Understanding global economic trends and forces is at the core of the Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) One-year Full-time MBA program curriculum.
This Master of Business Administration provides a combination of rich content and theory-based courses with real-world experiences both in the UAE and in the US, at the NYU Stern School of Business in New York City.
The program, launching in January 2025, offers a comprehensive core curriculum, one that will be augmented by optional specializations and electives in Business Analytics; Finance; Leadership, Management, and Strategy; Marketing; and Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.
These specializations are designed to take learning further by offering students the ability to assess and review the dynamics of specific functions within international landscapes.
Consequently, this fosters a better understanding of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s business ecosystem, a unique market where graduates will pursue their careers.
Market Trends and Challenges
Global market trends and challenges continue to shape and evolve regional economies, exerting direct influence on the economic development and business priorities of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
However, the inverse is also true, with the UAE and its Arabian Gulf neighbors collectively influencing and impacting key sectors of the global economy, including the energy markets and renewable energy transition, investment and finance, and trade and logistics.
MBA students study each of these areas to better understand how the business landscape in Abu Dhabi, and the broader region, is impacting the global business world.
The Abu Dhabi Business Landscape
Energy Markets and Renewable Energy Transition: A major player in the global energy markets, the UAE is among the world’s ten largest oil producers. With significant reserves, Abu Dhabi produces 96 percent of the Emirate’s oil and gas output, resulting in significant influence on global energy prices and supply through production level controls and related policies.
The UAE, in common with other regional nations, is simultaneously responding to a global demand for energy diversification and environmental sustainability, and is strongly placed – and funded – to lead the charge to green energy. Advancements in sustainable energy are being strongly driven by the commercial and governmental leadership of Abu Dhabi, as outlined in the country’s national vision plan.
Investment and Finance: The UAE is a major financial hub, attracting global finance houses and inbound talent and investment. A sovereign wealth fund like the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is a significant engine of this growth – attracting international investors with significant interests in technology, real estate, infrastructure, and finance to the country.
In March 2024, Jamal Bin Saif Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the UAE International Investors Council (UAEIIC), outlined how the total value of UAE assets abroad, whether government or private, is currently estimated at $2.5 trillion. It ranked first in the Arab region and West Asia and 15th globally, and second globally in investing in new opportunities.
He also explained how Emirati investments worldwide are divided between sovereign wealth funds, with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) playing a primary role, along with Mubadala Investment Company, Investment Corporation of Dubai, Emirates Investment Authority, and ADQ.
Trade and Logistics: The Emirates has world-class logistics infrastructure, with its seaports and airports being amongst the best and busiest in the world. Strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Emirates play a crucial role in the global goods trade. Jebel Ali Port is one of the largest container ports globally. Dubai International Airport is ranked among the world’s top 10 cargo hubs in terms of international freight traffic, handling 1.8 million tonnes of cargo in 2023. Investments in ports, airports, and free trade zones continue, encouraging trade flows across continents via the UAE.
Abu Dhabi’s Global Influence – a Career Opportunity
This fascinating interplay of regional and global influence is covered in detail as part of the Stern at NYUAD One-year Full-time MBA in Abu Dhabi. By studying at the heart of this internationally significant financial, business, and trade hub, Stern at NYUAD’s MBA students will become part of the Emirate’s commitment to building business leadership and developing the talent required to build and sustain the local and regional economy.
This MBA degree program supports the creation of a talented pipeline of global problem solvers that can positively impact companies and society in the MENA region.
With a globally recognized business education, graduates of Stern at NYUAD’s MBA program have a promising future. Many of the alumni are expected to secure professional positions with significant private and public enterprises in MENA.
There is a clear and present need for locally educated MBA graduates with skills and specializations that can add to and advance progress in the UAE. Studying for an MBA degree in the UAE offers graduates an exciting opportunity for professional growth.