Latest news with #MBSC


Arab News
14-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kingdom's world-class business school, has celebrated its largest graduating class to date, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine business education in Saudi Arabia. A total of 476 graduates were honored this year across the Executive MBA, Master in Finance, and Master in Management programs — an impressive 44 percent increase from 2024. The graduating class reflects MBSC's continued momentum and strategic expansion across the Kingdom. In 2023, the school graduated 102 students; by 2024, that number rose to 330 — and now, 476 in 2025 — demonstrating a strong and sustained growth in demand for MBSC's programs. This year's graduates represent a dynamic mix of professionals from across Saudi Arabia's key sectors, including finance, government, telecommunications, and energy. The cohort includes a rising number of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior executives committed to driving innovation and positive impact in their fields. MBSC delivers its graduate programs across two locations: King Abdullah Economic City, its home campus, and Riyadh, in partnership with stc Academy. This geographic spread ensures increased accessibility while offering a consistently high standard of experiential, world-class education. Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: 'This record-breaking class of graduates represents more than just numbers — it signals a growing community of empowered, purpose-driven leaders. Our mission is to nurture transformative individuals who will lead with clarity, creativity, and courage. These graduates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and we are proud to be part of their journey.' MBSC's programs are uniquely designed to meet the evolving needs of today's business landscape, offering hands-on, practical learning that prepares graduates to lead in complex, fast-moving environments. The school's rigorous admission process ensures a diverse and high-calibre student body, many of whom hold key roles in both private and public sectors. 'MBSC has given me more than just an education — it gave me clarity in my leadership style and the confidence to make bold decisions,' said Ahmed Alsamaani, an Executive MBA graduate from the class of 2025. 'As a young Saudi woman in finance, this program shaped my voice and gave me the tools to make a meaningful impact in my field,' said Badour Alhejailan, a Master in Finance graduate. Another student, Abdulrahman Khalid Alabaykan, a Master in Management graduate, added: 'Studying at MBSC while continuing my career allowed me to apply what I learned in real time, transforming the way I contribute to my workplace.' MBSC continues to strengthen its position as a hub for high-impact, future-focused education in the Kingdom. With its pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach to teaching and learning, the college remains committed to developing principled, effective leaders who will play an essential role in achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions.


Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MBSC celebrates record-breaking graduation with 476 graduates in 2025
King Abdullah Economic City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC), the Kingdom's world-class business school, has proudly celebrated its largest graduating class to date, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine business education in Saudi Arabia. A total of 476 graduates were honored in 2025 across the Executive MBA, Master in Finance (MiF), and Master in Management (MiM) programs—an impressive 44% increase from 2024. The graduating class reflects MBSC's continued momentum and strategic expansion across the Kingdom. In 2023, the School graduated 102 students; by 2024, that number rose to 330—and now, 476 in 2025—demonstrating strong and sustained growth in demand for MBSC's programs. This year's graduates represent a dynamic mix of professionals from across Saudi Arabia's key sectors, including finance, government, telecommunications, and energy. The cohort includes a rising number of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior executives committed to driving innovation and positive impact in their fields. MBSC delivers its graduate programs across two locations: King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), its home campus, and Riyadh, in partnership with stc Academy. This geographic spread ensures increased accessibility while offering a consistently high standard of experiential, world-class education. Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBSC, commented: 'This record-breaking class of graduates represents more than just numbers—it signals a growing community of empowered, purpose-driven leaders. Our mission is to nurture transformative individuals who will lead with clarity, creativity, and courage. These graduates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and we are proud to be part of their journey.' MBSC's programs are uniquely designed to meet the evolving needs of today's business landscape, offering hands-on, practical learning that prepares graduates to lead in complex, fast-moving environments. The School's rigorous admissions process ensures a diverse and high-calibre student body, many of whom hold key roles in both private and public sectors. Graduates from the Class of 2025 shared their reflections: 'MBSC has given me more than just an education—it gave me clarity in my leadership style and the confidence to make bold decision,' said Ahmed Alsamaani, Executive MBA graduate. 'As a young Saudi woman in finance, this program shaped my voice and gave me the tools to make a meaningful impact in my field. said Badour Alhejailan, Master in Finance graduate. 'Studying at MBSC while continuing my career allowed me to apply what I learned in real time, transforming the way I contribute to my workplace,' said Abdulrahman Khalid Alabaykan, Master in Management graduate. MBSC continues to strengthen its position as a hub for high-impact, future-focused education in the Kingdom. With its pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach to teaching and learning, the College remains committed to developing principled, effective leaders who will play an essential role in achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions.


Arab News
13-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Balanced growth beyond Riyadh vital to Vision 2030, says MBSC dean
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030, ensuring balanced regional development is crucial, according to a senior academic. Zeger Degraeve, dean of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship, emphasized the importance of spreading development beyond Riyadh during an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Human Capability Initiative in the capital. 'Economic development of the Kingdom outside of the capital city of Riyadh is critical,' Degraeve said. 'That still is the intent of KAEC. It's also the intent of NEOM… you have to bring the whole city along in an economic development process, the whole country.' He drew parallels with the UK, pointing to regional disparities as a factor in Brexit. 'It's one of the reasons for Brexit, for instance, because of the imbalance in economic development between London and the rest of the UK,' he added. Degraeve also underscored the role of education in driving sustainable growth, noting that the sector is key to preparing young Saudis for leadership and innovation in a diversified economy. 'Education is a critical strategic sector in Saudi Arabia, with 36 million people and 70 percent below 30,' he noted. 'There's an enormous market that underlines the importance of the sector.' MBSC is experiencing rapid growth in student enrollment, signaling strong demand for high-quality academic programs aligned with Saudi Arabia's evolving economic landscape. 'Four years ago, we graduated 40 students and the next year we graduated 100 students. That was already two and a half times the size of the school,' said Degraeve. 'But the year after we graduated 320 students… and this year we have graduated 480 students.' 'That's an enormous growth which shows the market interest in premium business education in the Kingdom,' he added. Degraeve credited the surge to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative, which he said has inspired young Saudis to seek world-class business education that equips them for a dynamic future. 'It is Vision 2030,' he said. 'The Saudi youth is really inspired by the business future of the Kingdom… and they are looking for good world-class business education. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College provides that alternative.' In response to rising demand across the country, MBSC has expanded its reach through regional partnerships and diversified program delivery. 'Since 2021, we work in partnership with STC Academy to offer our executive MBA program, or Master in Management and a Master in Finance programs here in Riyadh,' Degraeve said. He continued: 'Through Riyadh, we have access to Dammam as well. We are offering programs in KAEC also, which allow us to access Makkah and Madinah.' The college's modular program format has also made it easier for working professionals to pursue advanced education without stepping away from their careers. 'It's a format where students fly in, stay for four days in the program, four days per month over the weekend, and then they are back in the full-time employment,' he explained. Degraeve emphasized that MBSC's mission is closely aligned with the Kingdom's drive to unlock new economic value and diversify its economy. 'The main aim of Vision 2030 is diversification of Saudi's economy,' he said. 'You diversify an economy by taking many, many, many initiatives, value-creating initiatives in a wide range of businesses and industries.' 'Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College develops leaders,' he added. 'Leaders do essentially two things… they think about new value-creating initiatives… but that's not sufficient. Leadership also requires us to act. We sharpen… our students' execution skills.' To date, the college has graduated more than 1,200 students, whom Degraeve described as 'leaders for the future of the Kingdom.' He also stressed the importance of preparing students for success on the global stage. 'Actually, we have a duty. It's a responsibility for us to connect with international organizations,' he said. Degraeve added: 'We make them especially effective to work in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region… but business is a global activity.' MBSC has partnered with leading international institutions, including Babson College in the US and Oxford University in the UK, to strengthen its global outlook and educational offerings.

Zawya
30-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) College Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Entrepreneurial Leadership Programs
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) ( and Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business&Entrepreneurship (MBSC) have signed agreements to foster entrepreneurial skills and leadership excellence in IsDB Member Countries and Muslim Communities. This collaboration aims to launch two innovative programs: the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program and the Strategic Business Leadership Program. These programs integrate Islamic finance values and instruments to foster economic growth in Member Countries. The programs will be hosted by MBSC and delivered jointly by both institutions. Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, and Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBS College, signed the agreements during a ceremony at the IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah on 29 January 2025. The Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills, knowledge, networks, values and training needed for successful entrepreneurial ventures. The Strategic Business Leadership Program aims to develop the key attributes of entrepreneurial success: personal attributes, including behavior, personality, and capabilities, as well as business attributes such as its structure, goals, and performance management. Both programs will include a series of interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and real-world projects. Participants are expected to gain valuable insights into innovative thinking, business planning, and effective problem-solving. In his comments on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem said, 'We are very excited about the partnership with the MBS College. As the knowledge beacon of the IsDB Group, we hope that the joint programs with MBSC will create a new breed of business leaders and entrepreneurs who successfully capitalize on the principles of Islamic finance to stimulate economic progress in their communities. Human capital is our greatest resource, and it is important that we equip our youth with the right tools and skills to face the emerging challenges of the future.' Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBSC, said, 'This partnership underscores MBSC's dedication to fostering entrepreneurial leaders who can contribute to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 and beyond. By integrating Islamic finance principles with practical business strategies, these programs will empower participants to address real-world challenges and drive sustainable economic and social value, both within the Kingdom and across IsDB Member Countries.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI). For more information about the two programs, please contact Yahya Rehman at yrehman@ About the Islamic Development Bank Institute: The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on About MBS College: Situated in King Abdullah Economic City, a contemporary urban centre that provides an unparalleled modern environment for both students and faculty. MBSC offers world-class education from Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia in both King Abdullah Economic City and Riyadh, delivering practical, pragmatic, hands-on experiential learning to develop a new generation of transformative leaders.


Zawya
30-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IsDBI and MBS College announce strategic partnership to deliver entrepreneurial leadership programs
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC) have signed agreements to foster entrepreneurial skills and leadership excellence in IsDB Member Countries and Muslim Communities. This collaboration aims to launch two innovative programs: the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program and the Strategic Business Leadership Program. These programs integrate Islamic finance values and instruments to foster economic growth in Member Countries. The programs will be hosted by MBSC and delivered jointly by both institutions. Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, and Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBS College, signed the agreements during a ceremony at the IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah on 29 January 2025. The Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills, knowledge, networks, values and training needed for successful entrepreneurial ventures. The Strategic Business Leadership Program aims to develop the key attributes of entrepreneurial success: personal attributes, including behavior, personality, and capabilities, as well as business attributes such as its structure, goals, and performance management. Both programs will include a series of interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and real-world projects. Participants are expected to gain valuable insights into innovative thinking, business planning, and effective problem-solving. In his comments on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem said, 'We are very excited about the partnership with the MBS College. As the knowledge beacon of the IsDB Group, we hope that the joint programs with MBSC will create a new breed of business leaders and entrepreneurs who successfully capitalize on the principles of Islamic finance to stimulate economic progress in their communities. Human capital is our greatest resource, and it is important that we equip our youth with the right tools and skills to face the emerging challenges of the future.' Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBSC, said, 'This partnership underscores MBSC's dedication to fostering entrepreneurial leaders who can contribute to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 and beyond. By integrating Islamic finance principles with practical business strategies, these programs will empower participants to address real-world challenges and drive sustainable economic and social value, both within the Kingdom and across IsDB Member Countries.' For more information about the two programs, please contact Yahya Rehman at yrehman@ About the Islamic Development Bank Institute The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on About MBS College Situated in King Abdullah Economic City, a contemporary urban centre that provides an unparalleled modern environment for both students and faculty. MBSC offers world-class education from Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia in both King Abdullah Economic City and Riyadh, delivering practical, pragmatic, hands-on experiential learning to develop a new generation of transformative leaders.