NUS EMBA in Dubai: Immersive Learning, Strategic Insights, and Global Networking
The NUS Executive MBA (EMBA) program recently delivered a transformative international segment in the UAE, immersing senior executives in corporate finance, strategic leadership, sustainability, and innovation. This unique experience fused industry engagement, top-tier networking, and real-world financial insights—offering a front-row view of how businesses in Dubai and the broader GCC region drive growth and global expansion.
Immersive Learning at Emirates Airline
One of the standout moments was the cohort’s visit to Emirates Airline. Participants gained strategic insights into financial resilience, operational efficiency, and global scalability.
Po Liu, General Manager of Chow Tai Fook and an NUS EMBA participant, shared how the visit deepened her understanding of financial strategy and international business expansion. Emirates’ post-pandemic recovery showcased:
- Financial agility
- Revenue diversification
- Effective debt restructuring
Po emphasized the airline’s vertical integration through its aviation services subsidiary, Dnata, transforming Emirates into a network of 30+ aviation-related businesses. She wrote:
“The power of vertical integration for cost efficiency and scalability was evident in how Emirates operates its ecosystem.”
The group also explored Dubai World Central (DWC)—a future aviation hub with a projected 260 million passenger capacity—highlighting how long-term infrastructure investment propels global leadership.
Sustainability was another focus, with Emirates investing in shared infrastructure and high-speed rail (HSR) to cut emissions and enhance efficiency. Po summarized the experience:
“This visit reinforced the importance of long-term financial strategy and global market expansion.”
Financial Strategy, Innovation, and ESG-Focused Study Sessions
The Dubai segment also included deep-dive sessions on corporate finance, capital investment, and sustainability in financial decision-making.
Emir Hrnjić, Academic Director of the UCLA-NUS EMBA, explained:
“We explored bonds, stocks, cost of capital, and capital budgeting through 11 in-depth case studies—mostly focused on Asia.”
These sessions equipped participants with:
- Financial literacy
- Investment evaluation tools
- Insights into M&A and regional financial strategies
Guest speakers added real-world perspectives:
- Nabil Nazer, CEO of MSA Capital: Finance as a tool to create value, not just track numbers.
- T K Raman, CEO of Finance House: Entrepreneurship and innovation in UAE’s fintech space, featuring Investnation, a digital investment platform.
- Amro Zakaria Abdu, Co-founder of MADARIK: ESG’s impact on financial performance and capital costs.
Amro stated:
“By focusing on ESG factors, companies can enhance overall financial performance while contributing to a sustainable future.”
He also positioned the GCC as:
“The neutral capital of capital—a global platform to expand business, secure green financing, and project influence.”
High-Level Networking and Global Connections
Beyond the classroom, executives connected with top leaders, policymakers, and alumni at exclusive events.
Nicole Tee, Director of Graduate Studies at NUS Business School, reflected:
“The networking opportunities in Dubai were transformational.”
During the Exclusive Networking Evening, participants engaged with:
- Jamal Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore
- Senior executives and global business experts
A keynote by Feryal Ahmadi, COO of DMCC, explored:
“The Future of Trade”
Feryal shared how Dubai is redefining global trade through:
- Fintech
- Blockchain innovation
- Forward-looking regulation
Participants also engaged with NUS EMBA alumni, fostering idea exchange, cross-border collaborations, and regional venture exploration.
Innovation Beyond Business: Lessons from Emirates and Masdar City
Some executives applied their learning beyond the corporate realm.
Raymond Leong, Group Director in Eldercare and Public Health, reflected on how lessons from Emirates and Masdar City influenced his thinking on senior care in Singapore.
“Just as Emirates enhances the passenger journey, senior care should prioritize the ‘resident journey’—seamless, personalized care through innovation.”
Raymond also noted:
“Masdar City’s smart planning reminded us that infrastructure is key to successful ageing transformation.”
This cross-industry insight illustrates how executive education drives public health and infrastructure improvements.
A Transformative EMBA Experience in a Global Business Hub
The Dubai segment of the NUS EMBA program combined experiential learning, real-world finance applications, and strategic networking to empower global business leaders.
Participants:
- Engaged with industry pioneers
- Studied the evolving financial landscape of the GCC
- Strengthened their global connections
This segment not only expanded their strategic and financial capabilities but also positioned them to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing world. For professionals seeking an Executive MBA that offers immediate business application and insight into high-growth markets like Dubai, this is a game-changing experience.
Explore the NUS EMBA Program
The NUS EMBA program is crafted for senior executives seeking:
- Global business insights
- Advanced financial expertise
- Exclusive access to industry leaders and high-growth markets
Dubai is just one stop on a global journey that integrates academic excellence with immersive, hands-on learning in major business hubs.
Explore how the NUS EMBA can elevate your leadership journey.
Speak to our admissions specialists today and join a dynamic network of visionary leaders shaping the future of business.
Interested in doing business in Dubai or becoming a global-ready leader? The NUS EMBA program is your gateway to impactful knowledge, elite networking, and unmatched international exposure.
