The American University of Beirut (AUB) announced that the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business in Beirut and the Faculty of Business at AUB Mediterraneo in Cyprus have earned EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) accreditation from EFMD, one of the world’s leading international accreditation systems for business and management education.
This achievement makes AUB the first institution in Lebanon and Cyprus to earn EQUIS accreditation in this field, marking a major milestone in its commitment to academic excellence, internationalization, corporate relevance, ethical leadership, and continuous improvement.
EQUIS accreditation follows a rigorous peer-review process that evaluates business schools across governance, programs, faculty, research, student experience, international perspective, corporate engagement, ethics, responsibility, sustainability, and quality improvement. The recognition affirms that AUB meets international standards while remaining grounded in its institutional and regional context.
“The accreditation recognizes the strength of AUB’s integrated academic model across its campuses, while also highlighting the distinct contributions of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business and the Faculty of Business at AUB Mediterraneo,” commented Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president.
“This distinction is a clear indicator of AUB’s global visibility and reinforces our broader vision to advance high-quality business education, leadership development, applied research, and societal impact across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and beyond,” Khuri added.
“EQUIS accreditation is a significant recognition of the quality, relevance, and international standing of AUB’s business programs,” said Professor Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business. “It reflects the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, advisory board members, and partners, and affirms our commitment to developing responsible leaders who can contribute meaningfully to business and society.”
The accreditation supports deeper academic and corporate partnerships, and signals to students, employers, and partners that its programs meet internationally recognized standards of excellence.
About AUB
Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has more than 790 full-time faculty members and a student body of over 9000 students. AUB currently offers more than 140 programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, MD, and PhD degrees. It provides medical education and training to students from throughout the region at its Medical Center that includes a full-service 365-bed hospital.
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About EQUIS
The EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) accreditation is a globally recognized mark of excellence for business and management education. It involves a rigorous evaluation of institutions based on criteria such as academic programs, faculty quality, research output, and student services. Achieving EQUIS accreditation demonstrates dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to global excellence standards. Its approach to quality assessment is rooted in respect for the diversity of institutional and cultural contexts. Beyond academic rigor, it emphasizes international perspective, corporate relevance, and ethical leadership. Accredited schools benefit from enhanced institutional reputation, attract seasoned faculty and students, foster academic partnerships, and signal to employers that graduates possess a high standard of business education.