A Region On The Rise
At a time when the world feels uncertain, one region continues to move, fast. The Middle East, and Abu Dhabi in particular, is becoming one of the most significant economic centers on the planet. According to a recent macro forecast by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the UAE grew at over 4% in 2025, outpacing most developed economies. The country ranks among the top 10 globally for ease of doing business, and is rapidly emerging as a world leader in sustainability, technology, and financial services.
With strong economic growth forecasted, the Middle East stands out as a fast-growing, thriving region. Many countries within the region are quickly diversifying their economies and a demand for business talent with a broad range of skills has grown dramatically as a result.
Introducing the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi Executive MBA Program
The Executive MBA at the Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi is a world-class degree program designed for experienced professionals across the UAE, broader MENA region, and beyond.
Built on over a century of Stern’s academic leadership and integrated with regional business experience and expertise, the part-time program delivers a rigorous EMBA from a top US business school tailored to the unique opportunities of the Middle East. With a flexible structure, immersive global residencies, a thriving alumni network, and a regionally relevant curriculum, the program empowers high-potential leaders to scale their impact globally, without pausing their careers.
“The candidates joining our inaugural cohort are truly exceptional, senior leaders who are not just advancing their own careers, but shaping the future of this region. We are building something special here, and the energy and ambition in this class is extraordinary. Being part of this first cohort is an exceptional opportunity, and we can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve.”
Arnold Longboy, Executive Director, Admissions, Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi
Our curriculum is anchored in the academic rigor of NYU Stern’s top-ranked EMBA programs, contextualized for the MENA region. Graduates will receive a fully accredited Master of Business Administration degree, jointly conferred by NYU Stern and NYU Abu Dhabi, joining a vibrant alumni network of over 114,000 graduates spanning more than 130 countries.
“A defining strength of the EMBA experience is the alumni network. I’m forever connected to an incredible group of global leaders who actively champion and challenge one another. This community has been instrumental in my growth and has shaped my career in ways I could not have imagined.”
Jessica Sederquist, Head of Engagement and Strategy, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
A Rigorous Curriculum Tailored to the Middle East
Our EMBA features two week-long global residencies held at NYU campuses in New York City and Shanghai, giving participants access to international business ecosystems and insights into some of the world’s most dynamic markets. At the same time, students will benefit from continuous interaction with Stern at NYUAD’s full-time faculty, a distinguished group of global scholars and industry experts based in Abu Dhabi.
Participants will strengthen their strategic problem-solving skills, work closely with leading regional and international corporate partners through hands-on experiential learning projects that address real challenges and opportunities, and expand their professional networks. This deep integration with the business community reflects Stern at NYUAD’s mission as a regional anchor institution supporting the UAE’s economic diversification and human capital development.
“What makes this program truly distinctive is the integration of rigorous academic content from the NYU Stern EMBA curriculum, with deep regional relevance. We have not just replicated a Western business education, we have built something that reflects the ambition, complexity, and unique opportunities of the Middle East. Every element of the curriculum is designed to prepare leaders to act as problem-solvers at the highest level, to navigate uncertainty, and lead through complexity within one of the world’s most fast-evolving regions. This is business education built for where the opportunity is.”
Barbara Scheck, Vice Dean of Programs, Clinical Associate Professor of Management, Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi
According to The National, data from employer insights highlight that the UAE employment market continues to grow with a focus on targeted hiring and demand for future ready skills. As companies prioritize impact over volume, opportunities are concentrated in sectors driving the region’s next phase of economic growth. At the executive-level, organizations are placing a premium on leaders who can navigate complexity, lead transformation, and operate confidently across global markets, raising both the bar and the opportunity for senior talent.
Applications are now open for the inaugural EMBA cohort, which will begin in August 2026. Interested candidates can learn more here.
Charlotte Smith is Associate Director of Admissions at Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi”., where she leads the recruitment and admissions strategy for the Executive MBA program, shaping the next generation of business leaders across the MENA region. Previously, she served as Recruitment and Admissions Director at London Business School, where she held responsibility across recruitment and admissions, business development and partnerships. Throughout her career, Charlotte has been at the forefront of admissions at globally recognised institutions, connecting ambitious professionals with transformative business education.
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