School of Management | Research and Innovation

Advancing Business Knowledge Through High-Impact, Mission-Driven Research

The School of Management (SOM) at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is a leading hub for business education, research, and innovation in the UAE. We nurture a dynamic and impactful academic culture that advances entrepreneurship, creativity, sustainability, and digital transformation, reflecting CUD institutional mission and the UAE national vision for a knowledge-based economy.

Our mission is to develop the next generation of future-ready business leaders and entrepreneurs through transformative learning experiences grounded in rigorous practical education, strong corporate ethics, and impactful research. Our research is mission-driven, globally oriented, and closely aligned with UAE Vision 2031, the nation’s economic diversification agenda, and the strategic priority of cultivating a competitive and knowledge-driven economy. Across our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, we promote research excellence, advance industry collaboration, and support engaged scholarship that shapes policies, strengthens organizations, and generates real-world impact.

Positioned at the heart of Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem, the SOM is committed to being a premier destination for business education, one that combines international academic standards with regional relevance and empowers graduates to lead, innovate, and transform the future of business locally and globally.

Our Research Commitment

Our research culture is driven by purpose, grounded in evidence, and aligned with the UAE’s national priorities of innovation, diversification, and sustainable growth. Faculty members and students across the SOM contribute to research that is academically rigorous, ethically responsible, and impactful for the industry and society. SOM is committed to research that:

  • promotes responsible, ethical, and sustainable business practices across organizations and communities.
  • advances entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems in supporting the development of new ventures and creative economic activities.
  • leverages emerging and disruptive technologies, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making.
  • addresses local and global societal challenges, contributing solutions that support economic resilience, inclusive growth, and community well-being.
  • enhances leadership, learning, and talent development, shaping the capabilities required for tomorrow’s business environment.

Together, these commitments reflect our mission to drive meaningful and impactful research that informs practice, shapes policy, and strengthens the economy, communities, and societies.

The School of Management has established five interdisciplinary Research Groups that serve as collaborative hubs for faculty and student research activities. These groups strengthen internal and external partnerships and align with both institutional and national priorities.

The Sustain & Transform Research Group focuses on advancing responsible and sustainable business practices aligned with the UAE’s national goals, including Net Zero 2050 and long-term economic resilience. By integrating sustainability science, corporate governance, and applied business research, the group examines how organizations can transition to environmentally and socially responsible models. Its work includes analyzing ESG reporting and disclosure, exploring sustainable finance mechanisms, assessing renewable and circular economy strategies, and supporting business transformation toward net-zero outcomes.

Goals:   

  • High-Impact Publications: This group is committed to publishing rigorous, relevant research in reputable journals that contributes new insights into sustainability, ESG, and responsible management research.
  • Global Conference Engagement: Members actively present their work at recognized conferences and academic forums, fostering collaboration, exchanging knowledge with global scholars, and shaping the evolving landscape of sustainable business practices.
  • Strengthening Industry Engagement: Enhance collaboration with UAE businesses, government entities, and nonprofit organizations to support applied sustainability research and generate case studies grounded in regional transformation priorities.

Members

The Innovation and Venture Research Group examines entrepreneurial ecosystems, fintech, digital innovation, and new venture creation across the UAE and beyond. By integrating entrepreneurship research, technology trends, and applied business insights, the group investigates how startups emerge, scale, and thrive in dynamic market conditions. The areas of focus include digital-first business models, innovative financing, the Dubai innovation ecosystem, and entrepreneurial learning within higher education.

Goals:   

  • High-Impact Publications: This group aims to contribute to influential research on entrepreneurship, innovation strategy, and digital ventures in well-regarded academic journals.
  • Global Conference Engagement: Members participate in international conferences to share new findings, engage with global entrepreneurship scholars, and shape the future of innovation-driven economies.
  • Strengthening Industry Engagement: Building stronger ties with the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, including startups, incubators, and government partners, to generate applied research and insights relevant to entrepreneurial growth.

Members

The Human Capital Intelligence Research Group investigates how organizations develop, support, and empower people in digitally evolving workspaces. By integrating HR analytics, leadership studies, and organizational behavior, the group explores workforce well-being, engagement, and talent development, in line with the UAE’s emphasis on happiness, productivity, and human capital development. Research topics include data-driven HR decision-making, leadership behavior, employee experience, and future work dynamics.

Goals:   

  • High-Impact Publications: This group publishes evidence-based studies on workforce analytics, leadership, well-being and organizational behavior.
  • Global Conference Engagement: Participate in leading management and psychology conferences to contribute to global discussions on human capital development.
  • Strengthening Industry Engagement: Partner with UAE organizations to support applied research on workplace culture, employee experience, and talent development, consistent with national human capital priorities.

Members

The Global Strategy & Markets Research Group focuses on international business, competitive strategies, trade flows, and emerging markets. Leveraging Dubai’s strategic role as a global commerce hub, the group analyzes how organizations navigate cross-border environments, develop global competitiveness, and adapt to market dynamics. The topics include global supply chains, market entry strategies, international trade policy, and comparative global case studies.

Goals:   

  • High-Impact Publications: This group aims to contribute rigorous research on global strategy, emerging markets, and international trade to top-tier business journals in the field.
  • Global Conference Engagement: Members actively participate in leading conferences to build global scholarly networks and shape the emerging discussions on international business strategy.
  • Strengthening Industry Engagement: Collaborate with multinational firms, chambers of commerce, and trade organizations in the UAE to support applied research on global competitiveness and international business strategies.

Members

The Frontiers & Futures Research Group explores interdisciplinary and future-focused themes at the intersection of technology, behavior, and society. By integrating insights from digital ethics, AI and society, behavioral economics, and sustainability–technology convergence, this group examines the emerging phenomena shaping tomorrow’s business landscape. The areas of inquiry include digital transformation, ethical adoption of technology, human–technology behavior, and innovative models for sustainable futures.

Goals:   

  • High-Impact Publications: The group seeks to produce forward-looking scholarship that contributes to leading journals in AI and society, behavioral sciences, and emerging management fields.
  • Global Conference Engagement: Members share their innovations at international conferences and collaborate with global researchers to explore new directions in the future of business and technology.
  • Strengthening Industry Engagement: Partnerships with technology firms, innovation labs, and policy organizations should be built to support applied research on digital transformation, ethical tech adoption, and future business trends.

Members

The School of Management advances its mission through three strategic pillars that reflect its commitment to leadership, innovation, and the future of business. These pillars guide our programs, research, and partnerships, ensuring that our students are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

1. IGNITE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Empowering founders, innovators, and value creators

We cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that transforms ideas into ventures. Through experiential learning, mentorship, and close engagement with Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem, we develop leaders capable of building, scaling, and transforming organizations that contribute to economic growth and societal advancement of the UAE.

2. INNOVATE BOLDLY

Reimagining business through creativity and forward thinking

We push the boundaries of management education by integrating emerging technologies, contemporary pedagogy and real-world problem-solving. Our learning environment encourages creativity, experimentation, and innovation, advancing new models, solutions, and pathways for sustainable transformation.

3. ADVANCE WITH AI

Leading the future of intelligent and data-driven businesses

We prepare students and industry partners to thrive in an AI-powered environment. Through digital transformation research, hands-on AI applications, and data-informed decision-making, we equip learners with the analytical, strategic, and ethical competencies required for leadership in the intelligent economy.