Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Master in International Business Transactions and International Arbitration prepares students for careers in legal and commercial fields governing international business.
The Master in International Business Transactions and International Arbitration (IBTIA) is designed to equip students with advanced legal and practical knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of cross- border commerce and dispute resolution in today’s global economy. Rooted in academic excellence and international legal standards, this two-year programme trains future professionals in the core areas of international business law, with a particular focus on transactional mechanisms and arbitration.
In a rapidly globalising world where legal systems intersect and business transactions span jurisdictions, this programme addresses the growing need for legal experts capable of managing sophisticated international deals and resolving disputes across legal traditions. The curriculum offers a robust, practice-oriented approach that blends doctrinal study with real-world insights, preparing graduates to thrive in law firms, corporate legal departments, arbitration institutions, and international organisations.
Students will gain in-depth knowledge of key areas such as international commercial arbitration, contract law (civil and common law), corporate law, tax law, compliance, international sales and trade law, intellectual property, and finance. Emphasis is placed on arbitration and litigation as core components of commercial dispute resolution. Through a unique balance of theoretical grounding and applied learning—including case studies, negotiation workshops, and legal writing seminars, students develop the skills to analyze, draft, and negotiate complex legal documents while mastering legal argumentation and research methodologies.
The first year (M1) introduces the essential foundations of international commercial law, comparative legal systems, and dispute resolution techniques, including regional perspectives from the Middle East and insights into transport and trade logistics.
The second year (M2) builds upon this foundation, integrating advanced transactional subjects and industry- relevant areas such as mergers and acquisitions, investment arbitration, and private international law. Students may choose between completing a research- based thesis or an internship report, guided by a structured methodology seminar that supports academic writing and critical thinking.
Throughout the programme, students benefit from small class sizes, direct engagement with faculty, and a dynamic multicultural learning environment on Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s campus. Teaching is delivered by an international faculty from Université Paris Cité, alongside visiting scholars and practitioners from the legal and diplomatic communities. Courses are conducted fully in English and taught face-to-face, with an emphasis on continuous assessment and interactive learning.
Graduates of the IBTIA Master will emerge as globally minded legal professionals equipped with the critical judgment, negotiation expertise, and ethical grounding required to lead in international legal practice and commercial dispute resolution.
