Adapting Global Standards for UAE Students in Business Programs in the U.S.

Islamic finance and economics for academics, researchers, and industry professionals.” In addition, cross-cultural management, human resources and the energy sector courses are part of the curriculum. These courses help students apply the global business theories they learn in a local context, ensuring they are better prepared for the specific challenges they will face upon returning to the UAE.

Cross-Cultural Competence and Leadership

Cross-cultural competence is another area where business programs are evolving to meet the needs of UAE students. The UAE, with its large expatriate population and role as a global business hub, requires leaders who are adept at navigating diverse cultural landscapes. U.S. business programs are placing increased emphasis on intercultural communication and leadership training, understanding that their graduates will often be working in multicultural teams and environments.

Gaining knowledge, emotional intelligence, working with people from diverse backgrounds and teams will differ from the classroom models and experiences in the U.S., so learning soft skills and applying leadership theories in the workplace will be an advantage in the roles they are in.

Many universities are also leveraging their alumni networks and connections with businesses in the UAE to provide mentorship opportunities and internships that offer real-world experience in the region. NYU Stern School of Business offers a 54-credit MBA curriculum that encompasses

“Business programs in the U.S. are…offering specialized courses and incubator programs that support students in developing entrepreneurial skills”

internships and projects with local enterprises, thereby facilitating the acquisition of practical skills within their home country. While other scholarship programs in Abu Dhabi like ADEK (Department of Education and Knowledge - Khotwa RizeUp) offer mentorship in the U.S. for their undergraduates.

Speaking as an academic advisor and mentor for over 140 students in Abu Dhabi, I can attest that first-year college students from the UAE require business savvy mentors that understand the religion, language, culture and needs of newly arriving students as they acclimate to a new learning environment and cultural/social landscape. Building trust and rapport is vital with these students and ultimately creates lifelong relationships. Mentoring involves more than merely advising students about what courses to take, but rather seeking out and providing specific activities to benefit the future graduate/s, such as CV writing, and ensuring learners are becoming fluent in the language of business. It is important, thus, that business major students are paired with those who are actively practicing business, know some Arabic and understand the Middle East business market to offer this type of rigorous support. These practical experiences help UAE students bridge the gap between theory and practice, making their transition back home to their new jobs smoother and more effective.

Focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Entrepreneurship is a critical focus for many UAE students, as the UAE government actively promotes innovation and entrepreneurship as part of its long-term economic vision. Business programs in the U.S. are adapting to this demand by offering specialized courses and incubator programs that support students in developing entrepreneurial skills. These programs encourage UAE students to think creatively and innovatively, equipping them with the tools needed to start businesses or bring new ideas to existing industries back home. It is essential for business

Dr. Wendy Kaaki

students to acquire exceptional abilities and entrepreneurial tools, while also ensuring that these tools are agile to the local market.

Islamic Finance and Ethical Business Practices

One of the most significant areas where U.S. business programs are adapting to the needs of UAE students is in the field of Islamic finance. As one of the largest global markets for Islamic banking, the UAE requires professionals who are well-versed in Sharia-compliant financial practices. Recognizing this, many U.S. universities have introduced courses on Islamic finance, which blend traditional Western financial theories with the ethical guidelines required by Islamic law.

Additionally, U.S. business programs are focusing more on ethical business practices, aligning their teachings with the values that are important in the UAE. Topics like corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and ethical governance are gaining more prominence in business curricula, as these are areas that are increasingly prioritized in the UAE’s evolving economy.

Digital Transformation and Technological Proficiency

The UAE’s rapid adoption of technology and its status as a hub for digital transformation mean that students need to be technologically proficient. U.S. business programs are integrating advanced technology courses into their curricula,

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U.S. business programs are placing increased emphasis on intercultural communication and leadership training

covering everything from digital marketing to data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). This technological focus ensures that UAE students are not only up to date with global digital trends but also equipped to lead the UAE’s digital initiatives when they return home. For example, with the UAE government’s focus on initiatives like Smart Dubai and Vision 2021, which aim to make the UAE a leader in digital innovation, students equipped with these skills are in high demand.

Conclusion

The changing landscape of the UAE’s economy and the country’s commitment to becoming a global business hub are driving the need for educational programs that balance global standards with local relevance. U.S. business schools are responding by adapting their curricula to prepare UAE students for the complexities of the Middle Eastern market while equipping them with the global skills necessary for leadership in a competitive world. From cross-cultural competence to entrepreneurship and Islamic finance, these programs are ensuring that UAE students can thrive both globally and locally, contributing to their home country’s ambitious goals.

As more UAE students look to the U.S. for education, the symbiotic relationship between global standards and local market needs will only deepen, creating a new generation of future business leaders who are ready to shape the future of the UAE.