For those who are seeking to live and study in the world’s fastest developing business hub, Dubai is a great choice. With several internationally accredited MBA programs in Dubai, which attracts students and professionals from across the world, with the numbers increasing each year. Students can choose either a full-time or part-time MBA or an Executive MBA, and can specialize in areas such as management, marketing, or finance to name a few.
What is most interesting about Dubai is that in addition to domestic universities, you can choose to complete your MBA at the Dubai campus of some of the most prestigious universities in the world. We have prepared a list of some of the best domestic and international MBA and EMBA programs in Dubai.
MBA Programs in Dubai
INSEAD (Middle East Campus)
The Middle East Campus of INSEAD is located in Abu Dhabi, which is less than a 2-hour drive from Dubai. If you are looking to study in a diverse and international environment at a top ranked university, then INSEAD is a great choice for you. It constantly tops the MBA ranking lists and it recently ranked number 2 globally on the 2023 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. At their Middle East Campus, they offer both an MBA and an Executive MBA.
- Ranking: Number 3 on the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking (2023)
- 94% of graduate students are employed after 3 months of graduation
- Duration: 10 months (MBA) and 14 – 17 months (EMBA)
- Nationalities: 88 (MBA) and 62 (EMBA)
- Average age: 29 (MBA) and 33 – 45 (EMBA)
- Average work experience: 5.6 years (MBA) and 14 years (EMBA)
- Tuition fees: $108,000 USD (MBA) and $135,000 USD (EMBA)
- GMAT range: 670 – 750, middle 80 percent. 58 percent have scored above 700 (Class of 2020)
- Accepted tests: GMAT, GRE, INSEAD Assessment
- Accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA
- Language: English
How is the INSEAD Middle East Campus different from the other ones?
Being one of the leading and largest business schools in the world, INSEAD has campus locations in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), Middle East (UAE) and North America (San Francisco, CA). Their programs are the same in structure all around the world, with some campuses offering more programs than others.
The Middle East Campus campus is a good choice for people who are seeking to relocate to the UAE and want to be exposed to job opportunities in Dubai, or the UAE in general. The average salary after completing the MBA is $110,000 USD, with 94% being employed within 3 months and 79% changing careers.
London Business School (Dubai Campus)
London Business School, a constituent of the University of London and one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, offers its Executive MBA program in Dubai, the Middle East’s most exciting business hub. For those who are interested in getting an executive education at one of the most reputable and highest ranking business schools in the world, the Dubai EMBA is the right pick.
- Global ranking: Number 19 on the Financial Times Executive MBA (EMBA) Ranking (2022)
- Local ranking: Number 2 regionally by the Financial Times EMBA Ranking (2022)
- Duration: 20 months
- Number of students: 49
- Nationalities: 21 nationalities
- Average work experience: 14 years
- Tuition Fees: US$ 143,955 (VAT excluded), scholarships available.
- Average GMAT: 708, but they advise taking the Executive Assessment for the EMBA. GMAT waivers are offered on a case by case basis, based on work experience
- Accepted tests: GMAT, GRE and Executive Assessment
- Accreditations: AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
- Language: English
How is it different from the London EMBA program?
In essence, the EMBA program from London Business School is offered both in London and Dubai. The two programs are exactly the same and there is no difference between the admission requirements or the program structures. All of the aforementioned statistics apply to both programs. No matter whether you choose to study in Dubai or in London, the whole EMBA class starts and finishes the program together. Both streams gather together for two modules in London: orientation and the final.
The University of Manchester (Middle East International Centre)
The Middle East International Centre, located in Dubai, is the University of Manchester’s largest overseas center. They offer a part-time Global MBA and Global EMBA, as well as a joint MBA degree with the Kelley School of Business at the University of Indiana.
- Ranking: Number 46 on the Financial Times MBA Ranking (2023)
- Duration: 2 years
- Campuses: Dubai, Manchester, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and São Paolo
- Nationalities on campus: 2,400 international students representing 27 nationalities.
- Minimum work experience: 3 years
- Tuition & Fees: £37,700 GBP, paid in 4 instalments.
- Average GMAT: 580 – 760
- Accepted tests: GMAT, GRE and MAT (Manchester Admissions Test)
- Accreditations: AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
- Language: English
How is The University of Manchester in Dubai different from the other campuses?
No matter whether you choose the full-time, the part-time or the joint program with the Kelley School of Business, the University of Manchester allows you to take elective courses at any of the 6 international centers: Dubai, Manchester, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and São Paolo. The only requirement is that all of the core courses need to be taken at your home center.
SP Jain School of Global Management (Dubai Campus)
SP Jain School of Global Management is an Australian business school with campuses in Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney. Their Dubai campus is located in DIAC (Dubai International Academic City) and offers a 12-month full-time Global MBA program.
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- Ranking: Ranked among the Top 15 Best International 1-year MBAs (2019-21) by Forbes
- Campuses: Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney
- Duration: 12 months
- Average work experience: 5.7 years
- Tuition fees: $41,620 USD
- Average GMAT: 666. It is possible to apply without an aptitude test score (or GMAT/GRE/CAT), but candidates will be shortlisted until they submit one
- Accepted tests: GMAT, GRE, CAT and SPJAT (SP Jain Aptitude Test)
- Accreditations: TEQSA, KHDA, CPE, ABEST21, ACCA
- Language: English
How is Dubai different from the other campuses?
SP Jain Global School of Management has campuses in 4 global business hubs: Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney. All 4 campuses offer the same 12-month full time Global MBA program, and the entry requirements, program structure and cost of attending are the same.
University of Dubai (Dubai Business School)
The Dubai Business School at the University of Dubai offers a number of domestically and internationally recognized MBA programs. Students can either choose to do a General MBA, or specialize in Finance, Accounting, Marketing, International Business Leadership, Operations Management or Human Resources.
- Ranking: Number 2 locally by the Palmes’ League in the category of Excellent Business Schools Reinforcing International Influence
- Duration: 12 months – 15 months
- Tuition & Fees: $40,293 USD
- Average GMAT: 500
- Accepted tests: GMAT
- Accreditations: AACSB, KHDA, CAA
- Languages of Instruction: English and Arabic
American University in Dubai
The American University in Dubai is a private, liberal arts institution, founded in 1995. They offer a number of MBA programs, including a general MBA, as well as an MBA with a concentration in Finance, Management or Marketing. In addition to that, they also offer a full-time Executive MBA program.
- Ranking: Number 1 in Dubai for four consecutive years by QS Global Rankings
- Duration: 24 months
- Nationalities on campus: Over 102
- Minimum work experience: 2 years
- Tuition fees: AED 158,760 for the MBA and AED 225,000 for the EMBA
- Average GMAT: 550
- Accepted tests: GMAT only
- Accreditations: AACSB
- Language: English
Where to take the GMAT in Dubai
There are two GMAT Test Centers in Dubai:
Vinsys Information Technology Consultancy
City Tower 2
Sheikh Zayed Road 306
Next Emirates Tower Metro Station
213279 Dubai
The Exam Preparation & Testing House FZCO
Suite 703
7th Floor, Apricot Tower
300109 Dubai
Why study in Dubai
If you are not sure whether Dubai is the city for you, here’s some interesting facts about the city:
- It is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing cities
- It is home to over 150 nationalities
- Over 80 percent of its population is expat
- The UAE is considered one of the safest countries in the world
- 24-hour security in buildings and on streets
- Student dorms are very cost effective
- It is easy to get around with public transportation
- A wide variety of entertainment that includes beaches, restaurants, bars and museums
- Dubai is not very expensive, as compared to other metropolitan cities around the world
- Most places provide student discounts
- There are many work opportunities
Do you still have questions about getting an MBA in Dubai? We offer admissions consulting to help you get into the school you deserve. Book a complimentary consultation call with one of our top consultants today.