Corporate Governance and Ethics Certification

Participants develop practical governance skills through real-world case studies and applied learning.

Program Overview

This executive certification equips participants with in-depth, practical knowledge of corporate governance, ethical leadership, and regulatory compliance. With a sharp focus on UAE’s evolving legal and business environment, the program empowers professionals to lead ethically, govern effectively, and foster transparency, accountability, and integrity in both private and public sector organizations.

Mode of Delivery

On-campus (AUE) or live virtual delivery
Case study-based learning
Governance simulations and boardroom role-playing
Expert-led workshops and UAE-specific regulation analysis.

Target Audience

This program is designed for:

1. Senior executives and department heads
2. Public and private sector leaders
3. Directors, policymakers, and high-potential leaders
4. Entrepreneurs, board members, and change agents
5. Individuals preparing for C-suite or executive roles in the UAE/GCC

Objectives of the Training Program

By the end of the program, participants will:

Understand the principles and frameworks of modern corporate governance
Apply ethical decision-making in leadership and strategic planning
Interpret and apply key UAE regulations (SCA, CB UAE, Ministry of Economy)
Develop governance models aligned with international best practices (OECD, IFC)
Navigate board dynamics, stakeholder conflicts, and risk oversight
Promote transparency, sustainability, and integrity in corporate behaviour
Lead governance reform and ethical culture in their organizations

Course Description

Participants will explore:

Board structures, duties, and governance codes
Ethics in leadership, stakeholder accountability, and transparency
UAE-specific frameworks: SCA regulations, Central Bank directives, ESR, AML, and CbCR
Crisis governance and whistleblower protections
Case studies from UAE and GCC corporate failures and recoveries
Simulations of boardroom scenarios and ethical dilemmas

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:
1. Define and apply good governance and ethical leadership principles
2. Evaluate real-world governance failures and recovery strategies
3. Design and implement board policies, codes of ethics, and whistleblower systems
4. Assess organizational compliance with UAE and GCC governance requirements
5. Conduct stakeholder engagement and ethical risk analysis
6. Lead board meetings, audits, and ethical reviews effectively

Methodology

1. Interactive case studies (local and global)
2. Role-playing and board simulations
3. Regulatory framework walkthroughs
4. Scenario-based ethical decision-making
5. Peer collaboration and best practice benchmarking

Certification

1. Certificate of Completion – American University in the Emirates (AUE)
2. Attendance certificates are attested by KHDA.
3. Optional 2.5 Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

Strategic Relevance

1. Supports UAE Corporate Governance Code & Sustainability Reporting mandates
2. Aligned with OECD Principles of Corporate Governance
3. Builds professional capacity in ethical leadership, compliance, and risk oversight

Schedule & Topics

Workshop Schedule and Topics

7 Days 4 Hours / Day

Day

Session Title

Hours

Focus & Learning Outcomes

Day 1

Foundations of Corporate Governance and Board Responsibilities

4 hrs

Duties, independence, and board composition

Day 2

Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making in Governance

4 hrs

Integrity, accountability, and culture

Day 3

Risk Management, Internal Controls & Audit Oversight

4 hrs

Risk frameworks, internal audit, enterprise risk

Day 4

UAE Corporate Governance Regulations: SCA, CB UAE, ESR, AML

4 hrs

Regulatory analysis and compliance application

Day 5

Stakeholder Management and Shareholder Rights

4 hrs

Transparency, investor relations, conflict resolution

Day 6

Case Studies: UAE & Global Governance Failures and Lessons Learned

4 hrs

Real-life boardroom scenarios and reform practices

Day 7

Capstone Simulation: Leading an Ethical Boardroom

4 hrs

Simulation-based board meeting and ethical conflict resolution