Global University Presidents Hail Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid as Inspirational Leader

Five top global universities have signed agreements with the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development to create business case studies based on Dubai's transformation under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's leadership. The initiative will turn Dubai's development model into academic material taught in MBA programs worldwide.

The memorandums of understanding were signed during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leaders Forum held at Dubai World Trade Centre in September 2025. Georgetown, IESE, IMD, INSEAD, and HEC Paris will develop specialized research documenting Dubai's unique transformation and the leadership philosophy behind it.

These case studies will be designed specifically for MBA programs and executive education courses. The goal is to make Dubai's leadership approach a global reference point for decision-making and strategic thinking. The research will also be presented at academic conferences and workshops to maximize its educational impact.

Paul Almeida, Dean of Georgetown's McDonough School of Business, highlighted three key aspects of Sheikh Mohammed's leadership style: bold decision-making, strategic foresight, and commitment to human-centered development. He noted that Dubai's evolution into a diverse hub covering finance, trade, technology, tourism, and culture has strengthened its position as a global economic force.

The transformation wasn't just about economic growth, Almeida explained. It was carefully planned to focus on human development and improving quality of life, ensuring the development path remains sustainable and rooted in the communities it serves.

Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan from HEC Paris Doha emphasized how Sheikh Mohammed's vision of turning challenges into opportunities reflects core values of future planning, flexibility, and community service. He sees this partnership as more than just a joint initiative - it's a shared commitment to establishing an exceptional leadership model that serves Dubai, the UAE, and enriches global knowledge.

Dr. Andrea Montalvo from IESE Business School welcomed the collaboration, drawing on the school's six decades of experience in training global business leaders through case study methodology. IESE will contribute deep analysis and strategic insights to support Emirati leaders' professional development and their influential role regionally and internationally.

David Bach, President of IMD and Professor of Strategy and Political Economy, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create a leadership case study that embodies Sheikh Mohammed's vision. IMD, as one of the world's leading business schools focused on positive societal impact, will produce award-winning studies that tens of thousands of business students study annually.

Marc Mortensen from INSEAD's Middle East campus said the partnership aligns with the school's mission to develop future-focused leaders. Through this collaboration, INSEAD will study Dubai's transformation toward innovation and sustainable growth, bringing practical and effective lessons to classrooms. The partnership enhances INSEAD's academic portfolio while confirming its position as a leading global institution in management excellence and leadership education.

For business education, this represents a significant shift toward studying non-Western leadership models. Dubai's rapid transformation from a trading port to a global city offers unique insights into strategic planning, economic diversification, and sustainable development that traditional Western case studies might not capture.

The timing is particularly relevant as business schools worldwide seek more diverse perspectives in their curricula. These case studies will provide students with real-world examples of how visionary leadership can drive economic transformation while maintaining focus on human development and community welfare.