The Executive DBA
ESCP Dubai
The Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) at ESCP Business School – Dubai is a part-time, practice-oriented doctoral programme designed for senior executives and experienced professionals who aim to solve complex organisational and strategic challenges through applied research. Distinct from a traditional PhD, the EDBA is tailored for leaders who wish to translate research directly into managerial action, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and create measurable impact within their organisations, industries, and broader business ecosystems.
Research topics are grounded in participants’ professional environments and aligned with the UAE’s transformation agenda, including UAE Vision 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), with a particular focus on innovation, artificial intelligence and data analytics, sustainable growth, and smart leadership.
Objectifs
1
Conduct rigorous, actionable research with high strategic relevance
2
Address complex organisational and industry-level challenges
3
Translate research insights into practical managerial and policy-oriented innovations
4
Disseminate research findings effectively to academic, policy makers, and executive audiences
5
Contribute to executive education and thought leadership at regional and global levels
The Executive DBA
ESCP Dubai
The EDBA is structured over three academic years and organised around three integrated pillars:
Coursework and Executive Seminars
A continuum of courses and executive seminars covering:
- Advanced research methods and data analytics
- Artificial intelligence for executives and innovation strategy
- Epistemology, academic research, monograph & case study development, writing for impact
- Applied research methods for digital and global economies
Supervised Research Process
A structured research journey supported by one-to-one mentorship from ESCP faculty, guidance from senior research advisors, and progressive validation of research milestones.
Doctoral Research Portfolio (in lieu of a traditional thesis)
The doctoral requirement takes the form of a comprehensive research portfolio that combines academic rigour with applied relevance. The portfolio includes:
- One academic paper grounded in a robust research design and suitable for submission to an academic journal
- Two impact-oriented papers targeting professional, managerial, or policy audiences
- Multimedia executive dissemination outputs (e.g. executive pitch, podcast, digital presentation) to maximise research visibility and impact
- Applied research methods for digital and global economies
This portfolio replaces the traditional monograph or three-paper dissertation and reflects international best practices in executive doctoral education.
The Executive DBA
ESCP Dubai
Admission Process
- Step 1
Initial Assessment: Individual meeting with the admissions team (in person, by phone, or via video conference). - Step 2
Online Application: Submission of a complete application file including personal details, degree certificates and transcripts, updated CV, two reference letters, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), copy of passport or ID, and a statement of purpose (1,500–2,000 words). - Step 3
Admissions Committee Review. - Step 4
Academic Interview: Online interview with the Academic Admissions Jury (EDBA Committee). - Step 5
Admission Decision and Enrolment Confirmation.
Fees
Contact Admissions Team.