Dubai: The American University of Beirut (AUB) has announced the establishment of its Academic and Executive Hub in Dubai, signaling the university's commitment to expanding its regional presence and enhancing its contributions to executive education, leadership development, and applied research throughout the Middle East.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the new hub is strategically located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and is designed as a vibrant platform for executive education, academic collaboration, innovation-focused partnerships, and alumni engagement. The initiative aligns with regional priorities for developing a knowledge-based economy and supports AUB's long-term strategic vision to lead in higher education amidst a rapidly changing global landscape. Furthermore, the hub will serve as a regional base for applied research, consulting projects, faculty-led seminars, and dialogues on critical issues such as leadership, strategy, sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.
The hub is set to offer executive education and other non-degree programs tailored for senior professionals, government leaders, and industry practitioners, alongside AUB's Executive MBA program. This program is AACSB-accredited and is ranked among the top three in the Middle East and Africa, as per the QS EMBA Rankings 2025.
Dr. Henry Azzam has been appointed as the director of the AUB Academic and Executive Hub in Dubai. Dr. Azzam joined AUB in 2014 and served as the director of the Master's in Finance program for a decade. Before his tenure at AUB, he held senior leadership positions in the financial sector, including chief executive officer and chairman of Deutsche Bank for the MENA region.
The establishment of the AUB Academic and Executive Hub is supported through close coordination with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and has received approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.