Vision  

 The MBA has been designed to transform mid-career managers into business-oriented individuals, mixing academic excellence in the management field and satisfaction of the specific needs of the GCC region. 

Mission

 To train managers able to meet the challenges of the private and public sector in the GCC. The MBA capitalizes on the respective strengths of the Arabian Gulf University on one side and the French ESSEC Business School on the other side with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The unique combination of expertise from this renowned institution permits MBA participants to evolve in a truly international environment with Bahrain as the hub and Singapore and Paris serving as satellite campuses.

 Aims 

The MBA program is to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, leadership skills, and management techniques. It aims to transform all-level managers into business-oriented individuals with academic excellence in the management field that satisfies the expectations of sponsors and the developmental needs of the GCC region.

 Objectives 

The program offers a dynamic learning environment delivered by AGU and ESSEC faculty, which includes a balanced mix of theory and practice through appropriately sequenced individual courses of instruction. The first part of the program provides an in-depth examination of the tools and functions of organizations. The emphasis is placed on the inter-relationships among these areas and provides a strong foundation for the deeper analysis in the second part of the program. The final part expands participants’ ability to deal with complex management challenges relating to public-private partnerships (PPP) and the utility management sector. 

Benchmarking

 The MBA program of the French Arabian Business School is designed and executed jointly with the ESSEC Business School (École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales) in France 3 through a special agreement, with two MBA certificates awarded by AGU and ESSEC. ESSEC is a European leader in global management training and is ranked 4 th in Europe and 1st in France, and reputed for its international orientation with partnerships with the best universities all over the world. The school relies on teaching methods focused upon developing the creativity and critical thinking skills of each individual.

Learning Outcomes and Graduants Profile:

 • Business Environment Awareness: understand the drivers of the GCC development and economic growth and the Geo-strategy of the Middle East and its impact on the business environment. 

• Financial Management: Strong financial skills are necessary for analyzing, structuring, and evaluating PPP and utility projects. Students will understand financial modeling, risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and relevant funding mechanisms. 

• Project Management: Manage complex projects within budget and timeline constraints, while leading and motivating diverse teams.

 • Policy and Regulatory Awareness: understand policy frameworks, legal requirements, and regulatory environments governing PPPs and utilities, including compliance, risk mitigation, and navigating legal complexities.

 • Technology Integration: Familiar with emerging technologies and their integration into working environment, involving understanding how technologies like AI, block chain, IoT, and data analytics can enhance efficiency, transparency, and outcomes in PPP and utility management initiatives.

 • Communication and Leadership: Strong communication skills, both verbal and written for conveying complex ideas and persuading stakeholders; and effective leadership qualities, including decision-making and team management.

 • Negotiation and Stakeholder Management: adept at negotiation strategies, managing diverse stakeholders, aligning interests, and resolving conflicts. 

• Innovation and Adaptability: be open to exploring and be part of implementing new innovative ideas to increase competitiveness of the GCC region and enhance the effectiveness of PPP and utilities management.

 • Understanding of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): comprehensive grasp of PPP models and frameworks, including knowledge of legal, financial, and operational aspects (specific to PPP Track). 

• Utility Strategic Management: Apply strategic frameworks to analyze and formulate winning strategies for utilities in a dynamic and competitive environment (specific to Utility Management Track). 

•Differentiating

 •Differentiating 

•Fundamental 

•Fundamental Core Project Management Regional courses Digital courses courses 5 Admission Requirements 

• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4 point system), and at least three years of experience in a management position.

 • Certified copies of degree certificates and transcripts.

 • Proficiency in English Language (TOEFL IbT 50 / IELTS 5.5). 

• Completed application form.

 • Updated version of candidate’s CV with full details of current position. • An essay showing motivation and career goals.

 • Two letters of recommendation from previous and/or current employers. 

• Passing the MBA program Academic Committee interview. Student Evaluation Students' knowledge, cognitive skills, interpersonal skills and responsibilities, communications and numerical skills are evaluated using various methods of assessments in the different MBA courses. These include quizzes, tests and exams; writing research papers and essays; case studies discussions and participation; written and oral communication abilities; and contribution to teamwork exercises and group presentations. Graduation Requirements Graduation will be obtained under the following conditions: 

• Students should successfully complete 40 credit hours. 

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 points out of 4.0 is required, including the consultancy project.