IE Business School Develops Custom MBA Program for Saudi Aramco

IE Business School has partnered with Saudi Aramco Training and Development (T&D) to offer a 19-month MBA program to Saudi Aramco employees. The MBA blends online learning with presential sessions in both Madrid and Dhahran and provides the opportunity for Saudi Aramco employees to implement learning on actual, work-related projects. The program began in September with 40 students.

“More than 200 employees have applied for, and gone through, the competitive application process that was required to enroll in the program. This testifies to the reputation that IE brings with them,” said Faisal A. Al Hajji, Saudi Aramco T&D.

“The 19-month program offers the same curriculum as a full-time program, but the condensed format will help enhance a number of other skills, which are essential for good management, like working under pressure, time management, and resilience,” said IE University President Santiago Iñiguez during a launch event in Dhahran.

“To make the most of your learning process, it is necessary that each of you adopt the humbleness of Socrates and accept that you know nothing.”

“Socrates’ pupils were some of the most brilliant and prominent people of the 5th century. You come from a similar profile— you were selected through a rigorous process, you belong to a major global company, you have an international profile with solid skills,” Iñiguez continued. “But to make the most of your learning process, it is necessary that each of you adopt the humbleness of Socrates and accept that you know nothing.”

Abdullah K. Helali, an engineer with the Pipeline Projects Department, hopes that the program will pave the way for leadership opportunities. “As an engineer, it was the right time in my career to acquire business acumen that would be needed for future leadership positions,” he said.

Mohammed A. Jazzaa, an engineer with the Power Systems Planning Department, added that the program will help develop business and management skills that are required for the future of Saudi Aramco.