The School of Business Administration at American University of Sharjah: Empowering tomorrow’s business leaders

In today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace, the demand for visionary and strategic business leaders is more critical than ever, highlighting the need for a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to business education. Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of School of Business Administration (SBA) at American University of Sharjah (AUS), emphasized the necessity of adapting to these challenges by fostering both traditional skills and an innovative mindset

"To lead in the future, we must embrace the challenges of today with creativity and foresight, for it is through innovative thinking and bold strategies that we will shape a better tomorrow," Dr. Boubakri asserts.

Ranked among the top 10 Arab universities for nine consecutive years by QS Arab University Rankings (2024), AUS houses the renowned School of Business Administration (SBA), celebrated for shaping business professionals equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive environment.

Prominent for its rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty and global perspective, SBA offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles across various industries.

"Our mission at SBA is to cultivate the next generation of global business leaders through an innovative education that prepares our students to navigate and excel in today’s dynamic business environment. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our top rankings and the success of our graduates, who are equipped to lead with vision and strategic acumen," said Dr. Boubakri.

SBA’s meticulously crafted portfolio blends theoretical foundations with practical applications.It offers a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Business administration majoring in accounting, finance, information systems and business analytics, management, marketing and supply chain management.  Graduate programs comprise a Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Economics and Policy, Master of Science in Finance, and the renowned Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA), which adopts a blended learning mode, combining face-to-face and online components for accessibility to busy professionals globally. The AUS MBA program is ranked 11th in the Middle East and Africa region and among the top 250 worldwide, according to QS Global MBA Rankings (2024).

SBA’s commitment to advanced business education is further exemplified by its partnering with the prestigious Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina (UofSC) for the PhD in Business Administration program. This allows students to study in the United States for part of their studies and earn dual doctoral degrees from AUS and UofSC.

SBA’s emphasis on experiential learning saw students engage in real-world projects, internships, and consultancy assignments, applying classroom theories to actual business challenges. SBA’s technologically advanced Interactive Trading Floor (ITF), which boasts 22 terminals and real-time market feeds, mirrors a Wall Street investment firm environment, enhancing problem-solving skills and strategic thinking crucial for success in today’s business landscape.

"Without a doubt, AUS set me up for success. From my professional internship as a student to the management position I hold today, I can confidently say that SBA gave me the best start to my career. My AUS education helped me gain industry qualifications. This means I have been able to offer well-rounded service to clients [worldwide] who follow different international accounting standards,” said Seri Kamal, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Class of 2013.

Supporting academic excellence and hands-on experience, SBA’s iLead Program is a comprehensive development and career preparation program benchmarked against leading US universities. It guides students to make the most of their years at SBA and prepares them for joining the workforce. These efforts have been a major contributor to AUS’ local and global standing, ranking the university second in the UAE in employer reputation and employment outcome, according to QS World University Rankings (2025).

"We are dedicated to bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. Our innovative use of technology and experiential learning opportunities, such as the Interactive Trading Floor and iLead Program, ensure that our students are not only knowledgeable but also highly skilled and job-ready. By immersing students in practical, hands-on experiences and preparing them with comprehensive career development tools, we empower them to excel in today’s competitive business environment and contribute meaningfully to their future workplaces,” said Dr. Boubakri.

The faculty at SBA, comprising accomplished scholars and industry professionals, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. Their diverse backgrounds and research expertise enrich the learning environment, providing students with insights into current business trends and practices. The faculty’s dedication to mentoring and academic support further enhances the students’ educational experience.

Faaizah Zain, an accounting student, said that her university journey “exceeded [her] expectations”, emphasizing SBA’s welcoming atmosphere and supportive environment. 

“From the moment I set foot on campus, I knew I had found my academic home. Throughout my journey at AUS, I have been fortunate to form deep connections with professors who not only imparted their expertise but also took a personal interest in my growth and success. The university has also equipped me with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to thrive in my chosen field," she said.

SBA's global perspective is reflected in its diverse student body and international partnerships. Collaborations with leading businesses around the world offer students opportunities for exchange programs, joint research and exposure to global business practices. They also allow SBA to continue to evaluate its programs to meet the needs of the business world and foster entrepreneurship and innovation. Through initiatives like the AUS Entrepreneurship Center, students are encouraged to develop and pitch their business ideas, benefiting from mentorship and resources that support their entrepreneurial ventures.

SBA is a catalyst for creating tomorrow’s business leaders, offering a transformative educational experience that prepares professionals to lead with confidence and vision.

To learn more about AUS’ School of Business Administration, visit www.aus.edu/sba.