Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

If you are at the top of your profession, this prestigious DBA will help you become a Doctor of Business Administration and cement your credibility as an expert in your chosen field.

Postgraduate Degree

• Type: Postgraduate
• Credit Hours: 54
• Duration: 3 years
• Language: English
• Study mode: Full Time
• Intake: Fall
• Delivery mode: Blended (Online and In-Person)
• Campuses: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Our taught courses are delivered over alternate weekends, allowing you the flexibility to manage your working life and doctoral studies.

Program Overview

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 Benefits

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 Goals

• Promote student-centred learning through personalised support, community building, and an inclusive environment grounded in diversity and ethical values.
• Foster knowledge and lifelong learning by offering a contemporary, dynamic curriculum that cultivates competencies for ongoing education and professional development.
• Promote engagement by providing an interactive learning environment, conducting impactful research, and nurturing lasting relationships with key stakeholders to advance intellectual capital at the national leadership level.
• Foster an environment that values creativity and innovation with a global and technology-focused approach while nurturing a leadership mindset through cooperative and active learning.

Program Completion Requirements

To be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a candidate must:

• complete 54 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

You can see our students' feedback Testimonials "It is an honor to be a part of Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and to graduate from College of Business Administration with a distinguished Doctorate degree. I had chosen ADU about 5 years back for my apex degree and I was amazed by the warmth and care of the University administration and faculty members as I stepped in. I enjoyed every bit of my DBA classes and meetings with my encouraging, well-informed, patient and professional faculty members. I have learnt a great deal, expanded my horizons, and established the foundations for success in my career. Thank You! ADU for making my educational journey unique, rewarding and enjoyable."

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