The Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi (Stern at NYUAD) today announced the launch of its Executive MBA (EMBA) program. The program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to accelerate their leadership trajectory in the MENA region while amplifying their organizational impact. Applications open on September 9, 2025.
As the highest globally-ranked US business school offering an EMBA in the MENA region, the 23-month part-time program offers a flexible structure for seasoned executives to pursue their education without pausing their careers. This format enables organizations to retain and further develop their top talent, ensuring immediate application of new strategies, frameworks, and leadership competencies in the workplace.
Candidates will engage in a curriculum anchored in the academic rigor of NYU Stern’s top-ranked EMBA programs and contextualized for the MENA region. Graduates will receive a fully accredited MBA 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.
“The launch of the Executive MBA program at Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi underscores our commitment to empowering experienced leaders who will shape the future of business both regionally and globally,” said Interim Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi Fabio Piano. “This milestone strengthens our academic offering and advances NYU Abu Dhabi’s mission as a world-class research university and a catalyst for leadership, innovation, and impact across the UAE and beyond. By combining rigorous academic foundations, practical business expertise, and an unparalleled global network, the program reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a center for knowledge and economic transformation.”
The program features two week-long global residencies 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.
“The rapid growth across the MENA region is creating robust demand for top talent, and Stern at NYUAD is well positioned to help meet that need,” said Bharat Anand, Dean of NYU Stern. “Building on the success of our one-year MBA for early-career professionals, the new Executive MBA offers working professionals a rigorous, flexible program with world-class on-the-ground faculty and strong ties to local corporate networks.”
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.
"Our vision is to create a transformative executive MBA experience that equips experienced professionals with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective to lead with purpose and innovate in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment," said Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYUAD. "The EMBA program exemplifies this vision by fostering a connected, forward-looking community of leaders who will drive meaningful change in their organizations, industries, and economies."
Applications are now open for the inaugural EMBA cohort, which will begin in August 2026. Interested candidates can learn more at stern.nyuad.nyu.edu.
