With the increasing demand for MBA courses among students in the UAE, the top picks for business aspirants include specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, and Healthcare Management. With the UAE progressing towards digital transformation, specialising in these domains is vital for career advancement in the region.
The demand for MBA graduates in the UAE is particularly high in fast-evolving sectors, such as finance, technology, and healthcare. Considering the excellent career prospects and lucrative salary packages available to professionals in these areas, the demand for MBA specialisations in these specific fields of study is on the rise.
This blog takes a closer look at the top 5 MBA courses in the UAE that you must consider pursuing to master the business landscape in the region.
Top 5 MBA Courses in the UAE: Key Features and Eligibility
MBA aspirants in the UAE can opt for some of the high-demand specialisations that facilitate career progression and advancement. These include areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, business analytics, and healthcare management.
These specialisations are particularly popular among MBA students owing to their high demand in the international job market after course completion. In addition to lucrative salary packages, these fields of study equip learners with industry-desirable skills. These skills then help professionals advance up the career ladder.
Also read: Executive MBA vs Traditional MBA in the UAE
Some of the best online MBA programs are shared below:
| MBA Course | Key Features | Eligibility Criteria |
| MBA to DBA Pathway by GGU | Mix of live and recorded sessionsOptional on-campus immersion in SFO, USADual credentials that are recognised globallyBoth degrees are completed in 3.5 years | Relevant Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent undergraduate qualification in any discipline |
| MBA from Edgewood University | Ideal for working professionalsDegree completed in just 14 monthsHLC-accredited university Online MBA recognised by WES | Relevant Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent undergraduate qualification in any discipline |
| MBA from Liverpool Business School | All-round career support for graduatesImmersion program in the UKIdeal for entrepreneurs and working professionals with 3-8 years’ full-time experienceThought leadership skill is imparted in the program | Bachelor’s degreeAt least a 50% score is required Minimum 2 years’ full-time work experience required while commencing the second year of the program |
| MBA from O.P. Jindal Global University | One of the four institutions in India recognised by the Government as the “Institution of Eminence”Focus on experiential projects every term to encourage hands-on learningDedicated student supportIdeal for both freshers and experienced learners | Bachelor’s degree in any field of studyMandatory JMAT Online National Level entrance exam (candidates with over 50% aggregate are exempted from the exam)Also exempted are candidates with the desired qualifying score (over 50%) in the last 3 years in entrance exams like XAT, ATMA, CAT, and MAT |
| MBA from GGU | 15-month degree for working professionals70% scholarship to 5,000 studentsWASC-accreditedOption to design your own specialisation or choose from 4 concentrations | Relevant Bachelor’s degree in any specialisation |
How to Choose the Right MBA Course for Your Career Goals
Finding the right balance between the learning format, specialisations taught, and your career goals is the first step to choosing the right MBA program. With a variety of top options on offer, it can be highly confusing to choose an MBA program for your needs. However, it is an equally crucial decision since it directly impacts your career progression path.
Here’s what can help you make an informed choice:
1. Assess your short- and long-term career objectives
Identifying your career goals can help you make an informed decision on the type of roles you want to assume on your career path. These may include entrepreneurship, leadership positions, or managerial roles.
Accordingly, you may consider pursuing a general MBA program or acquiring niche expertise in a specialisation, such as Marketing, Finance, or Business Analytics.
2. Evaluate industry demand
Conduct thorough research on current industry requirements to help you decide on the type of MBA program that will equip you with the most industry-relevant skills and knowledge. This can further help you achieve the proper career outcomes and a stable return on investment.
3. Check for program structure and flexibility
The learning format of the MBA program and the flexibility it offers to the learners are of immense importance here. Most MBA courses are designed for working professionals, who may find it difficult to continue learning alongside their professional commitments.
In this case, courses that offer blended learning (MBA online + on-campus MBA) or fully online MBA courses may be more suitable and in demand.
Advance Your Business Education with upGrad’s MBA Pathways
Ready to upskill yourself and take the next big step on the career ladder? upGrad’s online MBA programs can help. We offer some of the best online MBA courses by the world’s top institutions on our platform. This enables learners from all parts of the world to advance their careers with ease and continue their professional commitments too.
Some of the best online MBAs available on the upGrad UAE platform are:
- MBA to DBA Pathway from Golden Gate University (GGU)
- Master of Business Administration from Edgewood University
- Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University
- Master of Business Administration from Liverpool Business School
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) from O.P. Jindal Global University
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FAQs
Ans: Some of the top MBA specialisations that are the highest in demand in the UAE are in Marketing, Finance, Technology, Consulting, and Healthcare Management, among a few others.
Ans: Absolutely! An online MBA pursued from a recognised university is considered valid and also widely accepted in the UAE job market, just like an on-campus degree.
Ans: This may vary from one professional to another. It depends on a lot of factors, including academic qualifications, professional certifications, work experience, job location, and more.
Ans: The ideal course may depend on your overall career goals, level of experience and education, and the desired industry in which you want to work. An Executive MBA (EMBA) is more suitable for professionals with extensive experience seeking a transition to more senior leadership positions.
Ans: No, work experience is not compulsory for MBA aspirants in the UAE; however, it is generally preferred by some universities, as it adds value to the program’s learning and outcomes. You may check with the specific requirements of the program or university.
