In an increasingly volatile global economy, the distinction between a manager and a leader has never been more critical. At the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), this distinction is being hard-coded into the curriculum through a strategic Dual Accreditation partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

By aligning four Master’s programmes and the flagship BSc Management degree with CMI, ADSM ensures that students don't just graduate with a degree, but with the professional recognition required to lead in the 21st century.

We spoke with MBA learners Hesham Husni and Khaled Almaqrami to understand how this partnership is transforming their career trajectories.

Beyond the classroom: a search for validation

For Hesham Husni, the decision to pursue an MBA at ADSM was driven by a desire to formalise years of practical experience. As a professional already navigating the complexities of project management and diverse team dynamics, Hesham wasn't just looking for a certificate; he was looking for a benchmark.

At a certain point in my career, I wanted to improve my skills and knowledge. I was particularly interested in a programme that would allow me to interact with people from different backgrounds and levels of experience. When I discovered the CMI Dual Accreditation at ADSM, I felt it closely matched my professional role.

This alignment is the cornerstone of what CMI does: turning "accidental managers" - those promoted for technical proficiency - into conscious, inclusive leaders. For Hesham, the Dual Accreditation acted as a bridge, connecting his daily activities in project management to a globally recognised framework of excellence.

Tools for the modern leader

One of the primary benefits of the ADSM-CMI partnership is the immediate access to CMI’s digital resources. For busy post-graduate students, the ability to access research-backed insights on demand is a "game-changer".

Hesham notes that these resources have been pivotal in helping him move beyond the 'what' of management and into the 'why'.

The CMI resources have helped me better understand the theories behind professional practice and the reasons why we take certain actions in different situations.

By utilising CMI’s curated seminars, masterclasses, and case studies, Hesham found he could save significant time. Instead of sifting through raw data, he had access to summarised, high-impact knowledge from experienced practitioners. This "straight-to-the-point" value is exactly what defines the CMI approach: providing practical insights that improve both personal development and professional performance.

Standing out in a competitive market

While Hesham focuses on the depth of knowledge, Khaled Almaqrami highlights the breadth of opportunity. In a region as economically vibrant as the UAE, the job market is exceptionally competitive. Khaled views the Dual Accreditation as a vital differentiator - a "seal of approval" that signals a candidate’s commitment to ethical, proven leadership.

For those seeking employment, a Dual Accredited degree helps to improve their chances of finding suitable opportunities and standing out.

He believes the value extends far beyond the initial hire. For those already in the workforce, the CMI element provides the "professional credibility" necessary for promotions and long-term career progression.

The verdict: a strategic investment

Both Hesham and Khaled agree that a Dual Accredited degree is more than an academic pursuit; it is a strategic career move. By embedding CMI accreditation into the ADSM experience, learners are equipped with the latest technologies, ideas, and professional practices.

Hesham concludes with a powerful endorsement for anyone on the fence:

Pursuing a CMI Dual Accredited degree reduces the time and effort needed to find relevant management and leadership knowledge independently. It helps to strengthen and formalise what you already know while expanding your understanding.

As the only body able to award Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, CMI remains the ultimate destination for managers who want to prove their impact. Through partners like ADSM, we are ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are empowered, professional, and ready to meet the challenges of a changing world.

In the words of Professor Naveed Yasin CMgr CCMI ChMC, who, at ADSM, is Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Centre, Head of CMI, and Director of Abu Dhabi Management Incubator: “Dual Accreditation strengthens the value of our programmes by combining rigorous academic learning with professional recognition.

“At ADSM, this ensures that students do not only graduate with theoretical knowledge, but also with competencies that are directly aligned with the expectations of industry and professional bodies.

“The integration of academic and professional standards equips our graduates with the credibility, practical insight, and leadership capability needed to succeed in an increasingly complex global business environment.”