DIFC Academy and London Business School Offer Executive Education Scholarships for Emirati Women

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and London Business School (LBS) have announced a new scholarship initiative aimed at supporting the professional development and career progression of Emirati women.

Under the initiative, London Business School will provide 10 scholarships for its Executive Education Open programmes to eligible Emirati women from the DIFC community. The scholarships are being offered through DIFC Academy as it marks its 20th year of providing executive and academic education and connecting professionals with leading educational institutions.

The programme is intended to give participants access to executive education that can help them develop new skills, strengthen leadership capabilities and advance their careers. The partnership also forms part of DIFC’s wider efforts to expand opportunities for women through education, professional development and access to professional networks.

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cholarships Mark the Conclusion of Emirati Women’s Month

The initiative comes at the conclusion of DIFC’s Emirati Women’s Month, which ran from August 28 to September 28 under the theme “Together We Rise Stronger and Better.”

The month-long programme focused on creating opportunities for women to develop their skills, expand professional networks and engage with peers and mentors. The new scholarships extend those efforts by providing selected Emirati women with access to executive education programmes delivered by London Business School.

LBS’s Open Executive Education programmes were ranked first globally by the Financial Times for the second consecutive year, according to the organisation, while its Custom Executive Education programmes were ranked second globally. The school also has a longstanding presence in the UAE and has previously supported initiatives focused on the development of Emirati women.

Alya Alzarouni, Chief Operating Officer of DIFC Authority, said the partnership reflects DIFC’s focus on creating opportunities for Emirati women to strengthen their capabilities and contribute to the UAE economy. She also linked the scholarships to DIFC’s broader programmes supporting women’s professional development and leadership.

DIFC Academy Expands Executive Learning Opportunities

DIFC Academy has established a network of partnerships with universities, business schools and professional education providers to support human capital development in Dubai and across the wider region.

Its programmes cover areas including finance, management, law, sustainability and future skills, reflecting the changing requirements of the regional economy. The Academy’s partnership with LBS provides another route for professionals within the DIFC community to access international executive education.

London Business School has been part of the DIFC education ecosystem for many years. The school established its first campus outside London in Dubai in 2007, making the Dubai location an important part of its international expansion and its long-term presence in the Middle East.

The LBS Dubai campus is located within DIFC Academy and is scheduled to mark its 20th anniversary in 2027, further reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the two institutions.

London Business School Supports Emirati Women’s Career Development

Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, said the school was pleased to contribute to DIFC’s Emirati Women’s Month and support the development of future business leaders in the UAE.

Through the 10 scholarships, selected participants will join the LBS learning community and gain access to executive education and the school’s international professional network. The initiative is intended to help Emirati women develop capabilities that can support their next stages of professional growth.

The scholarship programme also builds on LBS’s broader presence in the region. In addition to its London campus and Dubai presence, the school opened an Executive Education office in Riyadh’s Diriyah district in late 2025.

DIFC Innovation Hub Hosts Women in Business Week

The scholarship announcement forms part of a wider programme of initiatives supporting women across the DIFC community. DIFC Innovation Hub is also leading Women in Business Week, which brings together women for events and discussions covering technology, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, personal branding and the future of business.

The programme includes initiatives such as Women Behind the Code, BuildHers of Tomorrow, Women Powering Finance and Women Building Influence. These activities are designed to provide opportunities for women to build skills, develop professional connections and engage with emerging areas of business and technology.

Together with the new executive education scholarships, the programmes form part of DIFC’s wider focus on developing talent and expanding opportunities for women across Dubai and the UAE.

DIFC and LBS Strengthen Longstanding Education Partnership

The scholarship initiative further develops the relationship between DIFC Academy and London Business School, bringing together DIFC’s regional professional ecosystem and LBS’s executive education programmes.

DIFC Academy continues to connect professionals and organisations with international academic and professional education providers, while LBS offers degree and executive education programmes supported by a global alumni and faculty network. Eligible Emirati women interested in the scholarships have been invited to register through the DIFC Academy programme.

Editor’s Note

The scholarship partnership between DIFC Academy and London Business School highlights the role of executive education in supporting career development alongside traditional academic pathways. By providing 10 Emirati women with access to LBS Executive Education Open programmes, the initiative focuses specifically on building professional capabilities, leadership skills and international networks.

The programme also sits within a broader set of DIFC initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women across finance, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. With DIFC Academy and London Business School maintaining a longstanding educational partnership in Dubai, the scholarships extend that relationship into a targeted opportunity for Emirati women during the conclusion of DIFC’s 2026 Emirati Women’s Month.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What scholarships have DIFC Academy and London Business School announced?

London Business School will provide 10 scholarships for its Executive Education Open programmes to eligible Emirati women from the DIFC community.

2. Who are the scholarships intended for?

The scholarships are intended for Emirati women from the DIFC community seeking opportunities to develop their professional and leadership capabilities.

3. Why were the scholarships announced?

The initiative aims to support the career development, professional skills and leadership ambitions of Emirati women through access to executive education.

4. What is the theme of DIFC’s Emirati Women’s Month?

The 2026 Emirati Women’s Month was held from August 28 to September 28 under the theme “Together We Rise Stronger and Better.”

5. What is DIFC Academy?

DIFC Academy is an executive learning environment within Dubai International Financial Centre that connects professionals and organisations with universities, business schools and professional education providers.

6. When did London Business School establish its Dubai campus?

London Business School established its first campus outside London in Dubai in 2007. Its Dubai campus is located within DIFC Academy.

7. What other initiatives support women at DIFC?

DIFC Innovation Hub is leading Women in Business Week, featuring programmes focused on areas including technology, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, personal branding and the future of business.