Amazon And American University In Dubai Partner To Launch MicroMaster In Entrepreneurship And Innovation Program

The UAE arm of the global e-commerce giant Amazon has partnered with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to unveil a MicroMaster in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program that will deliver the former's expertise directly to the latter's students. 

Set to begin in May 2026, the MicroMaster in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a nine‑credit, stackable graduate credential offered over two semesters that supports both professional advancement and entrepreneurial readiness. The program is open to graduate students, working professionals, entrepreneurs, product managers, corporate strategists, consultants, and recent graduates seeking advancement in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

In a statement, 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.” 

AUD President Dr. Kyle Long added, “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.” 

The MicroMaster’s curriculum features three graduate-level courses: Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which delves into how organizations foster and maintain creativity across departments and development phases; Social Innovation, which focuses on purpose-driven business approaches and policies that promote environmental and societal impact; and Commercialization of Innovation, which teaches students how to identify, refine, and successfully launch novel ideas. 

The program emphasizes experiential learning through real-world case studies, applied projects, and interactive exercises, complemented by Amazon guest lectures, workshops, and potential site visits that bring practical industry insights directly into the classroom. It also offers flexible learning options, allowing students to participate either in person or online, while all assessments are completed on campus. 

Upon completion, participants receive a co‑branded certificate from AUD and Amazon, and those who meet admission criteria can stack the earned credits toward AUD’s Master of Science in Innovation Management. Learn more about the program by clicking here. 

Pictured in the lead image is a scene from signing ceremony between Amazon and AUD. Image courtesy AUD.