Education

London Business School (LBS), a global leader in business education, hosted its annual Worldwide Alumni Celebration (WAC) events in Dubai and Riyadh, reinforcing its growing presence across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The events, part of a global series held in over 70 cities, gathered LBS alumni, thought leaders, and business executives to discuss the latest developments in leadership, strategy, and organizational transformation.

The Dubai session, held at Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai, featured a faculty talk by Professor Freek Vermeulen, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. His session, titled “Strategy and Uncertainty: How do you make strategy when so many variables are unknown and changing?”, explored approaches to strategic decision-making amid volatility, drawing insights from both academic research and corporate practice.

In Riyadh, the event took place at the Sidra Compound, Al Muhaidib Family residence, and featured Professor Randall Peterson, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at LBS. His session focused on managing values-based conflicts — a growing challenge for modern organizations navigating societal expectations and stakeholder diversity. He emphasized the importance of finding deep accommodations rather than surface compromises when addressing conflicting values.

Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, attended the events and highlighted the importance of global engagement:

“The Worldwide Alumni Celebration is a testament to the strength and spirit of our community. Across the Gulf, our alumni are driving innovation and growth, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Emily Robin, Associate Dean of Advancement at LBS, added:

“Our alumni embody the School’s impact — ambitious, collaborative, and globally engaged. Events like these reinforce our commitment to shaping leaders who make a lasting difference.”

Since establishing its Middle East presence in 2007, London Business School has deepened its regional ties through world-class degree and executive education programmes. The School’s alumni network continues to expand, with over 1,400 alumni in the UAE and more than 800 in Saudi Arabia.

In line with its continued regional growth, the School announced plans to open a new Executive Education Office in Riyadh, further strengthening its role in leadership development and supporting organizations in transformation.

Ranked first globally in the Financial Times 2025 Executive Education ranking for open programmes, LBS continues to equip business leaders with the tools to adapt, innovate, and lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.

The Worldwide Alumni Celebration underscores the School’s mission to foster a globally connected community that transforms the way the world does business — from London to Riyadh, Dubai, Lagos, and beyond.

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