PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to capture some of the challenges and emerging trends in business education.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 155 business leaders who work in the UAE has responded to the survey.FindingsThe results of this study revealed the most important skills and competencies that local business leaders would like to see university graduates now and five years from now. In addition business leaders have pointed out the important level of the management areas to their companies now and five years from now.Originality/valueThe paper highlights business leaders' opinions and views in relation to the relative importance of skills needed in their companies.