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.

Summary

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.

Key Benefits

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

Experienced senior executives who are general managers or functional leaders, particularly those assuming new responsibilities or driving new growth initiatives for organizations that have experienced success within the Middle East, on their own or with regional partners.

Participating Companies Have Included:

ADIA

DGCX

Deloitte

Emirates REIT

Equate

Finance House

Gencallar

Joyalukkas

The Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Sarooj

STC

Dive Deeper into the Experience

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Who Should Attend

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.

Participating Companies Have Included:

ADIA

DGCX

Deloitte

Emirates REIT

Equate

Finance House

Gencallar

Joyalukkas

The Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Sarooj

STC

Dive Deeper into the Experience

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

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.

An Exceptional Learning Experience

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.

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.

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.

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, and at least four weeks before the program start date. 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. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals 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.

Admissions Criteria and Process

The Application Process

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

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

Application Submission

English Proficiency

Learning Commitment

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

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 over the course of five months, 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 individual 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.

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Strategy Strategy

Practicing strategic thinking
Building strategic advantage through service and operational excellence
Creating customer value and building brands
Designing and executing growth strategies
Driving corporate performance

Leadership Leadership

Leading teams and managing talent
Driving organizational change
Becoming a more effective negotiator
Managing corporate finance
Leading an accountable organization

Innovation Innovation

Developing a more innovative organization
Understanding and promoting design thinking
Leveraging digital technologies
Becoming an entrepreneurial leader

Globalization Globalization

Understanding the global economy
Building businesses in emerging markets
Expanding your global perspective

Key Topics

Strategy

Practicing strategic thinking
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

Module DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Module 1: Imperatives for today's organizations and leaders Module 1: Imperatives for today's organizations and leaders

Format: HBS Campus, Boston (1 week)

This first module expands 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

Module 2: Creating innovative, high-performance organizations Module 2: Creating innovative, high-performance organizations

Format: Taj Dubai, Dubai (2 weeks)

Rejoining HBS faculty and peers in Dubai, 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

Module 3: Creating customer value and strategic advantage Module 3: Creating customer value and strategic advantage

Format: Taj Dubai, Dubai (2 weeks)

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

Module 4: Becoming a transformational leader Module 4: Becoming a transformational leader

Format: HBS Campus, Boston (2 weeks)

Returning to the HBS campus, 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

Module Details

Module 1: Imperatives for today's organizations and leaders

Format: HBS Campus, Boston (1 week)

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

Module 2: Creating innovative, high-performance organizations

Format: Taj Dubai, Dubai (2 weeks)

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

Module 3: Creating customer value and strategic advantage

Format: Taj Dubai, Dubai (2 weeks)

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

Module 4: Becoming a transformational leader

Format: HBS Campus, Boston (2 weeks)

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

Special Program FeaturesExpand All Collapse All

Living/learning group work Living/learning group work

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 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 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 Value mapping strategy project

Throughout the program, you will work on an individual 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

Special Program Features

Living/learning group work

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

Value mapping strategy project

Throughout the program, you will work on an individual 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

Faculty

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.

Faculty Chair

Tarun Khanna

Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor. Member of the Strategy Unit; and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East."

Why innovation is essential to fueling economic and social development.

Read Full Bio Learn More

Faculty

Rawi E. Abdelal

Herbert F. Johnson Professor of International Management. Director of Harvard's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. Member of the Strategy and the Business, Government and the International Economy Units.

Read Full Bio

Dennis W. Campbell

Dwight P. Robinson, Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Accounting and Management.

Read Full Bio

C. Fritz Foley

André R. Jakurski Professor of Business Administration. Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Financial Planning. Member of the Finance Unit; and faculty cochair of "Finance for Senior Executives."

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Negotiation, Organizations & Markets; and faculty cochair of "Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior" and "Driving Profitable Growth."

Read Full Bio

Janice H. Hammond

Jesse Philips Professor of Manufacturing. Senior Associate Dean for Culture and Community. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "The Women's Leadership Forum."

Read Full Bio

Karim R. Lakhani

Charles Edward Wilson Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty cochair of "Competing on Business Analytics and Big Data."

Read Full Bio

Youngme E. Moon

Donald K. David Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Marketing Unit; and member of the General Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Tsedal Neeley

Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Read Full Bio

Felix Oberholzer-Gee

Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Strategy Unit and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—China."

Read Full Bio

Krishna G. Palepu

Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration, Senior Adviser to the President of Harvard University. Member of the Accounting and Management and the General Management Units; and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—India" and "China CEO Renewal Program"; and faculty cochair of "Leading Global Businesses."

Read Full Bio

Debora L. Spar

Baker Foundation Professor. Member of the Business, Government and the International Economy Unit.

Read Full Bio

Stefan H. Thomke

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "Leading Product Innovation."

Read Full Bio

Michael L. Tushman

Baker Foundation Professor, Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit; faculty chair of the "Advanced Management Program" and faculty cochair of "Leading Change and Organizational Renewal."

Read Full Bio

Faculty: 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.

Faculty Chair

Tarun Khanna

Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor. Member of the Strategy Unit; and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East."

Why innovation is essential to fueling economic and social development.

Read Full Bio Learn More

Faculty

Rawi E. Abdelal

Herbert F. Johnson Professor of International Management. Director of Harvard's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. Member of the Strategy and the Business, Government and the International Economy Units.

Read Full Bio

Dennis W. Campbell

Dwight P. Robinson, Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Accounting and Management.

Read Full Bio

C. Fritz Foley

André R. Jakurski Professor of Business Administration. Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Financial Planning. Member of the Finance Unit; and faculty cochair of "Finance for Senior Executives."

Read Full Bio

Francesca Gino

Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Negotiation, Organizations & Markets; and faculty cochair of "Behavioral Economics: Understanding and Shaping Customer and Employee Behavior" and "Driving Profitable Growth."

Read Full Bio

Janice H. Hammond

Jesse Philips Professor of Manufacturing. Senior Associate Dean for Culture and Community. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "The Women's Leadership Forum."

Read Full Bio

Karim R. Lakhani

Charles Edward Wilson Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty cochair of "Competing on Business Analytics and Big Data."

Read Full Bio

Youngme E. Moon

Donald K. David Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Marketing Unit; and member of the General Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Tsedal Neeley

Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Read Full Bio

Felix Oberholzer-Gee

Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Strategy Unit and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—China."

Read Full Bio

Krishna G. Palepu

Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration, Senior Adviser to the President of Harvard University. Member of the Accounting and Management and the General Management Units; and faculty chair of "Senior Executive Leadership Program—India" and "China CEO Renewal Program"; and faculty cochair of "Leading Global Businesses."

Read Full Bio

Debora L. Spar

Baker Foundation Professor. Member of the Business, Government and the International Economy Unit.

Read Full Bio

Stefan H. Thomke

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "Leading Product Innovation."

Read Full Bio

Michael L. Tushman

Baker Foundation Professor, Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit; faculty chair of the "Advanced Management Program" and faculty cochair of "Leading Change and Organizational Renewal."

Read Full Bio

Apply Application PDF

More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, fees, 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.

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Director: Ms. Carla Tishler

Email: ctishler@hbs.edu

Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Telephone: 1.800.427.5577
(outside the U.S., +1.617.495.6555)

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