UAE
Business administration and marketing are some of the most dynamic sectors of the Arabian economy. We are all well aware that a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a highly coveted postgraduate degree. Due to its financial standing and business-savvy model of education, the UAE houses some of the best MBA colleges in Dubai.
The country is slowly establishing its reputation as a hub of inbound student mobility. With an inbound student mobility ratio of 48.6, international students are seen coming from far and wide to pursue higher education here.
A full-time MBA program guides students through four semesters in understanding the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and critical thinking.
According to the 2023 QS World Subject Rankings in Business and Management, the top universities in the country include
| University | QS World Subject Rankings for Business and Management 2023 |
| American University of Sharjah | Top 200 |
| Abu Dhabi University | Top 300 |
| United Arab Emirates University | Top 300 |
| Canadian University Dubai | Top 400 |
| Al Ain University | Top 500 |
| University of Sharjah | Top 500 |
Many of these top-ranked universities also offer BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) in UAE.
In addition to this, several international universities also have campuses located in different loci in the UAE. Some of these top international colleges offering MBA degrees comprise
- London Business School
- SP Jain School of Global Management
- Birla Institute of Techology
- Middlesex University Dubai
- University of Wollongong
- University of Strathclyde
- Institute of Management Technology
Overview Table: Best MBA Colleges in Dubai
| Degree Type | Postgraduate degree |
| Duration | 12, 18, 24, or 48 months
(depending on whether you enroll part-time, full-time, or do an online MBA) |
| Medium of instruction | English |
| Eligibility | Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a GPA of 3.0 or above. University-specific IELTS, GMAT/GRE and TOEFL scores are required, with work experience between 2-4 years.
Applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 or those who do not possess an undergraduate degree in Business Administration might be admitted conditionally after taking some remedial courses. |
| The average program costs | 65,000- 180,000 AED |
| Career prospects | Senior Manager, Administrator, Chief Corporate Officer, General Manager, Investment Advisor, Audit Director, etc |
| The median salary for international MBA graduates | 85,000- 130,000 AED annually for fresh graduates |
Types of MBA Programs in UAE
Pursuing an MBA in the United Arab Emirates comes with its fair share of perks. International students get to enroll in some of the best universities in the Gulf region while enjoying the convenience of studying on their own terms.
Depending on your specific requirements, the various types of MBA programs you can take your pick from include
| Full-time MBA | Executive MBA | Online MBA |
| It is the conventional course provided by most premier institutions.
It teaches students real-world applications but does not divert focus from a strong theoretical foundation. Considered the most prestigious of all MBA programs. Has a duration between 1-2 years. |
Emerging program that caters to the need of experienced professionals who want to continue working in the industry.
Generally offered on a part-time basis but can also be offered as a full-time degree. Lasts anywhere between 12, 18, or 24 months. |
A flexible program that can be pursued as a part-time, distance learning course. You can opt for live interactive classes or participate in group discussions, all from the comfort of your own home.
Can have a duration between 2-4 years, depending on the pace of your schedule. |
Specializations that can be undertaken as part of these MBA programs consist of
- Aviation Management
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Project Management
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Tourism & Event Management
- Risk Management & Insurance
- Strategic Management
- Healthcare Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
Best MBA Colleges in Dubai and UAE
Now that we know the UAE is home to some of the finest business institutions in the world, let us take a look at the detailed description of the programs offered by these elite colleges. If you are looking for low-cost MBA programs, read our blog on the cheapest MBA programs in UAE.
American University of Sharjah (AUS), Sharjah
AUS’s School of Business Administration is ranked #1 in the Middle East for Business and Management Studies. Spanning a duration of 2 years, the program empowers its students to develop effective skills for decision-making and problem-solving.
In addition to this, the institution offers competitive full and partial graduate assistantships (GRAs) to help meritorious candidates finance their studies. The American University of Sharjah also boasts of having an Interactive Trading Floor, mimicking the real-life trading floors in cities like New York or London.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration |
| Tuition fees for international students | 164,670 AED for the entire program |
Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi
Offering an MBA postgraduate degree in 10 specializations, the Abu Dhabi University is AASCB, EQUIS, and WASC accredited. Students enrolled in the program unlock a plethora of future career opportunities, studying right in the heart of the largest emirate in the UAE.
The curriculum is designed such that it comprises eight core courses and two elective courses. A flexible study schedule with evening classes gives you ample time to complete your degree in a single year, unlike most other traditional MBA courses.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration- General
MBA – Aviation Management MBA – Logistics & Supply Chain MBA – Project Management MBA – Finance MBA – HRM MBA – Tourism & Event Management MBA – Risk Management & Insurance MBA – Strategic Management MBA – Org Excellence & Quality Management |
| Tuition fees for international students | 90,800 AED for the General MBA program and 102,240 AED for MBA in various disciplines |
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
The MBA program by United Arab Emirates University is offered on-campus in both their Al Ain and Abu Dhabi campus locations. The 2-year long course spans 4 semesters with a minimum requirement of 48 credit hours.
The UAEU also holds the prestige of being the first business school in the UAE to obtain full accreditation from the AACSB, which is held only by the top 5% of institutions globally.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration- General
MBA – Finance MBA – Human Resource Management and Development MBA – E-Business MBA – Organisation Excellence |
| Tuition fees for international students | 89,600 AED for the program in Al Ain and 133,200 AED for the program in Abu Dhabi |
Canadian University Dubai, Dubai
Based on the Canadian model of education, CUD’s pertinent curriculum was established to meet the growing demand for executive education. The vibrant campus is situated right in the center of Dubai’s downtown business district, offering an MBA degree in 4 prime disciplines.
Charting high on the list of the best MBA colleges in Dubai, CUD also holds the unique distinction of awarding an MBA in Double Concentration. This allows high-achieving students to graduate with 2 majors, thereby marking a significant advancement in their careers.
For those interested in reaping the advantage of global education, you can also transfer and graduate in Canada after enrolling in the MBA program at CUD.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration- General
MBA – Finance MBA – Human Resource Management and Development MBA – Marketing |
| Tuition fees for international students | 103,719 AED for the entire program |
Al Ain University, Al Ain
The College of Business (COB) at Al Ain University strives to impart business education that is on par with the transitional trends of global financial markets. With affordable tuition fees and multiple scholarship options, the university takes the requisite steps to make even a coveted, pricey degree like an MBA accessible for deserving applicants.
Non-BBA UG graduates are accepted to the MBA program, provided they study the 4 remedial courses decided by the department. To graduate, students need to clock a minimum of 33 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration
MBA – Accounting MBA – Marketing MBA – Human Resource Management MBA – Management Information Systems MBA – Healthcare Management MBA – Project Management MBA- Finance |
| Tuition fees for international students | 86,625 AED for the entire program |
University of Sharjah, Sharjah
The inception of the University of Sharjah’s new MBA program has elicited quite a buzz in the business community. Prior to the launch of this new course, the only available postgraduate program was the Executive MBA (EMBA) degree for working professionals.
The MBA program offered by the university is special as it allows students to choose between a coursework-only option and a coursework+thesis program. This thesis program will act as a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing research or applying for Ph.D. in the future.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) |
| Tuition fees for international students | 132,000 AED for the entire MBA program
100,485 AED for the entire EMBA program |
London Business School, Dubai
It was in 2007 that the London Business School first expanded its campus location from beyond the borders of England. Quite fittingly, they chose the free trade zone of the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The Dubai campus offers a single Executive MBA program spanning a duration of 20 months. Students get to experience the quality of education imparted by the #2 business school in Europe while becoming a part of a highly successful network of international alumni.
| Name of the program | Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) |
| Tuition fees for international students | 143,955 USD for the entire EMBA program |
SP Jain School of Global Management, Dubai
The SP Jain School of Global Management adheres to the highest standards of education with campuses across 4 countries. The UAE campus is located in the country’s multicultural capital, Dubai.
The college spans an expanse of 60,000 square feet and offers a Global MBA course. This is an on-campus, full-time, 12-month program. In addition to this, you can also choose from a wide range of elective subjects to develop a cross-functional perspective.
| Name of the program | Global MBA |
| Tuition fees for international students | 41,620 USD for the entire Global MBA course (9,800 compulsory non-tuition fees + 31,820 compulsory tuition fees) |
Birla Institute of Technology (BITS) Pilani, Dubai
The international MBA program at BITS Pilani is specifically catered to those who have an engineering background in core operational fields. The program incorporates 20 fundamental subjects which help students get an insight into the technicalities of business organization.
The university adapts to the need of industry professionals and thus offers great flexibility in the pace and duration of the course. Most students are able to get their MBA degree within 2 years. The fee structure is also extremely competitive and significantly lower than other institutions offering the same program in Dubai.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Tuition fees for international students | 32,000 AED annually |
Middlesex University, Dubai
Accredited by the CIM and CIMA, the MBA program offered by Middlesex University Dubai is a class apart. It is an internationally recognized UK degree, offered in the heart of the business center in Dubai.
Students are encouraged to inculcate cross-cultural leadership skills with international trips to Paris, Milan, Shanghai, and more. Flexible evening classes are offered on campus to accommodate the unique needs of each individual student. As a rule of thumb, students enrolled full-time to complete the course in one year while those enrolled part-time complete it in two years.
| Name of the program | Master of Business Administration
MBA – Marketing MBA – Healthcare Management MBA – Project Management MBA- Finance MBA- Operations and Supply Chain Management MBA- Innovation and Entrepreneurship MBA- Business Analytics |
| Tuition fees for international students | 107,600 AED for the whole program |
Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Top MBA Colleges in Dubai and UAE
The detailed criterion includes
- Holding an undergraduate degree in Business Administration or related fields. This may be from an Arab university or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- A good academic standing consisting of a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Minimum test scores in standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE. IELTS and TOEFL scores are mandatory for graduate admissions. Although university-specific requirements may vary, a TOEFL score of 80 and an IELTS score of 6.5 is considered safe.
Some colleges may also require GRE/GMAT scores.
- Prior work experience of a minimum of 1 year in a related field.
Documents required for international students
Before confirmation of acceptance, international students will be asked to furnish the following records
- All past academic transcripts
- 2-3 references from senior officials who can vouch for your academic ability and qualifications
- Proof of English Language Proficiency exam results
- Updated CV
- Passport photos and proof of residence
Career Prospects for MBA Graduates
MBA graduates enjoy a high degree of employability and often find themselves occupying managerial roles in UAE’s business-centric hubs.
With a median salary of 85,000- 130,000 AED annually for fresh graduates, job titles they commonly occupy include
- Chief Corporate Officer
- General Manager
- Regional Director
- Audit Director
- Accounting Manager
- Senior Manager
- Administrator, etc.
Students can branch out and work in various sectors such as finance, marketing, human resources, and more. Once graduates settle into their roles and gain significant work experience, their salaries can exceed 300,000 AED annually.
Conclusion
A Master of Business Administration is one of the most coveted postgraduate degrees worldwide. Despite being home to some of the most elite business institutions in the world, the UAE still offers a quality education at affordable prices for international students.
Candidates can enroll in global colleges offering MBA programs or apply to the country’s own top-ranking universities. If you are interested in studying abroad in the UAE, contact us at Gyanberry. Our one-stop portal, Gyanberry, will help you choose the right university and program. Book an appointment with our experts to know more.
