Best MBA in Dubai 

Top Business Schools, Eligibility, and Career Prospects

Introduction

Dubai is rapidly emerging as a global business and education hub, attracting professionals and students from around the world. With its thriving economy, tax-free salaries, and strong presence of multinational companies, an MBA in  Dubai presents lucrative career opportunities for graduates in finance, technology, logistics, consulting, and more. 

Are you looking forward to pursuing your MBA in a prosperous country like the UAE? Here’s your cue! This blog covers everything you need to know about pursuing an MBA in Dubai, including top business schools, admission requirements, costs, scholarships, and career prospects.

Why Pursue an MBA in Dubai?

Enamored by ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene, Dubai isn't just an emirate for luxury shopping. It holds a few of its top business schools, which may not be highly ranked right now but are definitely trying to reach the mark. Recently, many of the top schools like ESSEC, London Business School,  NYU, University of Birmingham, University of Wollongong, Heriot-Watt University, and more, have built their Dubai campuses. 

ESSEC Honest Review, MBA in Dubai

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Many schools have another headquarters of their universities in Dubai to help the candidates explore the rich market and opportunities. If you are an MBA aspirant, here’s what  Dubai has to offer:

  • Strategic Location: Dubai is a global trade and financial center with connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Most ESSEC Graduates shift to Dubai for jobs and company headquarters, so you can imagine Dubai's opportunities!
  • Growing Job Market: Dubai is expanding sectors like finance, real estate, tech, and logistics, creating high demand for MBAs.
  • Tax-Free Salaries & High ROI: No personal income tax means higher savings and a strong return on investment (ROI) for MBA graduates. So what are you waiting for?
  • Diverse and Safe Environment: Dubai is one of the safest cities, offering a luxurious lifestyle and a multicultural experience. 
  • Industry Connections: Business schools in Dubai provide direct access to top global firms through networking events, internships, and industry collaborations.

Top Business Schools for an MBA in Dubai

Dubai is home to some of the best MBA colleges, offering diverse specializations and excellent career opportunities. Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, or executive MBA programs, Dubai has options to suit every professional goal. Wanna explore some of the top business schools for an MBA in Dubai? Here’s your list!

University

Course

Location 

Duration

Hult International Business School

MBA 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

12-18 months (18 Months- Dual Degree)

SP Jain School of Global Management

Global MBA Degree

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

12 Months

University of Wollongong

MBA, Master of International Business

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

18 - 24 months

University of Dubai 

General MBA

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

12-15 Months

NYU Abu Dhabi

NYU One -Year MBA

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (with the summer term in New York City)

12 months 

Here are the top universities offering an MBA in Dubai. Did you know INSEAD offers an Executive MBA at the Middle East Campus? Interested in INSEAD MBA to get a glimpse if it's worth the investment?

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Admission Requirements: MBA in Dubai 

Ready to get into the top MBA program in Dubai? But unsure if your profile fits. To get into a top business school in Dubai, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Qualifying degree: You will need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in business, management, economics, finance, or any course but make sure with the eligibility of your target university if they are looking for 3-year bachelor's (15 years of study) or 4-years bachelors( 16 years of education). Make sure you have all your academic transcripts compiled before your application.
  • Standardized tests: Based on your target university, you may or may not need GMAT or GRE scores (it varies by university). In certain cases, GRE/GMAT scores are optional but add significant weight to your profile in case you have any other lag in your profile. Unsure if the GRE or GMAT will benefit your profile or not? Check this out!
  • Years of Experience: You will need significant work experience to do an MBA specifically management-oriented. Check the eligibility thoroughly if they have the required amount of Work experience. It is school-specific; some universities ask for 3-5 years of managerial experience, some may just mention 4 years of experience, etc. For Executive MBAs, typically 3-8 years of experience is expected (the range depicts variability based on school)
  • English Proficiency: If you are not from an English-speaking country, you are expected to clear English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo (university-specific)
  • Application: You need to submit your Online application with all the details and necessary documents.
  • Essay Documents: Some universities ask you to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or a Cover letter. You need to pen down your accomplishments and narrate your story to the academic selection team to prove yourself worthy of the seat. Nervous? Check out our Free Scholarship application template today! Some universities might also ask you some essay questions regarding experience, leadership examples, etc. We help our clients pen clear, illustrative pictures of their success, winning admits to their dream B-schools. Check it out for yourself!
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs): LOR is a very important document, a testimonial proving your aptitude and competence for the position. An academic referee and a work supervisor can write for you, but make sure your leadership qualities are highlighted!
  • Resume: A stellar, well-drafted CV detailing your working experiences, degrees, skills etc, is a great way to convince your admissions council to believe in your candidature. Check out our free ATS-friendly resume sample that got our clients into TOP B-schools and landed them some incredible internships!

Once selected, you may face a KIRA interview followed by a few rounds of admission interviews. Worried about what to tell and what not? We at Edyou Abroad understand this concern and hold several mock interviews to make sure you make it to the final day! 

Cost of Living in Dubai for MBA Students

Dubai's cost of living can range from AED 5,000 to 8,000 per month for MBA students. Rent is a major expense, and living expenses are 2 to 6 times higher than in India. The budget scales down significantly when shared, rented rooms are used! 

According to Glassdoor, an MBA student in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, can expect to earn AED 9,250 a month. How amazing is that?

Work & Career Opportunities After an MBA in Dubai

Dubai’s job market is booming, making it an attractive destination for MBA graduates. The major Industries hiring MBA graduates in Dubai:

  • Finance & Banking: HSBC, Emirates NBD, Standard Chartered
  • Technology: Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM
  • Real Estate & Construction: Emaar, Nakheel, DAMAC
  • Consulting: PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG
  • Logistics & Supply Chain: DP World, DHL, Aramex

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBA in Dubai in 2025 offers immense career advantages, world-class education, and a gateway to high-paying jobs in a thriving economy. With top business schools, scholarship options, and strong industry connections, Dubai is an ideal destination for MBA aspirants. Whether you aim to work in finance, tech, or consulting, Dubai provides a promising career path with excellent ROI.

Thinking about studying for an MBA in Dubai? Book your call with our founder and let’s start planning today!

FAQ

Does Bayes (CASS) business school offer an MBA in its Dubai branch?

A. Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), while known for its London-based programs, doesn't offer a specific MBA program in Dubai. However, they do offer an Executive MBA program with a Dubai component delivered in a monthly block weekend format.

Does Hult Business School offer a MiM+MBA dual degree in the Dubai branch?

A. Yes, they offer the Dual MiM+MBA degree in their Dubai branch.

Does the University of Manchester offer an MBA on its Dubai campus?

A. No, Manchester University doesn't offer a regular Full-time MBA on its Dubai campus. Instead, it offers the Manchester Global Part-time MBA and the Manchester Global Executive MBA as MBA alternatives.

Success Stories​

Krutika
Admits from EDHEC Business School

Bijal was instrumental in structuring my application to demonstrate my work. She provided me with timely feedback and guidance. Being an MiM student herself, she shared her personal experience at every stage which helped me to have a better understanding of the process and get into the school of my choice.

Santanu Kumar Pal
Admits from EDHEC Business School

I highly recommend Bijal Gandhi, the founder of EdYou Abroad, a Higher Education Consultancy Company, for her exceptional services in guiding students through the master’s application process. Bijal’s expertise in personalized assistance, value for money, and honest, unbiased advice sets her apart. Her commitment extends beyond admission, as she continues to provide valuable guidance even after acceptance. With Bijal’s assistance, I successfully gained admission to EDHEC Business School, a top-tier institution. I am grateful for her professionalism and dedication, and I confidently endorse EdYou Abroad’s consultancy services for anyone pursuing higher education opportunities.

Urmi Panchamia
Admits from University of Toronto

EdYou with the super experienced counsellors, have ALL the answers to your Study Abroad Journey. So Helpful, couldn’t have imagined anyone else giving me the kind of insight and expertise for my applications. The guidance with Cv Building, Portfolio and SOP has increased my chances of getting into top colleges. Would recommend every student to plan their future abroad with EdYou.

Simran Jariwala
Admits from Stevens Institute of Technology

Even though I had no tech background, Bijal’s help got me into good business and data analytics programs that too with scholarships. Thank you so much for believing in me!

Sreekanth Reddy Annareddy
Admits from EDHEC, SKEMA

I highly recommend Bijal as a study abroad consultant. What really set her apart was how personalized the entire service was. She didn’t just give generic advice but took the time to understand my goals, preferences, and concerns. From suggesting the right universities to helping me refine my application, every step felt tailored to my needs.

What truly stood out was the genuine support she provided. Bijal was always there to answer my questions and give advice that felt both thoughtful and sincere. It wasn’t just about getting me into a program, she genuinely cared about my journey and well-being throughout the process. Her attention to detail and constant encouragement made a huge difference, and I felt confident every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a consultant who offers a genuine support throughout your study about journey, Bijal is the one you want by your side.

Aditya Shetty
Admits from SKEMA Business School

I am delighted to write this recommendation for Bijal, whose exceptional guidance played a pivotal role in my admission to the Master in Management program at Skema Business School, Paris.

Bijal’s expertise as a counsellor goes beyond just offering advice; she takes the time to understand her students’ aspirations, strengths, and challenges. Her ability to provide personalized strategies and insights helped me build a compelling application that truly reflected my skills and potential.

Throughout the process, Bijal was not only a mentor but also a source of constant encouragement. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured my essays, resume, and other materials met the highest standards. She also provided invaluable support in preparing me for interviews, equipping me with the confidence and clarity needed to succeed.

I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone seeking expert guidance for their academic or professional journey. Her skills, experience, and passion for helping others achieve their goals make her an asset to anyone fortunate enough to work with her.

Ananya Shenoy
Admits from Georgetown University

Bijal played a pivotal role in helping me structure my application to highlight my work and achievements effectively. Her feedback was always timely, insightful, and tailored to my goals. Her guidance was instrumental throughout the process and played a key part in helping me gain admission to the school of my choice. Thankyou!

Sivaraam K
Admits from ESADE, EDHEC, FSFM

I am incredibly grateful to Bijal for the invaluable support and guidance she provided throughout my academic journey. At a time when I felt uncertain and doubted the strength of my profile, Bijal’s insightful understanding and personalized approach completely transformed my perspective. She helped me streamline my entire application process and gave me clarity on choosing the right university—one that I genuinely had a chance at—and even helped improve my acceptance chances significantly.

What truly stood out was her dedication to my essay drafting challenges. Bijal treated it with such care and importance that it felt extraordinary, and I am deeply thankful for that. Even after receiving an early admission offer, she encouraged me to hold on and explore other options, knowing my profile was strong enough for a better fit. Thanks to her mentorship, care, and up-to-date knowledge of universities worldwide, I ultimately secured a place at a top 20 global university for my business master’s program—something no other consultancy would have advised.

Bijal made me realize the potential in my profile when I couldn’t see it myself. I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone seeking deep, thoughtful analysis for university selection, academic research, or professional guidance. She is not only growing in her expertise but also helping others grow alongside her.

Anshul Pokharna
Admits from EDHEC, BITSOM

I worked with Bijal Gandhi during my MBA application process, and I’m genuinely glad I did. When I first started, I was focused on going abroad. But after a few discussions with my parents, I began exploring Indian options too — that’s where Bijal really stepped in.

She never gave templated advice. Instead, she helped me think through both options carefully — understanding my profile, career goals, and what I really wanted from an MBA. Her approach was balanced, honest, and very thoughtful.

One thing I truly appreciated was how seriously she took BITSoM. A lot of people would have dismissed it just because it’s a new school, but she did her homework. She looked into the faculty, curriculum, industry connects, and overall potential. Her analysis gave me the confidence to apply — and eventually accept the offer.

If you’re looking for someone who’ll truly guide you — not just help you apply — Bijal is someone you can trust.

Bhavana Manikonda
Admits from UCL

am super happy to recommend Bijal! She was an amazing mentor who guided me through a big career change from medicine to management. I got into UCL, which top 9 in the world…I was clueless about what course to choose, which university to choose , but Bijal’s guidance and support were spot on. She’s super friendly, and always available to help.Bijal not only provided me with valuable insights and advice but also ensured that I was well-prepared for every step of the process. She was consistently available to answer my questions and offer support, and her enthusiasm and passion for her work are contagious.
I can surely say that no one understands what course you need and university you pick,beacuse I have seen friends struggle taking universities and courses recommended by consultants as they get money through tieups she really never compromised and I really love this about her.

What struck me most about Bijal was her commitment to delivering on her promises. She did everything she mentioned . I had a smooth and successful experience. Her guidance and mentorship were invaluable, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her. Bijal made the whole process smooth and stress-free. If you need guidance on your abroad journey bijal is the best!!!

Mrunal Hulke
Admits from ESSEC Business School

I’m incredibly grateful to Bijal for her unwavering support throughout my study abroad application journey. From our first conversation, she took the time to truly understand my background, strengths, and aspirations, and helped me express my story in a way that felt both authentic and compelling. Her feedback on my applications to HEC Paris and ESSEC Business School was always clear, actionable, and encouraging, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Bijal also guided me through my interview prep, helping me find my voice and present myself with confidence. Thanks to her mentorship, I was thrilled to receive initial shortlists from both schools. I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone pursuing their dream of studying abroad, her guidance and genuine care truly make all the difference.

Cesar Souza
Admits from London Business School

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey, and especially to Bijal Gandhi from EdYou Abroad, who played a key role in making this achievement possible. Their support went far beyond strategic guidance. They helped me structure my story, highlight my experiences, and build a coherent and authentic application. I couldn’t have done it without them.

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