Change is everywhere in the Middle East today, as many countries seek to diversify
their economies and encourage new industries. The region's complex business environment
includes distinct political and economic conditions in each country—and an uncertain
global economy. That's why businesses seeking the best opportunities for growth in
the region need exceptional leaders—executives who are bold decision-makers, global
thinkers, and skilled strategists.
Taught in a series of modules offered in Boston and Dubai, this business management
program will help you become a stronger leader who can deliver value in a global context,
drive new levels of innovation, and build accountable, high-performance organizations.
Change is everywhere in the Middle East today, as many countries seek to diversify
their economies and encourage new industries. The region's complex business environment
includes distinct political and economic conditions in each country—and an uncertain
global economy. That's why businesses seeking the best opportunities for growth in
the region need exceptional leaders—executives who are bold decision-makers, global
thinkers, and skilled strategists.
Taught in a series of modules offered in Boston and Dubai, this business management
program will help you become a stronger leader who can deliver value in a global context,
drive new levels of innovation, and build accountable, high-performance organizations.
Key Benefits
The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East prepares you to make the bold
market moves and internal changes needed to foster business growth and strong performance.
You will emerge prepared to contribute to your company's success on a more strategic
and senior level.
The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East prepares you to make the bold
market moves and internal changes needed to foster business growth and strong performance.
You will emerge prepared to contribute to your company's success on a more strategic
and senior level.
Think strategically, seize growth opportunities, and compete successfully, regionally
and globally
Foster the innovations that will improve your organization's ability to deliver value
to customers
Lead authentically and ethically at all levels and foster a culture of accountability
across the organization
Build confidence in yourself as a leader, decision-maker, and negotiator
Develop enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and
countries
Take advantage of resources for lifelong learning as a member of the global HBS alumni
community
Who Should Attend
Senior executives, senior functional leaders, or general managers leading successful,
established companies in the Middle East with 10+ years of experience who want to
sharpen their management and leadership skills and are preparing to assume new responsibilities
or drive growth initiatives. Additionally, executives planning to establish or expand
presence in the Middle East.
Participants typically represent growth-oriented organizations, including:
Large, established companies, either private or state-owned
Entrepreneurial ventures—either new companies or new ventures within established companies
Growing family businesses
Multinational firms with an increased presence in the Middle East
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies, especially those working closely with the private sector
The program content is global in nature—not specifically focused on the Middle East—making
it suitable for participants from other parts of the world. That said, the Dubai location
will naturally draw extensive participation from Middle Eastern countries, affording
valuable networking opportunities to participants from the region and to those from
organizations initiating or expanding their Middle Eastern presence.
Senior executives, senior functional leaders, or general managers leading successful,
established companies in the Middle East with 10+ years of experience who want to
sharpen their management and leadership skills and are preparing to assume new responsibilities
or drive growth initiatives. Additionally, executives planning to establish or expand
presence in the Middle East.
Participants typically represent growth-oriented organizations, including:
Large, established companies, either private or state-owned
Entrepreneurial ventures—either new companies or new ventures within established companies
Growing family businesses
Multinational firms with an increased presence in the Middle East
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies, especially those working closely with the private sector
The program content is global in nature—not specifically focused on the Middle East—making
it suitable for participants from other parts of the world. That said, the Dubai location
will naturally draw extensive participation from Middle Eastern countries, affording
valuable networking opportunities to participants from the region and to those from
organizations initiating or expanding their Middle Eastern presence.
An Exceptional Learning Experience
When you participate in an HBS Executive Education program, you enter an immersive
experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place
on your own, in your small learning group, and in the larger classroom, driven by
the renowned HBS case method.
While in Boston, you will spend most of your time in an area of the HBS campus designed for Executive Education, with living quarters and amenities that maximize
your comfort while facilitating small group discussions. Classrooms, supported by
the latest technology, are designed to foster dynamic and fast-paced interactions
among participants and faculty.
For the Dubai modules, you and your peers will live and work at the Taj Dubai, overlooking
Burj Khalifa and the Downtown precinct—an ideal location with its proximity to business
and shopping centers, iconic tourist attractions, and the airport.
When you participate in an HBS Executive Education program, you enter an immersive
experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place
on your own, in your small learning group, and in the larger classroom, driven by
the renowned HBS case method.
While in Boston, you will spend most of your time in an area of the HBS campus designed for Executive Education, with living quarters and amenities that maximize
your comfort while facilitating small group discussions. Classrooms, supported by
the latest technology, are designed to foster dynamic and fast-paced interactions
among participants and faculty.
For the Dubai modules, you and your peers will live and work at the Taj Dubai, overlooking
Burj Khalifa and the Downtown precinct—an ideal location with its proximity to business
and shopping centers, iconic tourist attractions, and the airport.
Alumni Status and Lifelong Learning
Upon completing the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East, you will become
a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community—gaining exclusive access to our vast
global alumni network and an array of resources that facilitate lifelong learning,
growth, and success. Learn more.
Upon completing the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East, you will become
a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community—gaining exclusive access to our vast
global alumni network and an array of resources that facilitate lifelong learning,
growth, and success. Learn more.
Admissions Criteria and Process
We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and
encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal
educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional
achievement and organizational responsibilities.
Application and Notification Deadlines
You may apply in one of the following admission rounds:
Round 1 Application due: OCT 5, 2023; Notified by: OCT 20, 2023
Round 2 Application due: NOV 30, 2023; Notified by: DEC 15, 2023
Round 3 Application due: JAN 18, 2024; Notified by: FEB 2, 2024
This program fills quickly and we advise you to apply early. We respect the time-sensitive
nature of your admission status, and factor that into our notification deadlines.
Submission of an application after the final deadline will be considered on a rolling,
space-available basis.
We select applicants who embrace challenges, seek genuine personal and professional
growth, and are ready to innovate—in themselves and in their organizations. The curious,
open-minded executive who commits wholeheartedly to the program will find the Senior
Executive Leadership Program—Middle East to be a highly stimulating, rewarding—even
life-changing—experience.
To apply, you will submit:
The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current
responsibilities, goals, and challenges
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work
To review both the application and letter of reference, download the Application PDF.
You can submit your application via our online Application Form or by returning a
completed PDF. When submitting the online application form, you will be asked for
the email address of the individual serving as your reference. That individual will
receive an email with a link to an online letter of reference form.
Answering Your Questions
Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting
with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals.
Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).
Letter of Reference
To gain a deeper understanding of your background and your potential as a leader,
we require a letter of reference from a senior executive within your organization,
a board member, or an HBS graduate familiar with your role and responsibilities. To
submit the letter, follow the instructions in your application.
Application Submission
We recommend that you apply as soon as you can. You may use our online form or download
an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality.
We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do
not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call
us at +1.617.495.6226.
English Proficiency
Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in
fast-moving classes and small group discussions. If English is your second language,
or if you have less than one year of experience working in an English-speaking environment,
please provide a brief statement documenting your proficiency. We may also ask for
an interview.
Learning Commitment
Residency is required for each module—on campus for Boston modules and at the Taj
Dubai for Dubai modules. Your active participation in all classroom sessions, case
discussions, and other program activities is essential, so you must be free of other
responsibilities during the program. In addition, you must be able to set aside sufficient
time for the individual strategy project between modules.
Application Review
To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions
Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current
responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad
range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds.
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.
You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days
of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the
invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your
request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a
full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the
start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests
received within 14 days are subject to full payment.
Potential candidates may apply through the HBS Executive Education website. Harvard
Business School Executive Education also works with Eruditus Executive Education as
a program recruitment partner for the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East.
We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and
encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal
educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional
achievement and organizational responsibilities.
Application and Notification Deadlines
You may apply in one of the following admission rounds:
Round 1 Application due: OCT 5, 2023; Notified by: OCT 20, 2023
Round 2 Application due: NOV 30, 2023; Notified by: DEC 15, 2023
Round 3 Application due: JAN 18, 2024; Notified by: FEB 2, 2024
This program fills quickly and we advise you to apply early. We respect the time-sensitive
nature of your admission status, and factor that into our notification deadlines.
Submission of an application after the final deadline will be considered on a rolling,
space-available basis.
The Application Process
We select applicants who embrace challenges, seek genuine personal and professional
growth, and are ready to innovate—in themselves and in their organizations. The curious,
open-minded executive who commits wholeheartedly to the program will find the Senior
Executive Leadership Program—Middle East to be a highly stimulating, rewarding—even
life-changing—experience.
To apply, you will submit:
The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current
responsibilities, goals, and challenges
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work
To review both the application and letter of reference, download the Application PDF.
You can submit your application via our online Application Form or by returning a
completed PDF. When submitting the online application form, you will be asked for
the email address of the individual serving as your reference. That individual will
receive an email with a link to an online letter of reference form.
Answering Your Questions
Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting
with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals.
Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).
Letter of Reference
To gain a deeper understanding of your background and your potential as a leader,
we require a letter of reference from a senior executive within your organization,
a board member, or an HBS graduate familiar with your role and responsibilities. To
submit the letter, follow the instructions in your application.
Application Submission
We recommend that you apply as soon as you can. You may use our online form or download
an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality.
We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do
not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call
us at +1.617.495.6226.
English Proficiency
Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in
fast-moving classes and small group discussions. If English is your second language,
or if you have less than one year of experience working in an English-speaking environment,
please provide a brief statement documenting your proficiency. We may also ask for
an interview.
Learning Commitment
Residency is required for each module—on campus for Boston modules and at the Taj
Dubai for Dubai modules. Your active participation in all classroom sessions, case
discussions, and other program activities is essential, so you must be free of other
responsibilities during the program. In addition, you must be able to set aside sufficient
time for the individual strategy project between modules.
Application Review
To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions
Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current
responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad
range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds.
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.
You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days
of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the
invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your
request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a
full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the
start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests
received within 14 days are subject to full payment.
Potential candidates may apply through the HBS Executive Education website. Harvard
Business School Executive Education also works with Eruditus Executive Education as
a program recruitment partner for the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East.
Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject
to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School
does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual
orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political
beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or
employment in its programs and activities.
What You Will Learn
The innovative and comprehensive curriculum of the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle
East focuses on the challenges of greatest concern to corporate leaders today—across
the Middle East and the globe. Requiring just seven weeks away from the office, the
unique format maximizes learning and the development of a global perspective, while
minimizing consecutive days away from home and work.
Four intensive learning modules—two in Boston and two in Dubai—include faculty presentations,
case discussions, guest speakers, personal coaching, and skill-building exercises.
You will examine the practices of successful business leaders around the world and
assess your own leadership approach. Between modules, you will work on an an individual
Value Mapping Strategy Project and sharpen your leadership skills. As you try out new approaches in your workplace,
you will reflect on your experience, receive feedback from your boss and colleagues,
and bring new insights back to the classroom.
Participants should expect to spend approximately 45-50 hours on self-paced case preparation
prior to attending Module 1 of the program. Case materials will be made available
approximately two weeks prior to program start.
The innovative and comprehensive curriculum of the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle
East focuses on the challenges of greatest concern to corporate leaders today—across
the Middle East and the globe. Requiring just seven weeks away from the office, the
unique format maximizes learning and the development of a global perspective, while
minimizing consecutive days away from home and work.
Four intensive learning modules—two in Boston and two in Dubai—include faculty presentations,
case discussions, guest speakers, personal coaching, and skill-building exercises.
You will examine the practices of successful business leaders around the world and
assess your own leadership approach. Between modules, you will work on an an individual
Value Mapping Strategy Project and sharpen your leadership skills. As you try out new approaches in your workplace,
you will reflect on your experience, receive feedback from your boss and colleagues,
and bring new insights back to the classroom.
Participants should expect to spend approximately 45-50 hours on self-paced case preparation
prior to attending Module 1 of the program. Case materials will be made available
approximately two weeks prior to program start.
Expand your ability to think entrepreneurially about your company and its offerings
in the context of the local, regional, and global business environment. Diving deeply
into the case method of learning, you will open yourself to new insights as you work
individually, in small groups, and in the larger classroom.
Explore the dynamics of the global economy and globalization
Recognize the opportunities and challenges created by the interactions among business,
government, and the international economy
Identify, evaluate, and select high-potential opportunities in developed or emerging
markets
Use a detailed questionnaire as the basis for starting work with your personal coach
Rejoining HBS faculty and peers, you will expand your ability to evolve an organization
that can innovate continuously—in products, services, organizational structures, and
business processes. You will develop new ways to sustain exceptional performance and
deliver more value to stakeholders.
Nurture an experimentation mindset and a culture of innovation
Embrace the strategic and tactical opportunities presented by new technologies and
trends
Create corporate value by strengthening financial management
Translate corporate mission and business strategy into a comprehensive set of performance
targets and measures
Improve management-board relationships while strengthening governance, accountability,
and risk management
You will explore how companies build competitive advantage by focusing on specific
markets and delivering what customers truly value. Examining how the rise of digital
technology has generated both obstacles and opportunities, you will continue to find
new ways to create value for customers—and for your business.
Design and execute sound competitive strategies and growth plans
Foster a culture of customer centricity
Develop service excellence as a competitive advantage
Update your brand strategy
Determine your company's ideal size—and whether to operate locally, regionally, or
globally
Maximize the value of partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions
You will refine your personal leadership strategies, continue to explore opportunities
created by ongoing digital innovation, evaluate your leadership journey over the past
several months, and prepare to continue developing yourself and your organization.
Invest in and empower the people who will enable your organization to succeed
Recognize and exploit disruptive opportunities
Drive the changes that align your organization to achieve strategic goals
Adapt your leadership style to the needs of your team and your organization
Negotiate more effectively—in routine situations and in high-stakes deals on which
your company's future depends
Building strategic advantage through service and operational excellence
Creating customer value and building brands
Designing and executing growth strategies
Driving corporate performance
Leadership
Leading teams and managing talent
Driving organizational change
Becoming a more effective negotiator
Managing corporate finance
Leading an accountable organization
Innovation
Developing a more innovative organization
Understanding and promoting design thinking
Leveraging digital technologies
Becoming an entrepreneurial leader
Globalization
Understanding the global economy
Building businesses in emerging markets
Expanding your global perspective
Imperatives for today's organizations and leaders
Expand your ability to think entrepreneurially about your company and its offerings
in the context of the local, regional, and global business environment. Diving deeply
into the case method of learning, you will open yourself to new insights as you work
individually, in small groups, and in the larger classroom.
Explore the dynamics of the global economy and globalization
Recognize the opportunities and challenges created by the interactions among business,
government, and the international economy
Identify, evaluate, and select high-potential opportunities in developed or emerging
markets
Use a detailed questionnaire as the basis for starting work with your personal coach
Rejoining HBS faculty and peers, you will expand your ability to evolve an organization
that can innovate continuously—in products, services, organizational structures, and
business processes. You will develop new ways to sustain exceptional performance and
deliver more value to stakeholders.
Nurture an experimentation mindset and a culture of innovation
Embrace the strategic and tactical opportunities presented by new technologies and
trends
Create corporate value by strengthening financial management
Translate corporate mission and business strategy into a comprehensive set of performance
targets and measures
Improve management-board relationships while strengthening governance, accountability,
and risk management
Creating customer value and strategic advantage
You will explore how companies build competitive advantage by focusing on specific
markets and delivering what customers truly value. Examining how the rise of digital
technology has generated both obstacles and opportunities, you will continue to find
new ways to create value for customers—and for your business.
Design and execute sound competitive strategies and growth plans
Foster a culture of customer centricity
Develop service excellence as a competitive advantage
Update your brand strategy
Determine your company's ideal size—and whether to operate locally, regionally, or
globally
Maximize the value of partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions
Becoming a transformational leader
You will refine your personal leadership strategies, continue to explore opportunities
created by ongoing digital innovation, evaluate your leadership journey over the past
several months, and prepare to continue developing yourself and your organization.
Invest in and empower the people who will enable your organization to succeed
Recognize and exploit disruptive opportunities
Drive the changes that align your organization to achieve strategic goals
Adapt your leadership style to the needs of your team and your organization
Negotiate more effectively—in routine situations and in high-stakes deals on which
your company's future depends
A four-module program creates the opportunity to build close, trusting relationships
with a small, diverse group of peer executives who can understand your challenges—but
are not part of your organization. Throughout the program, you will work with a small
group of peers who will stimulate your learning as you:
Absorb global insights by working with executives from different countries, cultures,
and professional backgrounds
Share diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
Complete small group exercises and projects as a team
Give and receive feedback and advice—personal and professional—in a safe environment
While on the HBS campus in Boston, you will share living quarters with your living
group, forging relationships that serve as a valuable source of peer feedback, support,
and advice.
Through a customized 360-degree assessment of your current skills, you will examine
your leadership and management strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Each living group works with a professional coach to optimize group dynamics and maximize
the value of the group learning experience. In addition, your coach will work with
you one-on-one to help you develop a personal leadership style that works for you.
Using the 360-degree feedback assessment tool as a starting point, your personal coach
will work closely with you to identify your strengths, target areas for improvement,
and help you develop a personal action plan for ongoing development. All coaching
sessions are strictly confidential, giving you the freedom to share your personal
goals and professional challenges.
Throughout the program, you will work on an individual Value Mapping Strategy Project that addresses a strategic challenge facing your organization. In the process, you
will:
Utilize a powerful framework for analyzing the value of your offering or business
line, considering value from the customer's perspective
Compare your own offering with those of competitors
Refine your competitive strategy and develop a short presentation based on feedback
from faculty, peers, and your personal coach
Share your Value Mapping Strategy with your organization and team, and develop an
action plan for driving the changes that will improve value and sustain success
A four-module program creates the opportunity to build close, trusting relationships
with a small, diverse group of peer executives who can understand your challenges—but
are not part of your organization. Throughout the program, you will work with a small
group of peers who will stimulate your learning as you:
Absorb global insights by working with executives from different countries, cultures,
and professional backgrounds
Share diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
Complete small group exercises and projects as a team
Give and receive feedback and advice—personal and professional—in a safe environment
While on the HBS campus in Boston, you will share living quarters with your living
group, forging relationships that serve as a valuable source of peer feedback, support,
and advice.
360-degree feedback assessment
Through a customized 360-degree assessment of your current skills, you will examine
your leadership and management strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Professional coaching
Each living group works with a professional coach to optimize group dynamics and maximize
the value of the group learning experience. In addition, your coach will work with
you one-on-one to help you develop a personal leadership style that works for you.
Using the 360-degree feedback assessment tool as a starting point, your personal coach
will work closely with you to identify your strengths, target areas for improvement,
and help you develop a personal action plan for ongoing development. All coaching
sessions are strictly confidential, giving you the freedom to share your personal
goals and professional challenges.
Value Mapping Strategy Project
Throughout the program, you will work on an individual Value Mapping Strategy Project that addresses a strategic challenge facing your organization. In the process, you
will:
Utilize a powerful framework for analyzing the value of your offering or business
line, considering value from the customer's perspective
Compare your own offering with those of competitors
Refine your competitive strategy and develop a short presentation based on feedback
from faculty, peers, and your personal coach
Share your Value Mapping Strategy with your organization and team, and develop an
action plan for driving the changes that will improve value and sustain success
The HBS Advantage
The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East is developed and taught by HBS
faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers,
and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based
research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East is developed and taught by HBS
faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers,
and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based
research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
