About Us
The continuing education arm of the University of Dubai, transforming careers and empowering professionals since 2005.
Center for Executive Development
Established in 2005 by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Center for Executive Development (CED) has been at the forefront of reskilling and upskilling working professionals across the UAE and the wider region.
As the continuing education arm of the University of Dubai, we offer both local and international certification programs designed to help professionals stay relevant in today's dynamic and ever-changing workplace.
To date, we have proudly trained over 20,000+ individuals, many of whom now hold senior positions in their organizations, making significant contributions across various business sectors.
20K+
Professionals Trained
20+
Years Experience
200+
Corporate Clients
Internationally
Accredited Programs
SHRM, CIPS, and more globally recognized certifications
1997
Established
University of Dubai
Founded in 1997, the University of Dubai (UD) is a prestigious private institution wholly owned by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
UD is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and holds prestigious international accreditations including AACSB (the first private university in Dubai) and ABET for its Computing and Information Systems program.
Located in Dubai Academic City, the university campus is the first LEED certified net-zero energy building in the region, generating approximately 2,000 kilowatts daily from solar panels.
AACSB
Business Accredited
ABET
Engineering & IT
CAA
UAE Ministry
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To design and deliver executive management development programs and professional certifications that upgrade skills and knowledge necessary for career advancement, enabling organizations to leverage the competitive advantage of their workforce.
Our Vision
To be a world-class center for executive education in the MENA region, empowering professionals and organizations with knowledge and skills aligned with the UAE's vision for innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
Our Core Values
Excellence
Network
Impact
Our Services
Comprehensive learning solutions for individuals and organizations
Open Enrollment Programs
Public courses covering Marketing, Finance, HR, IT, Languages, and more.
Customized Corporate Training
Tailored in-house programs designed to meet your organization's unique needs.
International Certifications
Globally recognized certifications including SHRM, CIPS, and more.
Meet Our Team
The dedicated professionals driving CED's mission of excellence in executive education
Prof. Washika Saheem
Leading the Dubai Business School with a vision for academic excellence and professional development.
Academic Leadership
Dr. Areej Aftab
Undergraduate Programs Director
Academic
Overseeing undergraduate programs and ensuring academic quality and student success.
Dr. Sania Paramb
MBA Programs Director
Academic
Directing MBA programs with focus on executive education and professional development.
Dr. Sven Horak
Professor of Management
Academic
Professor of Management specializing in Global Management, International Human Resource Management, and Leadership.
Read Full Bio
Before moving into academia, Dr. Horak held senior roles in the global automotive industry, where he managed international operations for a major multinational engineering and technology company. Based in Tokyo, Seoul, and Stuttgart, he worked closely with top management teams on key accounts, stakeholder management, and strategic execution across Asia and Europe.
Dr. Horak has held visiting professorships and academic appointments at several leading institutions, including the University of Tokyo, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, and Pennsylvania State University. He has also advised and led consulting and research initiatives for the European Commission, as well as for public and private organizations addressing strategic and leadership challenges.
He is a Fellow of the Center for International Human Resource Studies (CIHRS) at Pennsylvania State University, a member of the American Council on Germany (ACG), an alumnus of the Carnegie Council's New Leader Program, and a Trustee of the DAAD Alumni Association of the USA.
Dr. Horak holds a Ph.D. in Institutional Economics from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
Administrative Team
Ready to Transform
Your Career?
Join 20,000+ professionals who have elevated their careers with CED programs.