Doctorate in Business Administration

Helpful Links

About Program
Program Goals
Program Learning Outcomes
FAQ’s
About Program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Program Goals

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

FAQ’s

Program Overview

1. How is DBA different from a PhD?

While a PhD focuses on theoretical contributions to knowledge, the DBA emphasizes practical, industry-relevant research. It prepares graduates to apply research findings to solve complex business problems.

2. What are the DBA program’s credit hour requirements?

The DBA requires 63 credit hours, including core courses, electives, a research seminar, comprehensive exams, and a doctoral dissertation.

3. How is the DBA program delivered?

The DBA is delivered exclusively face-to-face at AUE’s campus. Courses follow a 16-week semester structure, with students attending three contact hours per course per week.

Admissions & Eligibility

4. What are the admission requirements for the DBA program?

Applicants to the Doctoral must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Professional Experience
  Relevant professional experience in the field shall be considered an added merit during the admissions assessment process.

5. Can I transfer credits into the DBA program?

Yes. AUE allows transfer of up to 25% of credit hours (provided they align with AUE’s policies and curriculum standards). At least 75% of the program must be completed at AUE.

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?

Students must pass written and oral exams covering core and elective coursework. One re-examination is permitted in case the first attempt is unsuccessful.

9. What is expected in the dissertation phase?

Students must complete original research contributing to the field of business administration and publish two Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed journal articles—one before the proposal defense and one before final defense.

Research & Academic Support

10. What form of academic support do DBA students receive?

Students are assigned a dedicated faculty advisor and receive structured mentorship, access to research seminars, and use of advanced research resources and databases.

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?

Graduates can pursue executive leadership roles, university faculty positions, consultancy, policy advising, and applied research careers in both private and public sectors.

14. Can graduates use the title ‘Doctor’?

Yes. Upon successful defense and graduation, DBA graduates are entitled to use the title ‘Doctor’.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants to the Doctoral must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

Study Plan

Courses

GET IN TOUCH

Fee Structure

Fall 2025-26

Duration

4 Years

Yearly Tuition Fees

AED 63,000/USD 17,155
*VAT 5% inclusive
Excluding Service fees
Note: Yearly fees will vary depending on number of courses enrolled

Scholarships

Scholarships upto 50%
For More Details Contact
Office of Student Life & Community Engagement

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
Elective Courses
Comprehensive Exam
Dissertation
Research Seminar
Core Courses

CORE COURSES

27 CREDIT HOURS

1. Advanced Research Methodology – (6)

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.

2. Contemporary Theoretical Frameworks in Business and Management – (3)

Examines foundational and emerging theories in business administration, providing a conceptual framework for research and practice.

3. Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making – (3)

Analyzes leadership theories and strategic decision-making models to drive organizational success in complex business environments.

4. Advanced Topics in Business Strategy – (3)

Explores contemporary strategic management frameworks, competitive analysis, and innovation strategies for business growth.

5. Global Perspectives in Business and Innovation – (3)

Investigates international business trends, market dynamics, and innovation strategies in a globalized economy.

6. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility – (3)

Examines sustainable business practices, ethical decision-making, and corporate social responsibility in business leadership.

7. Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Cost Control, and Public Finance Leadership – (3)

Focuses on financial strategy, budgeting techniques, and cost control methods essential for public and private sector leadership.

8. Financial Decision-Making and Resource Allocation in Fiscal Stress – (3)

Develops financial resilience strategies, resource optimization techniques, and risk assessment models in times of fiscal uncertainty.

Elective Courses

ELECTIVE COURSES

CHOOSE TWO COURSES | 6 CREDIT HOURS

1. Emerging Trends in FinTech – (3)

Explores cutting-edge financial technologies, including blockchain, digital payments, AI-driven finance, and their impact on global markets.

2. Behavioral Insights in Marketing – (3)

Examines psychological and behavioral principles that influence consumer decision-making and marketing strategies.

3. Entrepreneurial Leadership – (3)

Develops leadership skills for fostering innovation, managing uncertainty, and scaling entrepreneurial ventures.

4. Advanced Operations Research – (3)

Applies mathematical modeling, optimization techniques, and data analytics to improve business decision-making and operational efficiency.

5. Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies – (3)

Analyzes eco-friendly supply chain models, circular economy principles, and sustainability-driven logistics innovations.

Comprehensive Exam

0 CREDIT HOURS

1. Comprehensive Exam- (0)

Students will complete written and oral examinations to demonstrate their mastery of core and elective coursework, as well as their readiness for dissertation research.

Dissertation

Potential Research Topics

1. AI Governance & Ethical Leadership

Explore how the UAE can harness artificial intelligence responsibly in government and business, balancing innovation with accountability and transparency.

2. Sustainable Business & Net Zero 2050

Investigate how SMEs and large organizations can redesign business models for sustainability, circular economy practices, and green innovation.

3. Strategic Workforce Localization (Emiratization)

Examine strategies and frameworks that make Emiratization impactful in the private sector, enhancing both workforce development and organizational performance.

4. Logistics & Supply Chain Resilience

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.

5. Green Finance & ESG Investments

Shape the future of finance through research on sustainable banking, ESG integration, and innovative green financing instruments.

6. Digital Transformation & Regulatory Alignment

Assess challenges and success factors in digital adoption and regulatory compliance across UAE’s free zones and industries.

7. Water-Energy-Food Nexus & Sustainability

Research corporate strategies to ensure resilience in food security, water sustainability, and renewable energy — critical pillars of the UAE agenda.

8. Cultural Identity & Corporate Branding

Investigate how UAE organizations navigate globalization while preserving national identity and cultural values.

9. Innovation Ecosystems & Advanced Industries

Study the role of innovation clusters and ecosystems in accelerating growth in strategic industries such as health, AI, and clean energy.

10. Digital Health Transformation

Explore the impact of unified digital licensing and digital healthcare adoption on service delivery and efficiency in the UAE.

11. Foreign Direct Investment & Regulatory Reforms

Analyze how UAE’s evolving regulatory frameworks are shaping FDI inflows and competitiveness across Emirates

12. Business Strategies in Real Estate

Examine how UAE real estate firms are responding to rising costs, sustainability pressures, and global competition.

Research Seminar