Latest news with #ZegerDegraeve
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MBSC achieves full institutional accreditation from the NCAAA
Jeddah – Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC), the Kingdom's world-class business school, proudly announces its attainment of full institutional accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA). This significant achievement underscores MBSC's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and its alignment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives for higher education. The NCAAA, established in 2004, serves as the official accrediting body in the Kingdom, promoting quality and optimal learning outcomes through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services for higher education institutions. Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said: ''Achieving full institutional accreditation from the NCAAA is a moment of great pride for all of us at MBSC. This is important external validation of the school's unwavering commitment to world-class academic quality, innovation, and creating a meaningful impact in the Saudi educational landscape. This milestone recognizes our dedication to developing globally competitive graduates who are prepared to lead in today's rapidly evolving world.' Enas Khawqandi, Chief of Quality and Development, added: 'This accreditation is the result of extensive collaborative efforts across the school. It enhances confidence in MBSC's academic integrity, research rigor, and operational excellence — and reinforces our position as a trusted academic partner locally and globally.' Located 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. The school delivers practical, hands-on experiential learning designed to develop a new generation of transformative leaders.
Arab News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Qassim region sees 25% growth in business sector over 7 years: Ministry of Commerce
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Qassim region has experienced 25 percent growth in its business sector over the past seven years, reflecting increased economic activity and contributing to the Kingdom's goal of balanced development. The number of commercial records in the central region rose from 68,000 in 2018 to 85,000 by the end of the first quarter of this year, the Ministry of Commerce reported in a post on its official X account. The latest figures showed that the Qassim region saw 1,342 e-commerce registrations, contributing to the overall 6 percent year-on-year increase in the sector. The increase comes as the Kingdom pushes ahead with its economic diversification strategy, aiming to increase the private sector's share of the gross domestic product from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030. This effort is reflected in a 60 percent increase in commercial registrations in 2024 across the Kingdom, with a total of 521,969 records issued, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Business registrations continued to rise in early 2025, with 154,638 commercial records issued in the first quarter alone, representing a 48 percent year-on-year increase. The ministry report highlighted 'critical sectors' for the Kingdom include technology, tourism, and entertainment, as well as research and development. The report added: 'These sectors offer businesses significant opportunities to grow and expand partnerships.' According to the Ministry of Commerce, a commercial registration certificate verifies a business's official status within Saudi Arabia. These records are essential for operating in the Kingdom, as they are required to open a bank account, hire employees, sign contracts, and conduct other business activities. The data also showed that 71 percent of the total commercial records issued were concentrated in three key regions: Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province. This surge in registrations aligns with recent reforms to Saudi Arabia's business registration system, including the introduction of the new Commercial Register Law and Trade Names Law. Subsidiary registers have also been abolished, meaning that one commercial register now covers all businesses, and companies no longer need to specify the city of registration, as a single enrollment is now valid nationwide. The bulletin also revealed that 45 percent of the total commercial records issued to institutions are owned by women. In an interview with Arab News in April on the sidelines of the Human Capability Initiative held in the capital, Zeger Degraeve, dean of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship, emphasized that ensuring balanced regional development is crucial as Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. The rise in business registrations in Qassim is aligning with its growing industrial sector, supported by its rich mineral resources, which are a key focus of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 diversification plan. The region's SR122 billion ($32.5 billion) in untapped mineral wealth, including significant deposits of gold, copper, zinc, and phosphate, contributes to the area's industrial development, which has seen substantial growth.
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.
