Abu Dhabi University's College of Business offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to build and enhance your business, management and leadership career.
Our Business College is both EQUIS and AACSB accredited. Only 2% of business schools worldwide have this double accreditation.
If you are at the top of your profession, this prestigious DBA will help you become a Doctor of Business Administration and cement your credibility as an expert in your chosen field.
Postgraduate
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) |
|
|---|---|
Type |
Postgraduate |
Credit Hours |
66 |
Duration |
4 years4 -- 0
|
Language |
English |
Study mode |
Full Time |
Intake |
Fall |
Delivery mode |
Weekend |
Campuses |
Abu Dhabi, Dubai |
Our taught courses are delivered over alternate weekends, allowing you the flexibility to manage your working life and doctoral studies.
Welcome to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Abu Dhabi University. Our DBA program is designed for senior professionals who seek to combine rigorous research with real-world
leadership impact.
At ADU, we prepare practitioner-scholars who not only solve complex organizational problems but also contribute to global knowledge through high-quality publications and evidence-based
management. The DBA offers a structured, research-driven journey that emphasizes professional relevance, ethical inquiry, and scholarly excellence.
Through close supervision, industry engagement, and internationally benchmarked standards, our scholars develop the expertise to lead innovation and shape the future of business practice
in the UAE and beyond.
I invite you to join this transformative journey, where leadership meets research, and research drives impact.Message from the Program Chair
Sincerely,
Email: muhammad.kazi@adu.ac.ae
Dr. Muhammad Usman Tariq
About the program
Program Overview
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is a professional doctorate designed for experienced executives, senior managers, and practitioners who seek to advance their expertise in applied research and evidence-based management. The program integrates rigorous academic inquiry with practical relevance, enabling candidates to address complex organizational challenges and contribute to both scholarly and professional knowledge.
Program Benefits
The DBA program develops research-informed leaders who can generate actionable insights, influence organizational strategy, and shape business practice through critical analysis and innovative thinking. Unlike a traditional PhD, which primarily emphasizes theoretical advancement, the DBA focuses on the application of theory to real-world business problems, fostering impact in both academic and professional contexts.
Program Goals
Goal 1 – Develop critical and strategic thinkers who can evaluate and address complex business administration issues with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
Goal 2 – Enable candidates to apply advanced research methods to generate practical solutions to contemporary business challenges
Goal 3 – Cultivate the ability to produce and defend research that contributes new knowledge and demonstrates impact in professional practice
Goal 4 – Enhance candidates' capacity to communicate research effectively to academic, professional, and policy audiences.
Program Completion Requirements
To be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a candidate must:
- complete 66 credit hours
- achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- meet journal publication requirements
- submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation
You can see our students' feedback
Testimonials
"It is an honor to be a part of Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and to graduate from College of Business Administration with a distinguished Doctorate degree. I had chosen ADU about 5 years back for my apex degree and I was amazingly surprised by the warmth and care of the University administration and faculty members as I stepped in. I enjoyed every bit of my DBA classes and meetings with my encouraging, well informed, patient and professional faculty members. I have learnt a great deal, expanded my horizons, and established the foundations for success in my career. Thank You! ADU for making my educational journey unique, rewarding and enjoyable.”
Doctor of Business Administration
Dr. Saeed Khalfan Al Kaabi from the UAE
Doctor of Business Administration
Graduates of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Abu Dhabi University are recognized as practitioner-scholars who bridge academic research and executive leadership. The program prepares professionals to make strategic, evidence-based decisions that create measurable business and societal impact.
Career Opportunities
The DBA opens a wide range of leadership and academic pathways, including roles such as:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) in public and private organizations
- Policy Advisor or Government Consultant contributing to innovation, sustainability, and national development
- University Faculty Member, Lecturer, or Research Fellow in business schools worldwide
- Entrepreneur or Management Consultant leading research-driven ventures
- Board Member or Corporate Governance Advisor influencing ethical and strategic decision-making
Professional Impact
DBA graduates gain the ability to:
- Integrate advanced research methods into business strategy and leadership practice.
- Translate scholarly research into real-world solutions for complex organizational problems.
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals and share insights at international conferences.
- Mentor and guide future leaders in academic and executive education environments.
Industry Relevance
The ADU DBA is designed for experienced professionals from industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, government, and education, who aspire to lead change through research and innovation.
Entry requirements
Masters Degree
Directly related discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 4.00-point scale, from an accredited university recognized by the UAE's Ministry of Education- Higher Education Affairs.
Personal Assessment
Applicants will be required to complete a panel interview with the DBA's Admission Selection Committee and will only be offered admission if the interview is deemed successful.
English language proficiency requirements
For programs taught in English, a minimum score range of 1400 - 1525 on the English language portion of the EmSAT examination, or its equivalent on other national or internationally-recognized tests that are approved by the CAA, such as TOEFL scores of 213 CBT (Computer-Based Test), 79 - 80 IBT (Internet-Based Test), 550 PBT (Paper-Based Test), or 6.0 IELTS (taken at Amideast or Knowledge Group), or their equivalent.
Applicants with CGPA's and English Proficiency Test scores that don't match the above requirements may be granted exceptions for conditional admission. For more information on conditional admission to any of ADU's postgraduate programs, please contact the Admissions and Enrolment Department of your local campus.
International Students
We also welcome applications from students with a variety of bachelor degrees from an accredited university recognized by the UAE's Ministry of Education- Higher Education Affairs, upon their successful completion of any required program foundation courses. These applicants will be granted admission into the program after the successful completion of some business foundation courses. For more information on international students' admission to any of ADU's postgraduate programs visit, please visit Postgraduate International Admission.
Transfer Students
Postgraduate transfer students may apply for credit transfer for courses taken prior to joining Abu Dhabi University only once, when they first apply for admission. For more information on requirements for credit transfer, visit Postgraduate TransferStudents.
Tuition fees structure & calculation
Tuition is based upon the College and/or Department classification as opposed to the course classification or level. Tuition rates for undergraduate students vary from the tuition rates for graduate students.
The tuition fee calculations are an example only and are based on the assumption that elective courses will be taken with the College that the student is taking their major with. However, if the student selects elective courses outside of this College, the total cost payable may increase or decrease to reflect the tuition rate of the College where the elective is delivered.
Costs of books and supplies are not included in the Tuition and Fees. Students at Abu Dhabi University are also required to pay certain fees and other costs to attend the University. Abu Dhabi University reserves the right to change tuition and fee rates at any time. A tuition schedule is published prior to registration for each semester.
For more information, please click here to view the University's tuition fee structure. Fees are subject to change during the year as per government charges and testing bodies.
Dissertation /Project / Thesis
27
credit hours
Open Electives
0
credit hours
Major Electives
0
credit hours
Major
39
credit hours
College
0
credit hours
