5 Schools for the Best MBA in Dubai
To be a successful business owner or manager, resourcefulness may not be enough. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can help you learn how to better manage your business. For this, sign-up for one of the schools for the best MBA in Dubai.
In this article, we will discuss how to choose the best MBA school. We’ve also prepared a list of some of the best schools in Dubai to make your search faster and stress-free.
Plus, to prepare you for the cost of getting an MBA in Dubai, we’ve researched the fees you should expect to pay and compiled them in the table below.
How Much Does An MBA Cost in Dubai
These are the costs you should expect to pay when planning to take an MBA course in Dubai. Note that the actual price may vary depending on the educational institution.
| Tuition fee | |
| Part-time Global MBA | AED159, 489 to 179,070 |
| MBA | AED78,000 to 155,650 |
| Part-time Executive MBA | AED87, 589 to 109,500 |
| Executive MBA | AED75,000 to 402,188 |
| Miscellaneous fees | |
| Accommodation | AED25,000 to 40,000/semester |
| Visa | AED2,200 |
| Medical insurance fee | AED1,500 to 1,700 |
How to Pick the School for the Best MBA in Dubai
To learn the most about business management and have the best MBA experience, make sure to select a reputable MBA school in Dubai.
The guide below can help you select the school for the best MBA in Dubai that best fits your goals.
Identify your career goals
Your choice of business school can significantly affect the track of your career. In some cases, companies prefer getting managers that graduated from a certain school.
So, if you wish to work for a specific firm, it is best to research this and consider this when choosing a school to get your MBA from.
At the same time, it is important to determine your career goals as this question is usually included in your application or interview.
Compare schools
Compare schools based on a few criteria to narrow down your options and help you select the best fit for you.
A business school’s ranking can tell you how prestigious the institution is. This usually means they have the teaching staff, teaching methodologies, and facilities to provide the best quality education.
The course structure is another thing you can consider when selecting a school. This guarantees you that you will learn the things you need for your future career.
Consider other factors
Minor factors should also not be overlooked when choosing a business school.
For instance, you should research the teaching approach of your top business school choices. You’d want to sign up for a programme and school that allows you to learn at a pace you’re comfortable with.
A school’s teaching approach also determines the experience you’ll have getting your MBA degree.
It also helps to know the student services offered especially if you’re a foreigner. The assistance you can get from your university can make the process of getting an MBA degree easier.
The Schools for the Best MBA in Dubai
With the guide above, you should now be able to select the best business school for your MBA. Let’s make your search for the best MBA school even more efficient with this list below.
1. London Business School Dubai
| BEST FOR | Development and coaching sessions |
| WEBSITE | https://www.london.edu/about/our-campuses/dubai |
| ADDRESS | Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC Academy, The Gate Village, Building 2, Level 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +971 0 4 401 9343 |
You can get your MBA degree from one of the most prestigious schools in the world at London Business School Dubai.
Located in a highly-modernised neighbourhood surrounded by the top banks and investment companies in the city, you’re sure to gain a lot of insight into business.
Specifically, London Business School Dubai offers an Executive MBA degree based on the programmes offered in London.
The programme requires only 4 to 5 days of class per month for 20 months and follows a modular learning system.
It also entitles you to executive coaching, professional development, career development, and career coaching sessions to further enrich your studies.
Pros
- Convenient schedule
- Wide selection of scholarship programmes
Cons
- Only one choice of MBA programmes in Dubai
- More expensive than the London branch
Customer Reviews
Hind bin Kirbash, a previous student and now a CEO of Emirates National Investment, shared:
“It may be down to the sheer adrenalin of juggling so many things, but I managed to deliver decent assignments, made solid gains on equity transactions and I was even able to enjoy our travelling.”
Another London Business School Dubai EMBA graduate, Dr Anshul Govila, said:
“I gained credibility in an area where many doctors and physicians often lack experience.”
2. University of Wollongong in Dubai
| BEST FOR | Summer semester |
| WEBSITE | https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/ |
| ADDRESS | UOWD Building, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 800-UOWD +971 4 2781800 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sunday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
The University of Wollongong is a university founded in Australia with several campuses around the world.
In Dubai, the university offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes. This includes 13 internationally accredited master’s degree programmes in business and management.
Classes for their MBA programmes are conducted on the weekends, allotting 3 weekends each semester per subject. While it normally takes 2 years to finish the programmes, you have an option to take 2 summer semesters which cuts the time to 18 months.
Due to the current global situation, the university’s admissions team provides online assistance through different online platforms. This is to help prospective students select a programme based on their career path.
Pros
- Internationally-accredited degree programmes
- Option to finish the course faster
- Online admissions assistance
Cons
- Scholarships can only cover up to 25% of tuition costs
- Scholarships don’t cover accommodation and other expenses
Customer Reviews
Aysha Asif shared their experience at the University of Wollongong in Dubai:
“I did my MBA here. I had a fantastic experience. It’s one of the best universities in UAE which is equipped with all the facilities, has a good faculty, and provides a good placement assistance.”
Aziza Azi also said:
“I did my MBA programmes here. Really good university both campus- and faculty-wise. Totally loved my 2 years in this university!”
3. University of Dubai
| BEST FOR | Specialised MBA programmes |
| WEBSITE | https://ud.ac.ae/ |
| ADDRESS | Academic City, Emirates Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 800 UOD +971 4 5566 800 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sunday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
The University of Dubai offers a variety of MBA programmes in Dubai. Besides their 1-year general MBA course, they have specialised MBA programmes that last 21 months.
In particular, they provide specialisations in Finance & Accounting and Leadership & Human Resources Management. There are also options to specialise in Operations & Logistics Management and International Business & Marketing.
Their MBA programmes are all accredited by local and International educational authorities. Due to their expertise in their business management programmes, their graduates are highly preferred by hiring companies.
Pros
- Multiple MBA programmes options
- Local and international accreditations
Cons
- 5-hour classes twice a week may not be convenient for some
- Students who choose electives over internship have to do an extra term
Customer Reviews
Mazna, a University of Dubai master’s student, reviewed:
“I graduated from the University of Dubai in 2010, earning a bachelor degree in business management. The university offers a high-quality education system and has very educated and best standard instructors.
After my graduation, UD offered me a double major master’s degree and I registered. I am now a master student in UD and I’m thinking of finishing my PhD in the same university when they offer it soon.
The overall environment is great and the education they provide is is excellent.”
Another student, Hajer, said:
“I am currently a master’s student at the University of Dubai. I graduated from the same university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. UD is a well-known place where a person can reach a higher level of education with a very high standard of learning.”
4. Institute of Management Technology Dubai
| BEST FOR | 1-year MBA programmesmes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.imt.ac.ae/ |
| ADDRESS | Dubai International Academic City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 7144227244 / 3638862 04683 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Saturday – Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
The Institute of Management Technology Dubai offers both MBA and EMBA programmes.
Their 1-year MBA offering has numerous excellent features, making the institution one of the schools for the best MBA in Dubai.
The programme is known to immerse students in the global business industry through its curriculum and exchange programmes. They also allow their students to learn business through hands-on experiences like projects and workshops on strategic thinking, decision-making, negotiations, and leadership.
For their MBA programmes, they also offer concentrations in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Operations, Finance and Digital Business.
On the other hand, their Executive MBA programme lasts 12 to 15 months. Classes for this are held on weekends for 5 to 7 hours.
Pros
- Award-winning programmes
- Shared accommodation comes with no additional cost
- Different types of scholarships available
Cons
- Classes last 7 hours on Fridays
- Only offers discounts for Executive MBA programmes takers
Customer Reviews
Arpit Hira was highly satisfied with their MBA degree from the Institute of Management Technology Dubai. They said:
“My MBA from IMT Dubai was a great value added to my career and offered me the right profile and career which I always eyed. It gave me the necessary exposure in terms of quality education, corporate training, as well as global exposure with their exchange programmes to International B-school ESC Rennes in France.
I am thankful to IMT Dubai and its excellent faculty for providing me this platform.”
Meanwhile, Palani Babu reviewed:
“IMT Dubai’s EMBA programmes has influenced my professional and personal development, allowing me to increase my satisfaction and success significantly in both my career and personal life. I am excited for the opportunities in front of me.”
5. Hult International Business School
| BEST FOR | Flexible MBA programmesmes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.hult.edu/ |
| ADDRESS | Dubai Internet City, United Arab Emirates |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +971 4 427 5800 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Hult International Business School has 4 MBA programmes options to suit your availability.
Besides their 100% in-campus, 1-year Global MBA and Global Executive MBA programmes, you can take the Hybrid MBA or the Live Online MBA programme.
Hybrid MBA works on a 50% online and 50% in-campus system. The programme takes 18 months to 4 years to finish, depending on your own pace.
On the other hand, their 90% Live Online MBA still comes with an option to take in-campus electives. They also have a leadership immersion week at any of their global campuses where you can meet and learn from other people.
Their Hybrid and Live Online MBA programmes take up 4 days per month. Classes are held only on weekends.
Pros
- Multiple MBA programme options
- Multi-awarded, high-ranking MBA school
Cons
- Expensive tuition fees
Customer Reviews
Jad Saade, a Hult International Business School graduate, said:
“Going to Hult was the best decision and investment I ever made!
I learned a lot from amazing professors, developed both my hard and soft skills, built an amazing network with people from all over the world, and grew massively as a person.
Hult changed my life! Best experience ever!”
Michelle Laterman also reviewed the institution, saying:
“Amazing community, great international experience and professors! Would definitely recommend it!”
FAQs about the Best MBA in Dubai
And with that, we end our list of the best MBA schools in Dubai. Studying and getting your MBA from any of these options can help you get a job from respected firms worldwide!
If you know other MBA schools in Dubai we should add to this list, let us know by sending us a message.
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