Al Yamamah University launches professional doctorate in business administration

Al Yamamah University has announced it has received approval from the Council of Universities Affairs to launch a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. The university described this step as one that strengthens its presence in graduate studies and expands its contribution to developing executive leadership and producing applied knowledge tailored to the needs of the Saudi business sector.

Acting University President Dr. Yazid Al-Suhaibani said the program’s accreditation marks a new phase in the university’s development after 25 years of investment in education and human capital. He noted that the program responds to the ambitions of national leaders seeking to advance their expertise and translate it into impactful scientific knowledge in the workplace.

Al-Suhaibani added that the program is designed to meet the needs of the business sector and the university’s graduates, especially executive leaders and senior professionals who have completed their master’s degrees and are looking for an advanced academic path that allows them to continue their education without interrupting their professional responsibilities.

Al-Suhaibani said: “There are executive leaders and senior professionals who have completed their master’s degrees and are seeking a higher level that does not take them away from their work, and provides them with robust research tools to understand and address the challenges facing their organizations.”

He added: “We designed the program so that students’ work becomes the field for their research, enabling them to graduate with knowledge that supports better decision-making.”

The university president pointed out that the program bridges scientific research and executive practice by enabling students to study the administrative and organizational challenges facing their institutions using advanced research methodologies, leading to practical solutions and evidence-based decisions.

He explained that the program completes the university’s postgraduate offerings and strengthens the business education track from bachelor’s to academic and executive master’s degrees, culminating in the professional doctorate.

Al-Suhaibani noted that this step expands the university’s role from transferring knowledge to producing applied knowledge rooted in the realities of Saudi institutions and aimed at addressing their challenges, thereby strengthening the link between university education and the needs of economic sectors.

Regarding academic staff, the university president said the program will be led and supervised by faculty members who combine advanced academic qualifications with professional and research experience. He emphasized that the nature of the professional doctorate requires faculty who understand the language of organizations as well as research methodology.

Al-Suhaibani said: “The nature of the professional doctorate requires a professor who understands the language of organizations as much as they master research methodology, guiding students from identifying problems in their workplace to building evidence-based solutions.”

Al-Suhaibani stressed that preparing national leaders who combine practical experience with scientific methodology is one of the university’s core roles in developing institutions, raising their efficiency, and enhancing their ability to adapt to economic and organizational changes.

He added that the university aims to expand the impact of its academic programs to include developing management practices and contributing to applied research that addresses real-world issues in Saudi companies and institutions.

Al-Suhaibani expressed his gratitude to University Board of Trustees Chairman Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khudair and board members for their support of the program, and appreciated the efforts of the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, the College of Business, and the program team in preparing and fulfilling the licensing requirements.

He concluded by expressing hope that the research produced by students will benefit their organizations and that the program’s outcomes will help advance management practices and support the national economy.