INSEAD expands global executive MBA Programme in the Middle East

Now in its third year, INSEAD’s Global Executive MBA programme in Abu Dhabi has seen participant numbers increase by 50% from 30 to 46, compared to last year, reflecting the rising demand for executive education in the region. 

In addition to the rise in participants, the 15-month programme, which commenced this October, has become more diverse with the nationalities and industries it attracts—22 nationalities from 13 different industry sectors. In this intake, representation from the Gulf Region increased by over 15% compared to the previous year. The participants also expanded the range of industries represented– to include government, IT, NGO, real estate and professional services. 

“GEMBA is the only programme of its kind that provides professionals with international diversity, leadership development and the knowledge required to compete in today’s global business” said Dipak Jain, Dean of INSEAD. “The increased participation in the Middle East module is a testament to the demand and growth in the region and we expect this trend to continue. We’re committed to business leadership development globally, with a specific focus on the Middle East given our growing presence in the region”.

GEMBA’s global outreach offers busy senior level executives convenience in its modular format. The programme has an added focus on leadership though the INSEAD leadership development programme (LDP), which is based on the school’s renowned Global Leadership Centre and methods. It brings together experienced and accomplished professionals to offer a holistic learning experience and accelerated career path to general management. The GEMBA modules are delivered across INSEAD’s campuses in Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Fontainebleau, providing a truly global learning experience and opportunities to network with peers across the different regions during the programme.

“Participants of our GEMBA programmes receive the highest level of flexibility with our unsurpassed multi-campus structure, allowing senior-level executives the ability to combine their studies with work and spend minimal time away from the office. GEMBA participants also share elective courses with TIEMBA students, adding valuable opportunities to build contacts with peers working in China”, said Peter Zemsky, Deputy Dean Degree Programmes & Curriculum, The Eli Lilly Chaired Professor of Strategy and Innovation, INSEAD.

INSEAD maintains the title of the world’s top-ranked EMBA programme offered by a single school. The GEMBA programme ranked 6th in the world in the recent Financial Times EMBA rankings. This result keeps INSEAD in the top 10 in the FT rankings among global business schools over the past three years and the highest of any programme available in the Middle East. 

The Tsinghua-INSEAD dual-degree Executive MBA (TIEMBA) ranked 4th in the FT rankings.  INSEAD’s GEMBA participants join with the Chinese-based TIEMBA participants for their elective courses. 

In conjunction with the commencement of the next Middle East GEMBA class, INSEAD is hosting a Global Business Leaders conference on 21 October.  Under the Patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the conference engages and educates programme participants about conducting business in the region as well debate issues shaping the region with key decisions makers.  This year’s conference theme will focus on the future of Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) competitiveness.  Now in its second year, this forum will evaluate the shift in global balance of economic power as well as the how the GCC will face greater challenges given the increasing competitiveness and the race for innovation.