The Center for Executive Programs and Professional Services (CEPPS) at the American University in Dubai, in collaboration with the School of Business Administration, hosted a five day Study Tour for twenty-five executives from the Nigerian Free Zone Authority, for the period June 25, 2007 to June 29, 2007.

The delegation attended a series of lectures and panel discussions at the University which covered various aspects of Dubai 's economic development, the management of its Free Zone projects, and the outsourcing and off shoring of manufacturing and IT products.

The study tour also included field visits to the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Jebel Ali Port. "Having such a prominent delegation select AUD as the host institution for such an event illustrates the increasing global recognition of the University, in general , and of its School of Business Administration, in particular, as a regional leader in business education and knowledge transfer," said Dr. Dwayne A. Banks, Dean of the School of Business Administration. The study tour is part of a series of international, executive focused activities that are being planned by CEPPS, and that are business and policy focused in their approach, with the aim of providing attendees with hands-on practical applications.

As stated by Mr. Obiora Madu, organizer of the Nigerian delegation, "this study tour has been enlightening for everyone involved; it has provided us with keen insight into what needs to be done in our free zones. AUD has done a great job!"