Last Updated on October 10, 2024
Pursuing an MBA in Dubai offers international students a unique opportunity to gain global business insights while engaging with the vibrant Middle Eastern market. The city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and status as a major business hub provide exceptional networking opportunities and exposure to innovative business practices, all set against a backdrop of luxury and cultural diversity. Students benefit from interacting with individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a global perspective and cultural awareness. Additionally, Dubai’s strategic location in the Middle East opens up numerous job opportunities across various industries.
This article will explore essential information for Indian students considering an MBA in Dubai, including top colleges, fees, eligibility criteria, the admission process, and job prospects. First, let’s examine why international students are drawn to pursue their MBA in Dubai.
Why MBA in Dubai?
Studying in the UAE offers numerous advantages for international students. Here are some compelling reasons to consider pursuing an MBA at top colleges in Dubai:
Dubai as a Global Business Hub
Dubai’s status as a global commercial center attracts multinational corporations and entrepreneurs from around the world. This environment allows students to learn best business practices and immerse themselves in a dynamic market.
Quality of Education
Dubai is known for its high-quality educational institutions, with many universities offering rigorous MBA programs. These programs emphasize practical skills and real-world applications, ensuring a well-rounded education for students.
Networking Opportunities
The corporate landscape in Dubai provides abundant networking and part-time work opportunities for MBA students. Through various events, conferences, and industry gatherings, students can connect with professionals, potential employers, and mentors who can significantly influence their careers.
International Campuses
Dubai hosts numerous international branch campuses of prestigious universities. This setup allows students to study in Dubai while benefiting from the reputation and high academic standards of these global institutions.
Job Prospects
Dubai’s robust economy and strategic location offer MBA graduates a wealth of job opportunities. The city’s diverse industries, including finance, hospitality, retail, and real estate, provide a broad spectrum of career options.
Cultural Experience
Students in Dubai experience a unique blend of traditional Arabic culture and modern cosmopolitan living. They can enjoy contemporary entertainment facilities alongside historical sites, enriching their overall educational journey.
Best MBA Colleges in Dubai for Indian Students
Let’s explore the top MBA colleges in Dubai. This section will cover admission requirements, fees for MBA programs in Dubai, credit hours, job opportunities, and more.
University of Dubai
The University of Dubai provides outstanding programs in business, law, engineering, and IT. It has established international partnerships with institutions such as Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands), the University of Milan (Italy), and the University of Warsaw (Poland). According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is ranked between 801 and 850. Below are the details for the General MBA course at the University of Dubai.
| Head | Details of University of Dubai MBA |
| Intake | Entire Year |
| Mode of Education | Full-time and Part-time |
| Duration of the Course | 12-15 months |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Credit Hours | 36 HoursEach term has 10 sessions |
| Admission Requirements | Regular AdmissionBachelor’s degree in Business with at least 3.0 GPAEmSAT 1400IELTS 6.0TOEFL (PBT 550, iBT 79, or CBT 213)Conditional AdmissionBachelor’s degree in any discipline with a 2.0-2.9 GPAEmSAT 1250IELTS 5.5TOEFL (PBT 530, iBT 71, or CBT 197) |
| Fees | AED 9,555 (1 Year) for Regular Students |
| Courses | Core: Business Research Methods, Managerial Economics, Accounting & Financing Decisions, Marketing Management, Organizational Behaviour, Ethics, CSR, & Corporate Governance, and Strategic ManagementConcentrations: Contemporary and Sustainable Leadership, Digital Marketing Management, Business Analytics, Thesis |
| Job Opportunities | Consulting, Finance and Investment Banking, Marketing & Brand Management, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, etc. |
| Placements (Starting Salaries in AED) | Consulting: AED 20k – 35k (per month)Finance & Investment Banking: AED 40k – 60k (Per month)General Management: AED 30k – 45k (Per month) |
Canadian University Dubai
Canadian University Dubai holds the 4th position in the UAE according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023. Additionally, it has been ranked #4 for International Faculty Worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Below are the details for the MBA in General Management at Canadian University Dubai:
| Head | Details of Canadian University Dubai MBA General Management |
| Fees | AED 101,115 (All 12 Courses) |
| Credit Hours | Compulsory Credit Hours: 30 Elective Credit Hours: 6 |
| Core Courses | Core: Managerial Accounting, Managerial Finance, Business Research Methods, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Management of Information Systems, Organizational Behaviour, Business StrategyElectives: Service Operations Management, Leadership and Motivation, International Business, Human Resource Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility |
| Admission Requirements | General AdmissionsRecognized Bachelor’s Degree with at least 3.0 GPAEm SAT 1400, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL (PBT 550, iBT 79, or CBT 213)Conditional Admissions Recognized Bachelor’s Degree with at least 2.5 GPAEm SAT 1250, IELTS 5.5, TOEFL (PBT 530, iBT 71, or CBT 197) |
SP Jain School of Global Management
SP Jain School of Global Management opened its first international campus in Dubai in 2004. It is currently ranked 40th on the QS International Trade Ranking 2023. The campus boasts excellent facilities, including learning centers, a library, and an online learning studio. Below are the details regarding the MBA program at SP Jain:
| Head | Details of SP Jain School of Global Management MBA |
| Courses Offered | Graduate Certificate of Global ManagementMaster of Global BusinessGlobal MBAExecutive MBAMaster of Artificial Intelligence in Business |
| Course Duration | Master of Global Business (16 months)Global MBA (12 months)Executive MBA (18 months)Master of Artificial Intelligence in Business (2 years) |
| Admission Requirements | An undergraduate degree from a recognized university Work experience (depends on the course)IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 70PTE 60, GMAT/GRE/CAT/SPJAT, Essay Case Analysis, Business Creativity Test, Interview |
| Fees | $31,300 for Global MBA$27,800 for a Master of Global Business |
| Placements for Global MBA | Average Salary: 30.86 lakhsHighest Salary: 69.93 lakhsTop Recruiters: E&Y, Grant Thornton, Comviva, Aramex, HCT Technologies, Coca-Cola, etc. |
IMT Dubai
The IMT Dubai campus was established in 2006 and offers one of the top MBA programs with excellent placement opportunities. Its business programs are accredited by the Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA) and recognized by the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. Below are the details of the one-year MBA program at IMT Dubai.
| Head | Details of IMT Dubai MBA |
| Intake | September |
| Course Duration | 1 year |
| Mode | Full-time |
| Course Fees | 85,000 AED |
| Specialisations Offered | Finance, Operations, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Business |
| Top Recruiters | Agility, Allianz, Aster, Choitrams, Dabur, Tally, OTIS, Logicom, etc. |
American University in Dubai
The American University in Dubai was founded in 1995 and currently hosts over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 100 countries. The university offers high-quality academic programs designed to equip students with skills relevant to the job market. It is ranked between 601 and 610 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and holds the 33rd position in the Arab Region Rankings. Below are the details of the MBA course offered by the American University in Dubai.
| Head | Details of American University in Dubai MBA |
| Course Duration | 2 years |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Total Courses | 9 Core + 3 Electives |
| Specializations | Generalist, Finance, Management, and Marketing |
| Fees | AED 4,410 Per Credit |
| Admission Requirements | Undergraduate degree from a recognized university with at least 3.0 GPAIELTS/TOEFL |
| Facilities | Computer labs, conference room, stock trading room, AUD/IBM Center of Excellence for Smarter Logistics (CESL), etc. |
Other MBA Colleges in Dubai
| University Name | Program Name |
| BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus | MBA |
| Amity University, Dubai Campus | Master of Business Administration (Construction Project Management) |
| Westford University College, Dubai | MBA in HR & Organizational Psychology |
| Middlesex University, Dubai School of Business | MBA |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus | MBA |
| University of Wollongong, UAE, Dubai | Master of Business Administration |
| Hult International Business School, UAE, Dubai | Global One-Year MBA |
MBA in Dubai Fees
The cost of pursuing an MBA in Dubai varies based on the chosen university and program. Generally, MBA fees in the UAE range from AED 4,000 per credit to AED 102,000 for the entire course. For instance, the University of Dubai charges AED 9,555 for its regular MBA program, while the Canadian University Dubai’s MBA program costs AED 101,115 for all 12 courses. It’s important to note that these fees may fluctuate depending on the program’s duration, whether it is full-time or part-time, and the institution’s reputation. To help mitigate the expenses of studying for an MBA in Dubai, students can apply for scholarships.
MBA in Dubai Eligibility
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Undergraduate Degree | Requires an undergraduate degree with a specific GPA: |
| – Regular Admissions: Minimum GPA of 3.0 | |
| – Conditional Admissions: Minimum GPA of 2.5 | |
| English Test Scores | Proof of English language proficiency required through: |
| – IELTS | |
| – TOEFL | |
| – EmSAT | |
| Standardized Test Scores | Some top MBA colleges may require scores from: |
| – GMAT | |
| – GRE | |
| – CAT |
MBA in Dubai Colleges: Application Process
The application process for Indian students applying for an MBA in Dubai differs according to the policies of each university or college. Below is a general overview of the application requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher).
- Relevant academic or professional experience (varies by university).
- GRE or GMAT scores.
- Proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or EmSAT.
- An updated resume.
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- An essay.
- Case studies.
- An interview.
Jobs after MBA in Dubai
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (AED) |
| Management Consultant | AED 250,000 – AED 400,000 |
| Marketing Manager | AED 200,000 – AED 350,000 |
| Finance Manager | AED 250,000 – AED 400,000 |
| Operations Manager | AED 200,000 – AED 350,000 |
| Project Manager | AED 220,000 – AED 380,000 |
| Business Development Manager | AED 200,000 – AED 350,000 |
| Financial Analyst | AED 180,000 – AED 300,000 |
| Human Resources Manager | AED 180,000 – AED 300,000 |
| Supply Chain Manager | AED 220,000 – AED 350,000 |
| Information Technology (IT) Manager | AED 220,000 – AED 400,000 |
| International Business Manager | AED 230,000 – AED 380,000 |
| Healthcare Manager | AED 200,000 – AED 350,000 |
| Hospitality Manager | AED 180,000 – AED 300,000 |
| Investment Banker | AED 300,000 – AED 500,000 |
| Entrepreneur/Start-up Founder | Highly variable based on success |
After completing an MBA in Dubai, graduates can explore a variety of career paths across multiple industries. The city’s strong economy and reputation as a global business hub make it an attractive location for MBA professionals.
FAQs
Q. Is Dubai a good option for an MBA for international students?
Yes, Dubai is an excellent choice for international students pursuing an MBA. The city boasts a strong economy, diverse business sectors, and high-quality educational institutions. Its cosmopolitan environment and numerous Indian offshore campuses make it particularly appealing to Indian students, providing a supportive atmosphere and ample networking opportunities. Q. What are the fees for an MBA in Dubai?
The fees for an MBA in Dubai can vary significantly depending on the university and program. Generally, tuition ranges from AED 4,000 per credit to AED 102,000 for the entire course. For example, the University of Dubai charges AED 9,555 for its regular MBA program, while the Canadian University Dubai’s total fee is AED 101,115 for all 12 courses. Q. Which are the top MBA colleges in Dubai for Indian students?
Some of the top MBA colleges in Dubai for Indian students include:
- University of Dubai
- IMT Dubai
- SP Jain School of Global Management
- Hult International Business School
- American University in Dubai
- Canadian University Dubai
These institutions offer various programs and have strong industry connections that can benefit students.
Q. What are the job prospects after completing an MBA in Dubai?
Graduates with an MBA in Dubai have access to a wide range of job opportunities across various industries. The city’s robust economy and status as a global business hub enhance employment prospects. Common roles include management consultant, marketing manager, finance manager, and project manager, with average salaries around AED 83,000 per year. Q. What are the popular industries in Dubai?
Dubai is known for its diverse economy with several key industries, including:
- Finance
- Real Estate
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Logistics and Trade
- Construction
- Information Technology
These sectors offer numerous opportunities for MBA graduates to build successful careers.
Drawing from three years of dedicated service in career counseling, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise to each client interaction. My journey in this field has been marked by a deep commitment to empowering individuals to navigate the complexities with confidence and clarity. Through personalized guidance and unwavering support, I strive to help each student realize their full potential and achieve their career goals. My passion for this work drives me to stay current with industry trends, continually refine my skills, and approach each counseling session with empathy and understanding.
