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Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East

Gain the strategic perspective to lead the Middle East and beyond.
Total Work Experience

STARTS ON

LOCATIONS

Boston and Istanbul

PROGRAM FEE

plus VAT

ELIGIBILITY

A minimum of 10 years of work experience

Program Overview: Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME) from Harvard Business School Executive Education is designed for experienced executives who are ready to expand their strategic perspective and lead with greater impact in an increasingly complex global business environment. Through immersive modules in Istanbul and at the HBS campus in Boston, you will strengthen your ability to navigate uncertainty, make bold strategic decisions, drive innovation, and create long-term value for your organization.

Combining the renowned HBS case method with executive coaching, collaborative peer learning, and a Value Mapping Strategy Project, the program provides practical frameworks you can apply to real business challenges. You will also explore how emerging technologies, including generative AI, are reshaping marketing, technology strategy, organizational structures, and competitive dynamics, equipping you to lead digital transformation with greater strategic insight.

Key Takeaways

  • Deepen your understanding of the most pressing issues facing today’s leaders in the Middle East and beyond.

  • Capitalize on digital transformation, including AI.

  • Become a more agile leader and refine your negotiation skills.

  • Seize growth opportunities and compete successfully in a complex global economy.

  • Foster innovations that deliver value to customers and drive corporate success.

  • Align your company's operations to achieve strategic objectives and deliver value to customers.

  • Expand your ability to define, measure, and monitor performance.

  • Lead authentically and ethically at all levels and foster a culture of accountability across the organization.

Who Is the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East For?

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME) is designed for experienced senior executives who are general managers or functional leaders preparing to take on greater responsibilities or drive new growth initiatives. It is particularly well-suited for leaders working in the Middle East or with regional partners who want to sharpen their management and leadership skills in a complex and evolving business environment. Participants typically have more than 10 years of experience and may come from a wide range of organizations.

Participants typically include:

  • Senior executives, functional leaders, and general managers with 10+ years of work experience

  • Leaders preparing to assume new responsibilities or spearhead growth initiatives

  • Executives from organizations that have achieved success in the Middle East, whether independently or with regional partners

Program Highlights

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East combines leadership development with immersive learning to help you lead confidently through growth, transformation, and complexity.

Multifaceted Learning and the HBS Case

Engage in dynamic faculty-led sessions, real-world case discussions, guest speakers, and collaborative exercises designed to challenge assumptions and sharpen decision making in complex business environments.

Learning Groups

Extend learning beyond the classroom through small peer learning groups that encourage deeper discussion, reflection, feedback, and cross-industry exchange throughout the program experience.

Executive Coaching

Work one-on-one and in groups with a professional executive coach to strengthen self-awareness, refine your leadership approach, and support your ongoing personal and professional development.

Personalized Guidance from Leading Experts

Learn from renowned Harvard Business School faculty, guest speakers, and accomplished business leaders who bring global business insights and real-world leadership perspectives into the classroom.

Self-Paced Financial Accounting Course

Between modules, complete an online self-paced financial accounting course designed to strengthen your understanding of key financial concepts and support more informed strategic decision making.

360-Degree Leadership Assessment

Gain deeper insight into your leadership style, strengths, and development areas through a structured 360-degree leadership assessment integrated into the coaching experience.

Value Mapping Strategy Project

Apply program insights to a strategic challenge facing your organization by evaluating customer value, competitive positioning, and opportunities to refine strategy while developing an actionable plan for organizational impact.

Distinguished Guest Speakers

Benefit from perspectives shared by accomplished business leaders and industry experts on leadership, growth, innovation, and organizational transformation.

HBS Executive Education Alumni Status

Upon completion of the program, you will become part of the global Harvard Business School Executive Education alumni network.

Leading in the Age of AI

AI is reshaping how organizations compete, innovate, and create value. In the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East, you will explore AI through the lenses of marketing, technology strategy, competition, organizational leadership, and responsible decision-making, helping you evaluate its strategic implications for your business.
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Generative AI in Business

Explore how generative AI is transforming marketing while examining what it takes for AI to deliver meaningful value for organizations and the people they serve.

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Enterprise AI Strategy

Examine how organizations build, scale, and lead enterprise AI capabilities through cases exploring AI-first business models, technology strategy, and AI adoption across large organizations.

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AI, Competition, and Digital Ecosystems

Analyze how AI is influencing competitive dynamics, platform ecosystems, and market strategy through discussions on digital competition and the evolving role of AI in business.

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Leading Organizations in the AI Era

Discuss how AI may reshape organizational structures while exploring the opportunities, responsibilities, and societal considerations senior leaders must navigate in an AI-enabled world.

A Leadership Journey Built For Impact

A leadership journey built for impact

What You Will Learn in the SELPME Program

Designed around the challenges facing senior leaders today, the curriculum combines global strategy, leadership, innovation, digital transformation, and organizational performance to help you lead with greater strategic perspective and organizational impact.
  • Interpret global macroeconomic indicators to inform strategic decision making

  • Analyze geopolitical shifts, institutional strengths/weaknesses, and global industry evolution and their impact on competitive advantage

  • Determine where to compete and design global operating models for expansion, localization, and integration

  • Evaluate supply chain, labor, and capital market dynamics using Business, Government & the International Economy (BGIE)

  • Examine global trade rules, investment flows, and cross-border strategy using BGIE analytical tools

  • Strengthen global leadership effectiveness through communication and cross-cultural management

  • Apply principled negotiation frameworks to expand value and manage conflict effectively

  • Navigate multiparty, cross-cultural, and asymmetric information deal environments

  • Develop systematic processes for preparing, executing, and evaluating negotiations

  • Leverage simulations to test tactics and improve negotiation agility

  • Balance value creation with long-term relationship management in strategic deals

  • Design compelling value propositions aligned with customer needs, market demand, and sources of long-term advantage

  • Apply competitive positioning, industry structure analysis, and scenario planning to guide strategic direction and anticipate competitive shifts

  • Strengthen decision making using financial analysis and strategic-finance frameworks, including assessing the valuation impact of major initiatives, acquisitions, and divestitures

  • Communicate strategic priorities effectively to align corporate, business unit, and functional strategies for cohesive value creation

  • Build and sustain enterprise-wide value creation by strengthening systems that support innovation, execution, and organizational learning

  • Use design-thinking tools to uncover customer needs and prototype high-value solutions

  • Analyze disruptive innovations, and assess their impact on industries and business models

  • Build organizational systems that encourage experimentation and continuous learning

  • Evaluate strategies to scale innovation while maintaining operational discipline

  • Foster a culture that supports creativity and cross-functional collaboration

  • Design strategic dashboards, performance metrics, and reporting systems aligned with enterprise goals and long-term priorities

  • Evaluate and align organizational structures, talent systems, incentives, and communication mechanisms to drive clarity, agility, and enterprise-wide performance

  • Strengthen accountability and governance through transparent performance management and cross-functional coordination

  • Assess strategic resource allocation and capability-building decisions to support operational excellence and sustained performance

  • Apply insights from HBS cases to enhance corporate performance and decision making across business cycles

  • Apply leadership and corporate accountability frameworks to analyze complex leadership dilemmas involving ethics and risk

  • Balance stakeholder expectations while upholding organizational values and governance

  • Develop systems that reinforce transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership

  • Reflect on leadership authenticity, values, and personal purpose

  • Strengthen your ability to lead responsibly in moments of pressure and ambiguity

  • Assess the implications of AI, automation, and data-driven technologies on business models

  • Evaluate digital ecosystems, platforms, and network-based competitive dynamics

  • Lead digital transformation initiatives that enhance customer value and agility

  • Develop technology strategies aligned with long-term organizational priorities

  • Manage the organizational challenges associated with digital innovation and adoption

  • Understand the behavioral and structural barriers that impede change

  • Design holistic transformation strategies integrating people, culture, and systems

  • Lead through ambiguity by mobilizing commitment and aligning stakeholders

  • Apply change management frameworks to sustain momentum and achieve outcomes

  • Build organizational resilience to navigate continuous disruption and renewal

  • Evaluate how institutional environments, capital markets, and regulatory systems influence entrepreneurial strategy

  • Use opportunity identification frameworks to assess unmet needs and build scalable business models

  • Explore cross-border venture growth and the challenges of entering emerging and mature markets

  • Analyze country-level risks, timing, and competitive dynamics affecting global ventures

  • Apply case-based insights to understand how founders navigate uncertainty and create enduring value

Value Mapping Strategy Project

Value Mapping Strategy Project

Apply your learning to a strategic challenge facing your organization through an individual Value Mapping Strategy Project. By evaluating value from the customer's perspective, assessing your competitive positioning, and refining your strategic approach, you will develop an actionable plan to strengthen organizational performance and create lasting value.

Executive Coaching

Executive Coaching

Accelerate your leadership development through integrated executive coaching and a 360-degree leadership assessment. Working closely with a professional coach, you will gain deeper insight into your leadership strengths, identify areas for growth, and develop a personalized action plan to enhance your effectiveness as a senior leader.

Why Harvard Business School Executive Education?

Every year, executives worldwide turn to HBS Executive Education to advance their careers, fuel their ambitions, and unlock new opportunities. Participants are immersed in a transformative learning environment alongside senior leaders from leading organizations across the globe.
In-region experience

In-Region Experience

Experience immersive learning in both Istanbul and at the HBS campus in Boston.

Networking

Networking

Build lasting relationships with accomplished senior leaders across industries, functions, and global markets.

Accommodations at HBS

Accommodations at HBS

Stay on or near the HBS campus during the Boston module for a fully immersive learning experience.

 Academic resources at HBS

Academic Resources at HBS

Access Harvard Business School’s academic environment, learning resources, and world-renowned case-based learning experience.

Fitness at HBS

Fitness at HBS

Enjoy access to select fitness and wellness facilities during your time on the HBS campus.

Dining at HBS

Dining at HBS

Experience dining and hospitality designed to support learning, networking, and community engagement throughout the program.

Other HBS campus features

Other HBS Campus Features

Immerse yourself in the collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment of the Harvard Business School campus.

HBS Alumni Status

Join a global community of successful executives. Your HBS experience continues to deliver benefits long after the program ends. Graduates of the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East become alumni of Harvard Business School, joining a network of highly accomplished executives. As a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community, you will be able to:

  • Tap into a global resource of more than more than 85,000 MBA and HBS Executive Education alumni in over 160 countries

  • Connect with members of 93 HBS alumni clubs and associations worldwide at business, learning, social, and community service events

  • Access our vast database of management content and thought leadership assets at Baker Library/Bloomberg Center Services

  • Stay in touch with a lifelong HBS email forwarding address

  • Access our exclusive portal to support your career transitions

  • Take advantage of alumni-only coaching and career development opportunities, including tools for polishing your resume and networking

  • Receive a 20 percent discount on regularly priced items, including HBS Press books, Harvard Business Review article reprints, and case studies

  • Enjoy a 30 percent discount on our open-enrollment offerings

Career Impact: How SELPME Can Shape Your Next Chapter

For many participants, SELPME has been a transformative experience, opening doors to greater leadership responsibilities, enterprise-level influence, and new professional opportunities. Although every leadership path is distinct, the program has helped participants strengthen their strategic perspective, navigate pivotal career transitions, and accelerate their contributions across industries and organizations.
Amr Habis
Britt Ludvigsen
Waseem Khayata
 Sibusiso Mvelase

Hear from Our Participants

"The skills I developed are embedded in how I run my business today, in how I structure major negotiations, how I engage with government partners, and how I lead the people responsible for delivering our next phase of growth."

—Sibusiso Mvelase, program participant

Abdulrahman Alkanhal

Vice President, The Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia

My biggest takeaway was the importance of culture in an organization. If you do not have a strong culture, no matter how much you micromanage and watch people, you cannot achi...

Muna Batayneh

Director of Operations, Engineering Enterprise Company, Iraq

This program has enhanced my ability to manage the human resource side of things, and my ability to attract and retain talent, in particular, has grown. I feel equipped to dev...

Amr Habis

Deputy Secretary-General, Olayan Financing Company, Saudi Arabia

Through the first module, I’ve already gained valuable strategies for driving growth in my region’s unique economy. I’ve also learned that by looking at the big picture, I can...

Jad Karam

Chief Executive Officer, Sarooj Construction Company, Oman

The professors had a profound impact on my approach to business in general, and my company in particular. They taught me to see through the seemingly chaotic and complex situa...

Waseem Khayata

Managing Director of Investment, Finance House, Dubai

Two things: First, I wanted exposure to the latest information on various aspects of accounting and economics, and second, I wanted to enhance my time management and decision-...

Britt Ludvigsen

CEO and Founder, Texprego, Bangladesh

Before joining SELPME, I was focused on running my business. Now, I’m thinking bigger than ever

Zoya Sakr

Co-Founder and Group Editor in Chief, Online Lifestyle Network (OLN), UAE

There were some weaknesses that I needed to overcome in order to become a better leader. I was in my comfort zone, using the same old management techniques, and I wanted to de...

Past Participant Profiles

Job Titles

Job Titles

*Partial list

Countries

Top Countries

*Partial list

Where Past Participants Come From

Faculty

Faculty

Tarun Khanna is the Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at Harvard Business School. For almost three decades, he has studied entrepreneurship as a means to social and economic development in emerging markets. At HBS, he has taught courses on strategy, international business, and economic development to undergraduate and graduate students and senior executives.

Tarun Khanna

Faculty Chair

Additional Faculty

LP - HBS-SELPI - Dennis W. Campbell

Dennis W. Campbell

Dwight P. Robinson, Jr. Professor of Business Administration

Chiara Farronato

Chiara Farronato

Glenn and Mary Jane Creamer Associate Professor of Business Administration

C. Fritz Foley

C. Fritz Foley

André R. Jakurski Professor of Business Administration

Linda A. Hill

Linda A. Hill

Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration

Nien-Hê Hsieh

Nien-Hê Hsieh

Professor of Business Administration, Joseph L. Rice, III Faculty Fellow

Rebecca A. Karp

Rebecca A. Karp

Assistant Professor, Strategy Unit

Kevin P. Mohan

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

Sophus A. Reinert

Sophus A. Reinert

T.J. Dermot Dunphy Professor of Business Administration

Meg Rithmire

Meg Rithmire

F. Warren Mcfarlan Associate Professor of Business Administration

James K. Sebenius

James K. Sebenius

Gordon Donaldson Professor of Business Administration

Debora L. Spar

Debora L. Spar

MBA Class of 1952 Professor of Business Administration

Suraj Srinivasan

Suraj Srinivasan

Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Business Administration

 Jorge Tamayo

Jorge Tamayo

Assistant Professor of Business Administration

Stefan H. Thomke

Stefan H. Thomke

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration

Michael L. Tushman

Michael L. Tushman

Baker Foundation Professor, Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration

Note: The faculty list is subject to change.

Program Timeline

Program fee: US$85,000 plus value-added tax (VAT)
Program Timeline

Date

Location

Module 1

December 6 – 18, 2026

Istanbul, Türkiye

Module 2

April 11 – 23, 2027

Istanbul, Türkiye

Module 3

August 23 – September 3, 2027

HBS Campus, Boston, US

Participants should expect to spend approximately 40-50 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending Module 1 of the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to the start of the program.

Note: The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.

Application Deadlines

Round 1

Closed

Round 2

Closed

Round 3

Closed

Round 4

September 30, 2026

Please note that admissions to the program are evaluated on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend that interested participants apply early.

FAQs

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME) is a comprehensive business management program offered by Harvard Business School Executive Education. This executive training is designed to prepare leaders for the evolving business landscape in the Middle East, where countries are diversifying their economies and encouraging new industries.

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East is taught through a series of modules offered in Boston and Istanbul. The program helps executives become more capable leaders who can deliver value in a global context, drive innovation, and build accountable, high-performance organizations. Participants engage with the hallmark HBS case method, complete a Value Mapping Strategy Project, and receive executive coaching throughout the program.

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME) has a program fee of US$85,000 plus VAT. This investment in executive training includes access to world-class HBS faculty, learning experiences across international locations, executive coaching, and a lifetime membership in the Harvard Business School alumni community with its extensive benefits and networking opportunities.

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME) has specific eligibility requirements that ensure participants can maximize the value of this executive training. The program requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience, and participants should hold senior executive, functional leadership, or general management roles with experience working in the Middle East or with regional partners. The program is designed for leaders from various organizations, including large established companies, entrepreneurial ventures, family businesses, multinational firms, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME) spans nine months with a unique format that maximizes learning and the development of a global perspective while minimizing consecutive days away from the office. The program consists of three in-person modules requiring just six weeks total away from the office over the course of the nine-month duration. Modules 1 and 2 will take place in Istanbul for four weeks, Module 3 is at the HBS campus in Boston, United States, for two weeks. This thoughtfully designed training schedule allows senior executives to maintain their professional responsibilities while participating in this comprehensive leadership program across one in Boston and two in Istanbul.

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East (SELPME) offers significant value through its comprehensive approach and long-term benefits. Key takeaways from this program include strategic thinking and competitive advantage skills, innovation leadership capabilities, authentic and ethical leadership development, enhanced decision making and negotiation confidence, and a valuable peer network spanning functions, industries, and countries. The training also provides Harvard Business School alumni status with lifetime membership benefits, access to a global network of 85,000+ MBA and HBS Executive Education alumni in 160+ countries, access to 93 HBS alumni clubs and associations worldwide, ongoing career development and coaching opportunities, and discounts on HBS resources and future programs. The combination of world-class faculty, the proven HBS case method, international exposure, executive coaching, and lifelong alumni benefits makes the Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East a substantial investment in leadership development and career advancement.

The Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East is designed to help experienced executives strengthen their strategic judgment, broaden their global business perspective, and navigate complex leadership challenges. Through the HBS case method, executive coaching, immersive learning, and a Value Mapping Strategy Project, you will gain practical frameworks that can be applied to strategic priorities within your organization. Upon completion, you will also join the Harvard Business School alumni community, gaining access to lifelong learning resources and a global network of accomplished executives.

Yes. The program follows a modular format designed for working executives, requiring six weeks away from the office across three in-person modules in Istanbul and at the Harvard Business School campus in Boston. Between modules, you will continue your learning through activities such as the Value Mapping Strategy Project and a self-paced financial accounting course.

The program is designed for experienced senior executives, general managers, and functional leaders who are assuming broader responsibilities or driving growth initiatives. It is particularly suited to leaders whose organizations operate in the Middle East or work with regional partners and who want to strengthen their ability to lead in an increasingly complex business environment.

Many participants receive sponsorship from their organizations as part of their executive development initiatives. If you are self-funding, you can speak with a program advisor to discuss available payment options and identify an approach that best suits your needs.

The curriculum explores global strategy, negotiations, value-based strategy, innovation, digital transformation, performance management, leadership, and organizational change. Learning is highly applied through the HBS case method, executive coaching, collaborative peer learning, simulations, and a Value Mapping Strategy Project focused on a strategic challenge within your own organization.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will become part of the HBS alumni community, joining a global network of accomplished executives and gaining access to exclusive lifelong learning resources. Please contact an enrollment advisor for the latest information regarding the credential awarded upon successful completion.

The program is delivered through immersive, in-person modules in the Middle East and at the HBS campus in Boston. For the latest information about the learning experience and participant resources, please speak with an enrollment advisor.

The program combines immersive in-person learning with activities completed between modules. If you anticipate missing a session or require additional support, you should contact the program team as early as possible to discuss the options available.

The program is designed to strengthen the capabilities required for broader executive leadership responsibilities rather than prepare participants for a specific role or industry transition. The knowledge and perspectives gained can support leaders as they navigate new challenges, expanded responsibilities, and evolving business environments.

To apply, you must complete and submit an online application. Applications are reviewed to assess alignment between the program and the applicant's professional experience and leadership responsibilities. The brochure does not publish acceptance rates or admissions selectivity. An enrollment advisor can guide you through the application process and eligibility requirements.

Connect With an Emeritus Learning Advisor for a 1:1 Session

Email: hbs_selpme@emeritus.org

Phone: UAE +971 80 0088601089 | US +1 315 667 1897 | UK +44 1233 225154 | LATAM +52 55970 70428 | SG +65 3129 8406 | India* +000 8009191947

*If you are dialing the India number, please make sure to include the first three zeros (000).

We encourage early application due to limited cohort capacity.

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