https://arab.news/cpjwn
RIYADH: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship is set to break new ground by introducing its first undergraduate programs within the next one to two years.
This step will allow Saudi students to access a world-class business education locally, eliminating the need to travel abroad for elite academic opportunities.
“For a long time, Saudis who wanted top-tier business training had no choice but to go to the US or Europe,” said Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC. “With this program, we’re ensuring they can stay in the Kingdom while receiving an education on par with the best institutions in the world.”
This initiative coincides with a pivotal shift in the global business landscape, as the Middle East cements itself as a key driver of growth and innovation.
Degraeve highlighted the region’s rising significance, saying: “The future of business is here. Europe is stagnating, the US remains dynamic, but the Middle East is where the greatest opportunities lie. This region needs a business school that not only meets global standards but is also deeply rooted in its context to develop leaders who will define its future.”
The undergraduate programs will adopt MBSC’s distinctive approach, blending rigorous academics with practical leadership development. “Our focus is on creating leaders who think critically, act decisively, and create tangible value,” Degraeve said. “It’s about combining knowledge with the interpersonal and decision-making skills required to succeed in complex, collaborative environments.”
Currently, MBSC offers a range of graduate programs, including an Executive MBA and master’s degrees in finance and management. These programs have already delivered significant outcomes for graduates, with many doubling their salaries within three years of completing their studies. Additionally, MBSC has cultivated a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship, with several startups launched by its alumni making their mark across the Kingdom.
Degraeve said that this expansion is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, a blueprint for transforming the Kingdom into a hub for education, innovation, and leadership.
“With our undergraduate programs, we’re not just giving students an alternative to studying abroad,” he said. “We’re building the foundation for a generation of leaders who will shape the Middle East as the next frontier for global business.”
As MBSC broadens its offerings, it aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s standing in the global academic and economic landscape. “This is about more than education,” Degraeve said. “It’s about preparing the Kingdom’s future leaders to drive change from within and for the region.”