Redefining business education in the Arab world: A landmark gathering in Dubai

Dubai is buzzing with anticipation as the University of Dubai, in collaboration with Times Higher Education (THE) and AACSB, prepares to host a groundbreaking event for business school leaders across the Arab region. On January 14, 2025, this exclusive showcase will unite visionaries, educators, and industry pioneers to reshape the future of business education in one of the world's most dynamic regions.

As the Arab world continues to rise as a global hub for innovation and commerce, the time has come to rethink how business schools can prepare future leaders for an ever-evolving world. This event serves as a springboard for bold ideas, cutting-edge strategies, and transformative collaborations, with a special focus on just-in-time learning — a critical approach to equipping professionals with the right skills exactly when they need them in a rapidly changing landscape.

Hosted at the prestigious University of Dubai, with AACSB as the knowledge partner, the event is set to build on the momentum of the Times Higher Education Arab World Summit, taking the conversation to new heights.

Packed with compelling discussions, the event features three powerful panels designed to address key challenges and opportunities. The first panel will explore how the region's business schools can leverage their unique strengths to innovate and lead on a global stage. The second will unpack the complexities of cross-border education, discovering new pathways for collaboration and growth in a rapidly globalizing world. Finally, the third panel will delve into how business schools can stay agile, aligning their offerings with the immediate needs of industries and stakeholders. Just-in-time learning will take center stage in this discussion, highlighting how business schools can bridge skill gaps and deliver education that directly meets the demands of both employers and national priorities.

This isn’t just another academic gathering. The day culminates in an exclusive networking dinner — an opportunity to meet peers, thought leaders, and industry change makers. It’s a chance to spark new collaborations, exchange groundbreaking ideas, and create partnerships that will redefine the educational landscape.

The benefits of this event extend far beyond the University of Dubai. It provides institutions across the region with an unparalleled platform to share best practices, build strategic alliances, and benchmark themselves against global standards. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the event enables schools to address shared challenges, from faculty development to curriculum innovation, and equips them with actionable insights to enhance their programs. Institutions gain access to new teaching methodologies, innovative approaches to integrating technology, and strategies to strengthen their connections with local industries.

Moreover, the focus on just-in-time learning and aligning educational offerings with stakeholder needs ensures that the region’s business schools can deliver graduates who are not only academically competent but also industry-ready. This innovative approach prepares students and professionals to tackle challenges as they arise, fostering agility and resilience in an unpredictable world.

The event also strengthens the region’s global academic footprint, making Arab business schools more attractive to international students and faculty. This collective effort elevates the entire region’s standing in global business education, creating a ripple effect that benefits every institution involved.

In a region poised to lead the way in global business and innovation, the role of education has never been more critical. This event is a call to action for business schools to rethink their strategies, embrace innovation, and create impactful programmes — like those driven by just-in-time learning — that meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

Whether you’re a dean, educator, policy-maker, or industry leader, this showcase is your chance to be part of something bigger — a movement to transform business education in the Arab world.