As the Gulf region advances in its efforts to diversify its economy and expand its global presence, the need for leaders who can effectively integrate profit, purpose, and innovation continues to rise. In response, NYU Stern has introduced its executive MBA program in Abu Dhabi, specifically designed to meet the unique business needs of this area.
Barbara Scheck, the vice dean of programs at NYUAD Stern and a clinical associate professor of management, discusses how the program equips leaders to tackle issues related to AI, sustainability, and social impact, while also promoting female leadership in the Middle East.
NYU Stern has unveiled its Executive MBA program in Abu Dhabi during a time of significant economic diversification in the region. What do you perceive as the program’s most significant contribution to leadership in the UAE and the broader MENA area
Our program is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and is specifically crafted to prepare professionals in the region or those looking to engage with it for leadership roles. All 20 of our faculty members are based here and focus their research on topics relevant to the MENA region and its industries.
This is not a program where faculty frequently travel in and out. Our educators work closely with corporate partners, industry specialists, finance leaders, and governmental representatives to gain insights into the direction of business in the UAE, the GCC, and the greater MENA region.
The curriculum is shaped by the needs and feedback we receive. It is designed to train leaders and executives to face challenges and seize opportunities, helping them anticipate how business will evolve in the region and equipping them to make informed decisions that drive growth from day one.
With entrepreneurship and impact investing increasingly influencing executive strategies for growth, how is the EMBA curriculum structured to help leaders effectively balance innovation, social purpose, and financial achievement
Business schools are facing the challenge of preparing leaders who can achieve financial success while also fulfilling social responsibilities. How do you maintain this balance in executive education without compromising either aspect?
Although we recently launched the Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi in February, NYU Stern has had a longstanding history of over 120 years. Our core principles remain unchanged, with a key focus on instilling a sense of responsibility in our students. We believe that businesses should contribute positively to society, which is ingrained in our culture and curriculum.
Our academic approach is rigorous, drawing inspiration from the well-established NYU and Washington DC EMBA programs. Ultimately, financial success, innovation, and social impact can coexist rather than be mutually exclusive. We aim to empower students to make decisions that yield both economic and social returns, opening up opportunities that extend beyond their sectors.
As a business school, we have the responsibility to train current and future leaders to drive effective business practices while emphasizing the importance of maintaining purposeful intentions. This commitment is reflected in our curriculum with courses like “Professional Responsibility” and “Leadership in Organizations,” as well as specializations in “Sustainability.”
There is a rising demand for women to take on leadership roles across the region. In what ways does the EMBA program support senior women in overcoming obstacles and influencing the next wave of leadership
Women play a crucial role in both business and government sectors. Currently, we see increasing numbers of women serving as CEOs, executives, and industry leaders. The UAE is recognized as a regional pioneer in gender equality and women’s empowerment, bolstered by commendable statistics and ongoing policy initiatives. Nevertheless, there is still progress to be made.
We are proud to have integrated this focus into the foundation of our program. Notably, the first three employees who helped transform this concept into a successful school were women. Our faculty features a higher percentage of women compared to many business schools, and in our inaugural Stern at NYUAD full-time MBA cohort, we observed a notable increase in female representation.
As a woman in the business sector, I have encountered the specific challenges associated with being a minority in the workplace. Overcoming stereotypes, managing work-life balance, and lacking established networks can often lead to feelings of isolation. A pivotal change in my perspective helped; instead of perceiving myself as “different,” I viewed myself as “one of the first.”
I proactively sought out female mentors and advisors, whose support was invaluable in my career development. It is encouraging to witness an increasing number of women rising to leadership positions today, both in the corporate world and within governmental roles.
It is my aspiration that they will engage in mentorship, guiding the next generation on their own journeys toward leadership and purposeful action.
As we look to the future, what overarching trends in business education do you foresee shaping the next decade, especially for executives in emerging markets like the Middle East
One of the most significant trends currently is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is not just a temporary shift; it is fundamentally changing the way we conduct business, teach, learn, and even plan everyday activities. It offers remarkable possibilities but also poses considerable challenges.
As educators and leaders in the business realm, our role extends beyond teaching foundational skills and ensuring that students are familiar with these tools. We must also foster what is known as “higher-order thinking”—guiding them on how to use these tools once they have mastered them. The value of AI is determined by the individuals leveraging it.
Our students will not only learn to utilize cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance their businesses and societal impact but will also be encouraged to reflect: what is the ultimate purpose of using these tools? We focus on nurturing agility, resilience, critical thinking, and empathy so that they can understand how AI can be a strategic advantage in the Middle East and anticipate its effects on their industries, roles, and the region as a whole.