Business and Geopolitics in the Gulf and Broader MENA Region

Since 2010, countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa, incl. Turkey and Iran) region have been undergoing political and economic shifts paving the way to new development models. The Business and Geopolitics in the Gulf and Broader MENA Region executive education certificate programme will equip participants with the skills required to achieve their professional projects and gain insights into the transformations at play. It will specifically focus on the future landscape in this strategic region, Including, but not limited to:

• Understanding the geopolitical and security considerations of the region.
• Adapting to the new economic order and understanding new emerging growth sectors resulting from economic diversification strategies.
• Acquiring the tools and knowledge to launch and run a successful project or business venture.
• Gaining critical insights into the MENA region’s sociocultural and legal context.

This certificate programme is aimed at diplomats, public sector executives and directors of companies and institutions looking to develop their expert knowledge about a region where they work currently or plan to work and gain a specialized understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities. This executive education certificate – delivered by specialists and regional stakeholders recognized in their field, some of whom work in the MENA zone – will also allow participants to master specific practices in the region related to commercial and financial negotiations, project management, and financing/investing.

• A director or manager in a private company, public institution, or consulting firm, anywhere in the world and looking to develop your business relations with North Africa and/or the Middle East (including Iran and Turkey).
• A diplomat already posted or to be posted in the region.
• An executive who is seconded to or regularly visits the MENA region for work or professional projects.
• Professionals in sectors like energy (oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy…), environment, sustainability, water management, infrastructure (transport, hotels, tourism…), technology, finance, insurance, health, education, culture, leisure or sport.

The programme will give the necessary skills and help build a professional network to support formulating and implementing business strategies, projects, and relations in the MENA region. By the end of the programme, professionals will be able to:

• Perform a deep dive into the region’s economic and political situation and challenges.
• Understand the geopolitical shifts and regional security context.
• Formulate and lead strategies for setting up operations and finding investment opportunities in the MENA region.
• Understand and adapt to the prevailing social and cultural environments.
• Apply solid knowledge of diversification strategies and new growth sectors.
• Identify decision-making processes and mechanisms.
• Foster a top-tier professional network and choose the most suitable partners.
• Establish and promote your own position and that of your organization.

• Duration: 10 days
• Format : In-person
• Next application deadline : January 15, 2025
• Campus :
  • Module 1 in Paris: February 17 - 21, 2025 (recommended hotels near Sciences Po Paris Campus)
  • Module 2 in Abu Dhabi: April 14 - 18, 2025
• Upon completion of a Sciences Po certificate programme, you'll join the extensive Sciences Po alumni community, and can also become a contributing member to the Sciences Po Alumni Association (without voting rights or eligibility for the Board of Directors).
• Our courses can be adapted to accommodate various accessibility requirements. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any necessary adjustments.

With this programme, you can continue working while you develop your knowledge and practices through:

Fundamental classes delivered by top-tier academics from Sciences Po’s and AGDA’s teaching body, including:

• Lectures giving you the essential knowledge and skills
• Case studies where you can apply the theory learned to real-life situations

Contributions from professionals from the private and public sectors and civil society as part of:

• Regular coursework during the programme
• Master classes for more focused learning with specialists

Personal support

• From the teaching team   
• From a tutor or mentor overseeing your individual executive project as part of an accredited programme.

• Application review and confirmation of admissibility
• Selected candidates will be invited to attend a selection interview in English. This is an opportunity to check candidates’ command of the language, potential, motivations, professional experience and availability
• Deliberation of the admissions jury

OBTAINING THE BUSINESS AND GEOPOLITICS IN THE GULF AND BROADER MENA REGION CERTIFICATE

The conditions for completing the Certificate are as follows:

1. One reading note: detailed analysis of a book or article connected to the programme’s content and objectives or Individual written case study: a practical assessment of a public policy associated with the issues facing the MENA region.
2. Professional report: topic chosen by the participant in relation to their professional plans, in close conjunction with the course team.