Doctorate in Business Administration
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Lead with Insight. Research with Purpose. Transform with Expertise.
The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the American University in the Emirates (AUE) is an advanced doctoral program for accomplished executives, senior professionals, and aspiring scholars ready to turn their leadership experience into impactful research and strategic innovation.Â
Designed for leaders across business, government, and academia, AUE’s DBA provides a dynamic platform to convert deep industry knowledge into scholarly contributions that advance business practice and shape the future of organizations.Â
This is more than just a degree—it’s a launchpad for driving meaningful change. The DBA empowers professionals to influence systems, redefine frameworks, and solve complex business challenges through rigorous, applied research. Focus areas include strategic leadership, financial decision-making, sustainable enterprise, digital transformation, and public-sector innovation, ensuring your research remains relevant and makes a real-world impact.Â
The curriculum guides you from advanced academic foundations to original dissertation research. Candidates engage in doctoral coursework, collaborative research seminars, and dissertation development in high-demand fields such as FinTech, behavioral marketing, entrepreneurship, global strategy, and policy design. This multidisciplinary approach allows you to align your research path with your expertise, passion, and long-term goals.Â
Delivered entirely on campus, the DBA creates an immersive learning environment where students benefit from direct interaction with distinguished faculty from AUE’s College of Business Administration. Our faculty combines academic excellence with real-world insight, mentoring you to develop advanced research skills, sharp analytical thinking, and the confidence to tackle today’s pressing business and policy issues.Â
Graduates of the DBA program emerge as research-driven leaders—equipped to shape institutional strategy, contribute to academic knowledge, and deliver transformative solutions within their fields of influence.Â
Develop expertise to conduct high-impact, applied research in business and management.
Equip graduates with advanced knowledge to solve complex business challenges and drive innovation.
Prepare future thought leaders for meaningful contributions to academia and industry.
Support the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-based, globally competitive economy.
Facilitate international collaboration and exposure to diverse research environments.
1.) Create innovative research frameworks and methodologies to address complex business and management challenges, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
2.) Evaluate emerging global business trends and their implications for strategic decision-making, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility.
3.) Synthesize interdisciplinary theories and concepts to develop novel solutions for financial decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic business transformation.
4.) Design and implement cutting-edge business models and technological innovations that foster entrepreneurship, competitive advantage, and industry leadership.
5.) Critically assess contemporary leadership and governance practices, proposing evidence-based strategies to enhance organizational effectiveness and ethical business conduct.
Program Overview
1. How is DBA different from a PhD?
2. What are the DBA program’s credit hour requirements?
3. How is the DBA program delivered?
Admissions & Eligibility
4. What are the admission requirements for the DBA program?
- Academic Qualification
Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited higher education institution, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent. - English Language ProficiencyDemonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a valid test score meeting one of the following minimum requirements:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 91
The English test score must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Exceptions to English Language Proficiency
- A native speaker of English who has completed his/her Master’s degree in an English-medium institution and in a country where English is the official or de facto national language; or
- An applicant with a Master’s degree in an English-medium program who can provide evidence of acquiring a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or its equivalent, at the time of admission to his/her Master’s program.
- Research Proposal Submission
Submit a research proposal of 1,500–2,000 words clearly outlining the proposed research topic, objectives, preliminary literature context, and intended methodology. - Letters of Recommendation
Provide two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and research potential. - Admissions Interview
Successfully complete an admissions interview conducted by the Doctoral Admissions Committee. Final recommendation must include a written justification from the Dean for final approval from the Graduate Studies Steering Committee. - Professional Experience
Relevant professional experience in the field shall be considered an added merit during the admissions assessment process.
- Academic Qualification
5. Can I transfer credits into the DBA program?
Program Structure & Curriculum
6. What are the main components of the DBA curriculum?
- 27 CH of core courses
- 6 CH of electives
- 3 CH research seminar
- 0 CH comprehensive exam
- 27 CH dissertation
7. What are examples of elective courses available?
- FinTech
- Behavioral Marketing
- Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Operations Research
- Sustainable Supply Chains
8. What are the requirements to successfully complete the comprehensive exam?
9. What is expected in the dissertation phase?
Research & Academic Support
10. What form of academic support do DBA students receive?
11. What are the learning outcomes of the program?
- Conduct high-quality applied research
- Demonstrate strategic thinking and ethical leadership
- Apply advanced business theories
- Translate insights into real-world impact
Graduation & Career
12. What are the DBA program’s graduation requirements?
- Complete 63 credit hours
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Pass the comprehensive exam
- Defend the dissertation
- Publish two research papers
13. What career opportunities are available to DBA graduates?
14. Can graduates use the title ‘Doctor’?
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
-
- Academic Qualification Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited higher education institution, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
- English Language ProficiencyDemonstrate proficiency in English by submitting a valid test score meeting one of the following minimum requirements:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 91
Exceptions to English Language Proficiency- A native speaker of English who has completed his/her Master's degree in an English-medium institution and in a country where English is the official or de facto national language; or
- An applicant with a Master's degree in an English-medium program who can provide evidence of acquiring a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or its equivalent, at the time of admission to his/her Master's program.
- Research Proposal Submission Submit a research proposal of 1,500–2,000 words clearly outlining the proposed research topic, objectives, preliminary literature context, and intended methodology.
- Letters of Recommendation Provide two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and research potential.
- Admissions Interview Successfully complete an admissions interview conducted by the Doctoral Admissions Committee. Final recommendation must include a written justification from the Dean for final approval from the Graduate Studies Steering Committee.
- Professional Experience Relevant professional experience in the field shall be considered an added merit during the admissions assessment process.
ACCREDITATION
The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research – Commission for Academic Accreditation | caa.ae
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Course Category
Total Number of Courses
Total Number of Credit Hours
Core Courses
8
27
Elective Courses
2
6
Comprehensive Exam
0
Research Seminar
3
Dissertation
27
Total
63 Credit Hours
PROGRAM Courses
CORE COURSES
27 CREDIT HOURS
Develops expertise in designing and conducting business research using advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Quantitative Analysis for Business Research – Focuses on statistical techniques, econometrics, and data-driven decision-making in business research. Qualitative Analysis and Mixed Methods Research – Explores case study research, ethnography, and integrating qualitative insights with quantitative analysis.
Examines foundational and emerging theories in business administration, providing a conceptual framework for research and practice.
Analyzes leadership theories and strategic decision-making models to drive organizational success in complex business environments.
Explores contemporary strategic management frameworks, competitive analysis, and innovation strategies for business growth.
Investigates international business trends, market dynamics, and innovation strategies in a globalized economy.
Examines sustainable business practices, ethical decision-making, and corporate social responsibility in business leadership.
Focuses on financial strategy, budgeting techniques, and cost control methods essential for public and private sector leadership.
Develops financial resilience strategies, resource optimization techniques, and risk assessment models in times of fiscal uncertainty.
ELECTIVE COURSES
CHOOSE TWO COURSES | 6 CREDIT HOURS
Explores cutting-edge financial technologies, including blockchain, digital payments, AI-driven finance, and their impact on global markets.
Examines psychological and behavioral principles that influence consumer decision-making and marketing strategies.
Develops leadership skills for fostering innovation, managing uncertainty, and scaling entrepreneurial ventures.
Applies mathematical modeling, optimization techniques, and data analytics to improve business decision-making and operational efficiency.
Analyzes eco-friendly supply chain models, circular economy principles, and sustainability-driven logistics innovations.
Comprehensive Exam
0 CREDIT HOURS
Students will complete written and oral examinations to demonstrate their mastery of core and elective coursework, as well as their readiness for dissertation research.
Potential Research Topics
Explore how the UAE can harness artificial intelligence responsibly in government and business, balancing innovation with accountability and transparency.
Investigate how SMEs and large organizations can redesign business models for sustainability, circular economy practices, and green innovation.
Examine strategies and frameworks that make Emiratization impactful in the private sector, enhancing both workforce development and organizational performance.
Analyze how the UAE can sustain its role as a global logistics hub in the face of geopolitical shifts, global disruptions, and post-COVID realities.
Shape the future of finance through research on sustainable banking, ESG integration, and innovative green financing instruments.
Assess challenges and success factors in digital adoption and regulatory compliance across UAE’s free zones and industries.
Research corporate strategies to ensure resilience in food security, water sustainability, and renewable energy — critical pillars of the UAE agenda.
Investigate how UAE organizations navigate globalization while preserving national identity and cultural values.
Study the role of innovation clusters and ecosystems in accelerating growth in strategic industries such as health, AI, and clean energy.
Explore the impact of unified digital licensing and digital healthcare adoption on service delivery and efficiency in the UAE.
Analyze how UAE’s evolving regulatory frameworks are shaping FDI inflows and competitiveness across Emirates
Examine how UAE real estate firms are responding to rising costs, sustainability pressures, and global competition.
RECOMMENDED STUDY PLAN
Program Director
Dr. Emad Ahmed
Associate Professor / Program Director of Doctorate in Business Administration