Doctorate in Leadership and Public Administration
Helpful Links
Lead with Vision. Inspire Change. Transform Public Leadership.
The Doctor of Leadership and Public Administration (DLPA) at the American University in the Emirates (AUE) is a prestigious doctoral programme designed for experienced professionals, senior executives, government leaders, policymakers, military and security professionals, and aspiring scholars who are committed to shaping the future of leadership, governance, and public administration through impactful research and evidence-based practice.
Developed in alignment with AUE’s mission, the UAE National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, and the UAE Vision 2031, the DLPA responds to the growing demand for highly qualified leaders capable of addressing complex governance, organizational, and societal challenges in an increasingly dynamic global environment. The programme combines rigorous doctoral education with applied research to develop innovative solutions that advance leadership excellence, public sector performance, policy development, and sustainable governance.
More than a doctoral qualification, the DLPA is a platform for developing influential leaders who can transform organizations, shape public policy, and contribute to national and international development. Students engage in advanced coursework, interdisciplinary research, and doctoral thesis supervision while exploring contemporary issues in strategic leadership, governance, digital government, public policy, organizational transformation, innovation, sustainability, and evidence-based decision-making.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its bilingual delivery in both English and Arabic, making advanced doctoral education accessible to a wider community of professionals while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and regional impact. Guided by distinguished faculty with extensive academic and professional expertise, students develop advanced research competencies, critical thinking, and strategic leadership capabilities that enable them to generate meaningful knowledge and deliver practical solutions to today’s most pressing public and organizational challenges.
Graduates of the DLPA emerge as research-driven leaders equipped to influence public policy, strengthen governance systems, lead organizational transformation, contribute to academic scholarship, and create sustainable value across government, public institutions, private organizations, and international agencies.
Program Goals
- To prepare scholars and professionals with advanced theoretical and practical expertise in leadership and public administration.
- To develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills for addressing complex governance and administrative challenges.
- To foster interdisciplinary and policy-oriented research that serves the national priorities of the United Arab Emirates and contributes to evidence-based leadership and governance.
- To promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in governance systems and leadership practice.
- To provide advanced doctoral education that meets the needs of leadership and public administration sectors and contributes to evidence-based policy and practice.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the DLPA, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of leadership theories, public administration frameworks, and their application in diverse organizational, governmental, and policy contexts.
- Conduct original and impactful research addressing regional and global governance, leadership, and public administration challenges.
- Develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to complex public-sector and organizational challenges.
- Exhibit ethical, transparent, inclusive, and accountable leadership and public administrative practice.
- Evaluate and influence policy initiatives that advance sustainable development and societal well-being.
- Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders to address regional and global governance challenges.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
-
- Master’s degree in business administration; leadership and public administration; or a closely related field from a MOHESR-recognized institution.
- Minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
-
English language proficiency demonstrated through:
- IELTS minimum score of 5.0 or TOEFL iBT minimum score of 45 for students in the Arabic language program.
- IELTS minimum score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT minimum score of 91 for students in the English language program.
- Research proposal (1,500-2,000 words) articulating the candidate’s intended research focus and demonstrating capacity for doctoral-level inquiry.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references attesting to the candidate’s research potential and scholarly capability.
- Successful performance in an admission interview conducted by the doctoral admissions committee assessing research readiness, intellectual curiosity, and fit with program objectives.
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
This Program is Pending SACSCOC approval.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Course Category
Total Number of Courses
Total Number of Credit Hours
Core Courses
8
27
Elective Courses
2
6
Comprehensive Exam
0
Dissertation
30
Total
63 Credit Hours
PROGRAM Courses
CORE COURSES
8 COURSES | 27 CREDIT HOURS
ELECTIVE COURSES
CHOOSE TWO COURSES | 6 CREDIT HOURS
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 innovative leadership models that enhance public sector performance, organizational agility, and citizen-centric service delivery in line with the UAE Government Excellence Framework.
Investigate how data, research, and policy analytics can improve public policy design, implementation, and evaluation to address national and global challenges.
Examine the transformative role of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and smart governance in improving public administration, government services, and strategic decision-making.
Research leadership strategies that enable organizations to successfully manage change, digital transformation, innovation, and workforce resilience in rapidly evolving environments.
Study governance frameworks that promote sustainability, environmental responsibility, and long-term public value while supporting the UAE’s sustainable development agenda.
Analyze how governments and organizations can strengthen crisis preparedness, emergency response, business continuity, and institutional resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
Explore ethical leadership, transparency, anti-corruption practices, and governance mechanisms that strengthen public trust and institutional accountability.
Research governance models supporting smart cities, digital infrastructure, urban innovation, and citizen engagement to enhance quality of life and sustainable urban development.
Examine how public sector reforms, regulatory innovation, and institutional effectiveness contribute to national competitiveness, economic diversification, and government excellence.
Investigate leadership practices that drive innovation, service excellence, and organizational performance across education, healthcare, and other public service sectors.
Explore emerging trends in global governance, international public policy, diplomacy, and cross-border collaboration in addressing complex regional and global challenges.
RECOMMENDED STUDY PLAN
Program Director
Dr. Emad Ahmed
Associate Professor / Program Director of Doctorate in Business Administration