Amazon UAE and the American University in Dubai (AUD) today announced the launch of a MicroMaster program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, bringing Amazon’s world-class innovation expertise directly into the classroom. This collaboration reflects Amazon and AUD’s shared vision to empower future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to drive innovation, support economic development, and shape impactful, sustainable solutions in the region and beyond.
Set to begin in May 2026, the MicroMaster comprises of three graduate-level courses: Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which explores how organizations generate and sustain innovation across multiple functions and stages of evolution; Social Innovation, which examines impact-driven business models and the policies that enable environmental and social change; and Commercialization of Innovation, which focuses on identifying, nurturing, and bringing innovative ideas to market.
Prashant Saran, Director of Operations of Amazon Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, said: “We are proud to work alongside AUD in launching this MicroMaster program. By sharing Amazon’s industry expertise, global and local insights, as well as case studies from our innovation journey, we are directly supporting AUD’s mission to equip today’s learners with the practical skills and strategic knowledge that will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to developing local talent and empowering the communities we serve – helping students create solutions that drive meaningful, positive change across diverse business environments.”
Students will develop entrepreneurial skills through hands-on assessments, industry-informed projects, stakeholder engagement, and guest lectures from Amazon subject-matter experts. Upon completion, students will receive a joint AUD-Amazon certificate, with credits applicable toward AUD’s Master of Science in Innovation Management.
Dr. Kyle Long, President of the American University in Dubai, highlighted: “This MicroMaster reflects AUD’s commitment to developing advanced innovation capabilities in the UAE through career-focused and experiential learning. We are delighted to join forces with Amazon to co-design a set of graduate-level courses that integrate applied projects, case studies, and industry-developed learning materials. The MicroMaster prepares students to navigate the full innovation lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization, providing opportunities to work on industry-informed projects, analyze real business scenarios, and apply evidence-based approaches to sustainable business models. It also provides a direct pathway into AUD’s Master of Science in Innovation Management, reinforcing AUD’s role as a leader in developing future-focused talent”.
