• Dubai Business School
  • undergraduate

BBA in Global Trade, Customs and Logistics

Overview

Step into the world of international commerce with a BBA that prepares you for leadership in global trade and logistics. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Global Trade, Customs, and Logistics at the University of Dubai provides specialized training in international trade policies, customs regulations, and supply chain management.

This program is designed to give students a solid foundation in:

  • Global business strategies and trade law

  • Customs operations and compliance procedures

  • International logistics and transportation systems

  • Digital tools for trade facilitation and supply chain visibility

Aligned with Dubai’s D33 vision to become a global hub for digital commerce and trade innovation, this BBA program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to succeed in today’s interconnected economy.

Program Learning Outcomes The Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for Business Core courses are shown below: After graduation, BBA students will be able to:
  • PLO1. Discuss the basic concepts, theories, and methods of various business functions.
  • PLO2. Apply theories and methods to critically solve business problems in the workplace.
  • PLO3. Demonstrate ethical behavior and communicate effectively in the workplace.

Program Learning Outcomes of Global Trade, Customs and Logistics

After graduation, Global Trade, Customs and Logistics students will be able to:

  • PLO1. Articulate the basic specialized knowledge of theories, methods, entrepreneurial competencies and concepts in the field of customs and international trade.

  • PLO2. Identify and implement the theories, methods and entrepreneurial competencies acquired to solve day-to-day problems in the field of customs and international trade.

  • PLO3. Communicate ethical and professional standards needed for sustainable customs and international trade.

  • PLO4. Evaluate customs administration and operational decisions and implement specialized innovative, technical, analytical and creative skills which are fundamental to problem solving and decision making in customs and international trade.

Admission Requirement

English
High school grade in English 80% or pass the UD EPT

Who Is The Program For?

This BBA program is ideal for high school graduates and young professionals who are:

  • Passionate about international business, logistics, and trade

  • Interested in careers with multinational corporations, freight companies, or government trade agencies

  • Curious about how goods and services move across borders

  • Seeking to understand customs processes, compliance regulations, and global market dynamics

  • Planning to work in ports, free zones, or international trade organizations

Whether your goal is to work in Dubai, across the GCC, or globally, this program offers a pathway into a vital and fast-growing industry.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BBA in Global Trade, Customs, and Logistics are well-prepared for entry- and mid-level roles in global trade and supply chain operations, both in the public and private sectors.

Career options include:

  • Customs Officer or Clearance Agent

  • Import/Export Coordinator

  • Logistics and Freight Executive

  • Supply Chain Assistant Manager

  • Trade Compliance Associate

  • Warehouse and Distribution Planner

  • Port or Free Zone Operations Support

  • Shipping and Freight Forwarding Agent

As Dubai continues to expand as a logistics and trade hub, demand for skilled professionals in this field is rising—particularly those with local knowledge and global awareness.

Estimated Salary Range

Graduates from this BBA program can expect competitive starting salaries, with strong potential for growth as experience and specialization increase.

Estimated Monthly Salary Ranges (AED):

  • Trade & Logistics Coordinator: AED 8,000 – AED 14,000

  • Customs Clearance Assistant: AED 7,000 – AED 12,000

  • Import/Export Officer: AED 9,000 – AED 15,000

  • Supply Chain Executive: AED 10,000 – AED 16,000

  • Freight & Shipping Associate: AED 8,000 – AED 14,000

Salary growth depends on:

  • Sector (private logistics, public customs, port authorities)

  • Specialization and certifications (e.g., Authorized Economic Operator, FIATA)

  • Experience in free zones or global trade operations

  • Bilingual skills and knowledge of international trade agreements

Year 1
Semester 1
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BMAT 102 Business Mathematics None None 3
BBUS 103 Digital Skills For Business None None 3
BESP 101 Business English None None 3
BBUS 200 Introduction to Responsible Business None None 3
BACC 205 Principles of Financial Accounting None None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 15
Semester 2
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BECN 100 Microeconomics BMAT 102 or GMAT 110 or GMATC 110; BESP 101 or ENGL 100 or ESPUC 200 None 3
BBUS 202 Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship None None 3
BMNG 200 Management & Organization Behavior BESP 101 or ENGL 100 or ESPUC 200 None 3
BSTA 200 Statistical Analysis BMAT 102 or GMAT 115 or GMATC 110 None 3
BMRK 200 Principles of Marketing None None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 30
Year 2
Semester 3
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BBUS 205 Quantitative Analysis in Business BSTA 200 or BSTAC 200 None 3
BBUS 305 Business Law BESP 101 or ENGL 105 or ESPUC 200 None 3
BECN 225 Macroeconomics BECN 100 or BECNC 100 None 3
BBUS 225 Research Methods BSTA 200 or BSTAC 200 None 3
BMNG 315 International Business Management BESP 101 or BBUS 200 None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 45
Semester 4
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BBUS 201 Business Analytics BSTA 200 or BSTAC 200 None 3
BBUS 345 AI in Business BBUS 103 or GITB 120 or GITBC 120 None 3
BBUS 405 Strategic Management Capstone 45 CH None 3
BMNG 310 Operations Management BBUS 205 None 3
BFIN 200 Principles of Financial Management BACC 205 None 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 60
Year 3
Semester 5
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BCITC 351 International Trade Terms and Documentation 60 CH None 3
BCITC 352 International Agreements on Trade and Customs 60 CH None 3
BCITC 362 Global Trade Compliance 60 CH None 3
Minor Course-1 - 60 CH - 3
Minor Course-2 - 60 CH - 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 75
Semester 6
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BCITC 361 Custom Valuation and Procedures 60 CH None 3
BCITC 471 International Economic Relations and Diplomacy 60 CH None 3
Minor Course-3 60 CH None 3
Minor Course-4 60 CH - 3
Minor Course-5 60 CH - 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 90
Year 4
Semester 7
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BCITC 480 Cross Border Anti Money Laundering 60 CH None 3
BCITC 481 Risk Management in International Trade and Customs 60 CH None 3
BCITC 472 Technology, Border Security and Inspection 60 CH - 3
BCITC 364 Trade & Supply Chain Analytics 60 CH - 3
Minor Course-6 - 60 CH - 3
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 105
Semester 8
Course Code Course Title Prerequisite Co-requisite C.H.
BCITC 482 International /National Customs/ Port Visit 60 CH None 3
BBUS 301 Professional Certification None - 3
BBUS 302 Career and Personality Development None None 3
BCITC 467/ 473 Internship/Industry Project 99 CH - 6
Semester Credits 15
Accumulated Credits 120

Course Descriptions

  • Required Business Courses (45 Credit Hours)

BBUS 200 Introduction to Business Administration 

This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental principles of Business Administration. It examines the factors that lead towards successful administration of a business, and the achievement of organizational goals. The course covers topics such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Social Responsibility and Ethics, International Business, and MIS. Prerequisite: None.

BECN 100 Microeconomics

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the essential microeconomics tools to 1) study how consumers and businesses make decisions in the face of resource scarcity, 2) examine how their interactions in the market determines prices and quantities of goods, and 3) assess the efficiency of markets in the presence of government influence and under different market structures. It is hoped that as a result of taking this course, students will develop an appreciation of the economic way of thinking about real-world problems and develop interest in pursuing a career in economics.  Prerequisite: GMAT110: Mathematics for Business I.

BECN 225 Macroeconomics

This course provides an overview of determination of output; unemployment; interest rates, and inflation. Monetary and fiscal policies are discussed besides public debt and international economic issues. The course introduces basic models of macroeconomics and illustrates principles with the experience of the UAE and other economies. It also exposes students to the Islamic economics whenever applicable. Prerequisite: BECN 100 Microeconomics.

BSTA 200 Statistical Analysis

The purpose of the course is to acquaint students with the basic concepts of statistics and probabilities that will help them make decisions. Coverage includes: basic probability, sampling, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression models. Prerequisite: GMAT110: Mathematics for Business I.

BBUS 225 Research Methods

The purpose of this course is to enable students acquire the skills necessary to develop scientific research proposal. It will enable the students undertake systematic research using empirical and non-empirical approaches, conduct literature review and structure and manage a research project on UAE firms.  Prerequisite: BSTA 200: Statistical Analysis.

BACC 205 Principles of Financial Accounting

The course introduces students to accounting concepts, principles, and processes underlying the production of financial statements, and also analyzes measurement and reporting of business transactions to users of financial statements. Prerequisite: None

BBUS 205 Quantitative Analyses in Business

This course is considered as an introduction to recent developments in quantitative techniques with particular emphasis on management applications. Techniques include linear programming, descriptive statistics, probability, expectations, games and decisions, testing of hypotheses, analysis of variance, and operations research. Suitable software will be used to help solve the problems. Prerequisite: BSTA 200 Statistical Analysis.

BFIN 200 Principles of Financial Management

The purpose of this course is to help student an understanding management of finance within a business organization. The coverage includes the sources of finance, the basic financial techniques such as TVM technique used for making decisions in relation to valuation of financial instruments, risk and return trade off. Prerequisite: BACC 205 Principles of Financial Accounting.

BMNG 200 Management & Organization Behavior

This course gives students a critical understanding of essential management functions such planning, organizing, leading/interpersonal influence, and managing in both local and international contexts. The course develops a management framework based on diverse corporate culture before broadening that environment to a global level. This course examines individual and group behavior in companies in depth. It teaches students how to manage businesses more successfully while also improving the quality of the work environment for employees. Motivation, individual and group behavior, employee diversity, attitude and job satisfaction, leadership, communication channels, group dynamics, job design, conflict, and power and politics are among the topics covered. Students should get a grasp of managerial responsibilities and the essential skills and have the necessary abilities to apply them in real-world circumstances.

BMRK 200 Principles of Marketing

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the marketing process, global market place and consumers, integrated marketing communication and marketing plan. Prerequisite: None

BBUS 305 Business Law

This course focuses on business law within the context of contract and civil law. Topics include legal forms of business organization & ownership, contract & sales law, government regulation of business, laws relating to business, bankruptcy, finance, banking, and insurance.  Prerequisite: ENGL 105 English II.

BMNG 310 Operations Management

Operations management is an area of business concerned with the production of goods and services in a wide range of contemporary contexts.  It involves the study of concepts, theories and techniques relating to the operations functions in both manufacturing and service organizations. The course will cover classical topics in operations management including forecasting, inventory management, capacity planning, location planning, quality management, waiting lines, supply chain management. Case studies are used to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the theories, current practices, and trends. Prerequisite: BBUS 205: Quantitative Analyses in Business.

BMNG 315 International Business Management

This course aims at introducing students to the various practices, environments, and functions involved in the field of international business. It includes analysis of the environmental factors (such as culture, communication, behavior) at the international, national and industry levels. The course addresses the functional areas of business (Marketing, Finance, Production, and Human resources), and assesses, in this respect, the global competitiveness of the UAE/ economy. Prerequisite: BBUS 100 Introduction to Business Administration.

BBUS 400 Strategic Management

The purpose of this course is to stimulate and develop students’ awareness and understanding of the key concepts of Strategic Management. The coverage includes situational analysis, the generation of choices of alternate actions and issues of implementation of the chosen course of action. Prerequisite: 90CH.

BBUS 343 Emerging Technologies in Business

The course focuses on introduction to emerging technologies and its application in the business context, both in public and private sectors. Emerging technologies such as Big-Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Block-Chain, Robotic Process Automation, Internet of things (IoT), and leverage these technologies to improve business management and performance.

  • Majors Courses (30 Credit Hours)

BCA 200 - Customs Theory and Practice

This course introduces the students to whole spectrum of Customs administration theory, policy and law. It focuses on the use of the modern customs management methods which leverage information and other contemporary technologies, risk management, in the execution of various customs procedures and processes. Prerequisites: None.

BCA 210 - Harmonized System, Classification and Customs Tariff

This course covers in detail the classification methodology of coding, describing and classifying goods under Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System which is developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization. It imparts practical classification and interpretation skills to the students. Prerequisites: None.

BCA 300 - International Agreements on Trade and Customs

This course covers the development key International Agreements on Trade and Customs. It explains the obligations, rights and privileges of the parties to various Trade and Customs Agreements. And it gives a comprehensive review of the role played of Customs in the day-to-day implementation of those Agreements. Prerequisites: BCUS 200 - Customs Theory and Practice.

BCA 310 - Customs Valuation

This course teaches the students to WTO Valuation Agreement and imparts knowledge and skills of using the six Customs Valuation Methods. It also handles the implementation aspects of these methods in the UAE and GCC context. Prerequisites: None.

BCA 320 - Post-Clearance Audit

Post-clearance Audit (PCA) is a type of customs control that has many benefits such as revenue protection, improvement traders’ compliance, detection, and prevention of fraud, increasing the efficiency of customs control, etc. The course helps learners to achieve comprehensive knowledge of organizing, managing, and performing Post-Clearance Audit in any Customs organization. Also, extra emphasis is put on inculcating PCA skills within the context of the United Arab Emirates and other GCC Countries. Prerequisites: None.

BCA 400 - Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation

This course deals with learning the best approaches and practices to implement the various customs procedures efficiently so as to achieve the governments objectives. It also focuses on effective trade facilitation and border management. Thus it makes ample use of the principles and standards enshrined in the Revised Kyoto Convention and the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Prerequisites: BCUS 200 - Customs Theory and Practice.

BCA 410 - Risk Management and Customs Intelligence

This course emphasizes the use of Risk Management to achieve various customs objectives (such as safety & security and trade facilitation) in an efficient manner. It covers Risk Management Techniques and Strategies in a Customs context. It also elaborates the role Customs Intelligence and highlights WCO initiatives in developing and sharing Intelligence. Prerequisites: None.

BCA 420 - Technology, Border Security and Inspection

The course covers the use of technology in border security and inspection. It addresses the theoretical, legal and managerial elements that are necessary for effective use of technologies. The course also has a practical part whereby students have the opportunity to use SIMFOX scanning/inspection simulations. Students are also trained in using Virtue Reality (VR) technology in customs inspection. Prerequisites: None.

BCA 440 - Customs Investigation and Law Enforcement

This course covers investigative procedures and processes. It teaches how to make best use international tools like the WCO Customs Enforcement Network to achieve success on national/regional levels. It also elaborates the basics investigation such as “first officer responsibilities”, “crime scene protection”, interviewing witnesses, and interrogating suspects to obtain confessions, etc. Prerequisites: None.

BCA 473 - Industry Project

The purpose of this course is to provide the working student an opportunity to develop competence in applying learned theories and gained skills to an actual business problem or issue. A student will undertake a supervised project to tackle an existing business problem or an available opportunity for improvement at his organization, explore possible causes of the problem, alternative solutions, and assess the effect(s) of each solution on the organization. Alternatively, a student may develop and document a business case dealing with an actual business problem that the organization managed to identify and solve it. Each student will present orally the result of his project in addition to a written report. Prerequisites: the completion of 90 CH.

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