Arabic and International Business
Arabic is spoken by over 300 million people and is the official language of more than twenty countries, spanning North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf. It is also the language of the Quran and one of the six official languages of the United Nations, giving it a cultural, religious and political significance that far exceeds its geographical spread. Paired with International Business, Arabic becomes not just a cultural asset but a practical commercial one, opening doors to some of the world's most significant emerging markets, energy economies, and international organisations.
At the University of Westminster, this three-year full-time degree develops both languages in parallel, with Arabic studied as a living language alongside the frameworks of international trade, business management, and cross-cultural communication. You will develop Arabic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills alongside your study of business strategy, international marketing, global supply chains, and the economic and political contexts in which international commerce takes place. The programme includes a sandwich year, giving you substantial professional experience in a relevant organisation, and a year abroad that deepens both your linguistic fluency and your direct knowledge of Arabic-speaking business environments.
Work placement is built in throughout, ensuring practical development alongside your academic work.
Westminster's location in London, one of the world's major financial and commercial centres with deep connections to the Arab world, provides a strong professional network and access to relevant employers.
Graduates go on to work in international trade and finance, diplomacy, consultancy, journalism, the civil service, NGOs, and the energy sector. The combination of Arabic language proficiency and international business acumen is particularly sought after in the Gulf states, the broader Middle East and North Africa region, and in organisations engaged with those markets. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in international business, Middle Eastern studies, or international relations.