Program Overview

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

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 Overview

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 Benefits

The DBA program offers several benefits, including:

• Developing critical and strategic thinkers who can evaluate and address complex business administration issues with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation
• Enabling candidates to apply advanced research methods to generate practical solutions to contemporary business challenges
• Cultivating the ability to produce and defend research that contributes new knowledge and demonstrates impact in professional practice
• Enhancing 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

Program Goals

The program has four primary goals:

1. Develop critical and strategic thinkers: Develop critical and strategic thinkers who can evaluate and address complex business administration issues with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation
2. Apply advanced research methods: Enable candidates to apply advanced research methods to generate practical solutions to contemporary business challenges
3. Produce and defend research: Cultivate the ability to produce and defend research that contributes new knowledge and demonstrates impact in professional practice
4. Communicate research effectively: Enhance candidates' capacity to communicate research effectively to academic, professional, and policy audiences

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

Tuition Fees Structure & Calculation

• Total Fees: AED 304,920
• Credit Hour Cost: AED 4,620
• Required Credits: 66

Dissertation/Project/Thesis

• 27 credit hours

Open Electives

• 0 credit hours

Major Electives

• 0 credit hours

Major

• 39 credit hours

College

• 0 credit hours

Conclusion

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Abu Dhabi University is a professional doctorate that integrates rigorous academic inquiry with practical relevance, enabling candidates to address complex organizational challenges and contribute to both scholarly and professional knowledge. With its strong focus on applied research and evidence-based management, 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.