumni spread across 145 countries, SKEMA is firmly positioned as a leader in global education.
This collaboration between LVMH and SKEMA reflects a significant step forward in luxury education, creating pathways for future leaders while enhancing the broader educational and economic ecosystem of Dubai and the Middle East.
