AGU-ESSEC MBA Program

In Partnership with ESSEC Business School

Unlock your business potential with a dynamic and innovative MBA designed for working professionals. Gain the skills and strategic mindset to thrive in today's fast-paced business world

Study Plan

Program Overview

Established in 2007 through a partnership between Arabian Gulf University (AGU) and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our MBA program was designed to develop business leaders equipped to drive growth across the GCC region. In collaboration with ESSEC Business School, ranked 24th worldwide in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2026, climbing 46 places over the past three years, we offer a globally recognized MBA with a regional focus, combining world-class academic excellence with the unique business landscape of the Gulf. The AGU-ESSEC MBA is a 40-credit hour program structured across 36 courses and a 4-credit hour Consultancy Project, covering all major functional areas of business. Designed with the working professional in mind, the program delivers a flexible yet high-quality learning experience that upholds the highest academic standards.

International Residency

The AGU-ESSEC MBA goes beyond the classroom. As a core component of the program, every student is required to complete a 9-day International Residency at ESSEC Business School's Paris La Défense Campus, one of Europe's most prestigious business institutions, ranked 24th worldwide by the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2026.
This is not just a study trip. It is a transformative academic experience at the heart of Europe’s business world, enriched by visits to leading international companies in Paris.

What's Included

The residency is fully covered within your tuition fees:

• - Round-trip airfare to Paris.
• - Accommodation in Paris.
• - 3 MBA courses delivered by ESSEC's world-class faculty. 

Real-World Company Visit

This residency is designed to broaden your global perspective, expose you to international business environments, and connect you with peers and faculty from around the world. But this is not all. Students will step outside the classroom with a visit to a leading company in Paris, experiencing real business operations in one of the world's most dynamic economic environments and putting theory into direct practice.

Career Outcomes

The AGU-ESSEC MBA is designed to open doors at the highest levels of business and government. Our graduates are equipped to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact across the public and private sectors in the GCC and beyond.

The AGU-ESSEC Advantage

Graduating with a dual MBA certificate from both AGU and ESSEC Business School means your credentials are recognized and respected globally while your expertise is tailored to the region that needs it most.

Two Tracks

Public Private Partnership (PPP) Track. Shape the future of infrastructure, governance, and economic development by mastering the art of collaboration between public institutions and private enterprise across the GCC.

Utility Management Track. Lead the transformation of critical sectors including energy and water, driving sustainability and operational excellence across the region.

Where Will Your AGU-ESSEC MBA Take You?
Whether you choose the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Track or the Utility Management Track, your degree positions you for senior leadership roles across a wide range of industries and sectors including but not limited to:
 

Ready to Lead? Your MBA Journey Starts Here

Take the next step toward a globally recognized MBA built for the Gulf region and beyond.

Join a community of business leaders shaping the future of the GCC.

For Program Details or to Book a Consultation:

Prof. Adel I. Al Alawi
Professor of Business Administration
Program Coordinator, Master in Business Administration (MBA)
Email: aalawi@agu.edu.bh
Tel: +973 17 239 454