Manchester Business School opened its Middle East Centre in UAE at the Knowledge Hub called the "Dubai Knowledge Village" in 2006. The centre provides support and co-ordination to about 1000 students in the Middle east region, all of whom are experienced functional specialists or business managers. Over 78 nationalities are represented in the student body.Dubai and the region continues to be an area of economic growth, with a solid business infrastructure, a healthy and developing business environment, areas of skills development that are supported by government, and businesses that are facing the challenges of maintaining economic growth through a period of economic change.Dubai shares many similarities with Manchester; both are dynamic and vibrant cities that have transformed themselves to make a major impact on the world. Manchester was at the heart of the first industrial revolution and is still today a centre of research, innovation and learning; and Dubai is at the forefront of the new wave of 21st century, knowledge-based economies.The Middleeast centre based in Block 2B ,at the knowledge hub, Dubai Knowledge Village, offers study, library and classroom facilities for students and visiting faculty from MBS, as well has office space for the MBS Worldwide regional team, which co-ordinates and supports all student activities, including highly interactive and intensive workshops conducted by visiting faculty from MBS. A recent expansion at the centre has also increased the range of facilities available for students.Masterclasses are often held for the network of students and alumni in the region, with organized events including free public seminars.We are delighted to have our first MBA graduates from the Middle East; the first three students were recently awarded their MBA degrees from the University of Manchester. To mark this significant milestone, we have also launched the MBS Worldwide Alumni Association-Middle East.
