Dubai hosts Duke’s Cross Continent and Global Executive MBA Students

More than 200 students from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, one of the world’s leading business schools, are meeting with business leaders in Dubai and gaining unique insights on the region’s economy this week during the international residencies of The Duke MBA – Cross Continent and The Duke MBA – Global Executive programs. The studies in Dubai are part of Fuqua’s unique education model aimed at producing global leaders with a keen understanding of business frameworks in the most significant economic regions in the world.    

Duke University’s Cross Continent and Global Executive MBA education model cycles students through a range of established and emerging world economic powers: UAE, India, China, UK, Russia, Singapore, and the USA. These residencies provide students with global competency in the social, economic, political, and cultural issues that affect the ways business is conducted in the world’s economic and cultural hubs. The UAE residencies are being hosted in Dubai through February 5, with 54 students of The Duke MBA Global Executive and 155 students of The Duke MBA Cross Continent programs interacting with CEOs from companies such as BCG, Aramex, Bayt.com, Dubai Media Incorporated, and Majid Al Futtaim. During these meetings, industry leaders in the UAE will share insights on a wide variety of business issues from a local perspective. 

Dr. Blair Sheppard, Dean of The Fuqua School of Business, said: “The global economy is becoming ever more interconnected and interdependent. Businesses need globally aware leaders with a deep understanding of how the world’s regional economies affect and complement each other. In this era of new challenges and new opportunities, virtually all leadership positions will involve international responsibilities.” 

Other aspects of the residency include corporate visits to key regional establishments like Nakheel, DIFC, Emirates Airlines, Masdar, Emaar Properties, Dubai Media City and DP World. Students will also take part in immersive excursions to mosques, souks, and the desert to illuminate the important relationships between culture and business.      

The Duke MBA - Cross Continent program targets high-potential professionals averaging six years’ work experience while The Duke MBA - Global Executive program is designed for more senior executives. The one- or two-week residencies take place every 2–3 months across six to seven international locations including Duke's main campus in Durham, North Carolina. Each residency is followed by six to eight weeks of distance learning, during which students continue their coursework through online classroom sessions, team projects, individual assignments, and exams. Throughout the programs, students continue their careers while studying from anywhere in the world. 

“The UAE plays a vital role in the economic progress of this region and therefore offers a great a learning platform for our students,” Sheppard added. “At the same time, the UAE has much to teach the world’s educational institutions, and all that we learn there will be reflected in the curriculum for our students.”