Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree Online

Below are the requirements for eligibility and admission for a DBA program:

Eligibility Criteria

• Master's Degree (or equivalent)
• Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of work experience. For some programs, a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of work experience is required.
• Diploma holders will be considered on a case-by-case basis with a minimum of 8 years of work experience.

Admission Process

The admission process can be completed in 3 simple steps:

• Submit Application:

Submit your application on upgrad.com. The admissions committee will review your application details.

• Receive Offer Letter:

Once shortlisted, you will receive an offer letter.

• Reserve Your Seat:

Upon receiving the offer letter, you can proceed to confirm your candidature by paying the block amount.

Earning a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can unlock senior-level opportunities that require a blend of leadership, strategic decision-making, and research-backed problem-solving. Unlike traditional online PhD programs or online Doctor of Business Administration degrees, a DBA is centered on practical, applied business insights, making it especially relevant in today’s data-driven and innovation-focused market.

Possible Career Paths After a DBA

• C-Suite Roles (CEO, COO, CFO): Lead organizations with long-term strategic direction and evidence-based decision-making.
• Management or Strategy Consultant: Support companies in scaling, transforming, or optimizing performance.
• Academic or Adjunct Professor: Teach business courses while contributing to applied industry research.
• Research Director: Manage high-impact research initiatives that drive innovation and organizational growth.
• Board Member or Policy Advisor: Shape governance frameworks, policy decisions, and corporate strategy.

Key Sectors Hiring DBA Graduates

• Government & Policy: Strategic advisory roles supporting national development and transformation.
• Education Leadership: Leadership positions in universities, colleges, and training institutions.
• ESG & Sustainability: Guiding sustainable business practices and long-term corporate responsibility initiati

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for professionals in Saudi Arabia looking to pursue the program without interrupting their careers. It blends practical learning with research through a flexible online delivery.

Here are the curriculum highlights of the program:

• Decoding research
• Research design decisions and strategies
• Applying the research process
• Business and management research essentials

• Formulating a research question
• Writing a research proposal
• Writing a literature review

• Descriptive statistics
• Difference in means
• Correlation
• Linear regression models
• Panel data models
• Logit and probit models

• Methods and fundamentals of qualitative research
• Choosing qualitative research methods
• Grounded theory
• Discourse analysis
• Feminist and post-colonial studies
• Historical research
• Qualitative data interpretation and coding
• Qualitative comparative analysis

• Business strategy essentials
• Portfolio of a firm
• Becoming a market leader
• Sustaining growth
• Value creation through digital models
• Growing a digital platform

• Leading teams and organizations
• Group decision making
• CliftonStrengths™ Assessment
• Change management
• Bonus: Leadership and Entrepreneurship Masterclass with Ronnie Screwvala

• Fundamentals of quantitative data collection and secondary data sources
• Collecting and evaluating primary data
• Collecting primary qualitative data through observation
• Collecting primary qualitative data through interviews

• Negotiating access to data
• Research ethics and managing data

• Research topic
• Literature review
• Research design
• Data collection
• Dissertation draft
• Final dissertation
• Oral defense

Note: The above information is sourced from the curriculum of a specific program. Core topics, course structure, and specializations may vary across different programs. For the most accurate and detailed overview, please refer to the respective program page.

Typical DBA Specializations Offered in Saudi Arabia

You can choose from several DBA specializations in Saudi Arabia to match specific career goals. Below is an overview of key concentrations:

Prepares individuals to lead AI-enabled innovations, automate processes, and implement intelligent business solutions. Graduates are equipped to drive digital transformation across industries.

Fosters high-level capabilities in organizational systems, strategic planning, and change management. Learners develop skills to make data-informed decisions and guide complex business environments.

Focuses on advanced market research, consumer psychology, digital marketing strategies, and brand management. Graduates design data-driven marketing campaigns and prepare for senior marketing leadership roles.

Integrates business decision-making with advanced analytics, AI, and big data insights. Learners acquire skills in predictive modeling, optimization, and business intelligence for evidence-driven decision-making.

Emphasizes corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management, and strategic financial planning. Graduates develop expertise in financial modeling and governance, preparing for senior finance roles.

Note: The above information is sourced from the curriculum of a specific program. Core topics, course structure, and specializations may vary across different programs. For the most accurate and detailed overview, please refer to the respective program page.

For business professionals in Saudi Arabia, completing a DBA often involves balancing career development with higher education. upGrad addresses this challenge by facilitating flexible online DBA programs. The flexible online, globally recognized degree is specifically designed for busy executives to fit seamlessly into their schedules.

Key highlights that make online DBA programs through upGrad stand out include:

• Partnerships with globally recognized business schools and universities.
• Flexible online delivery format tailored for busy professionals in Saudi Arabia.
• Access to a pool of international thesis supervisors and subject matter experts.
• Guidance and support to complete your dissertation and applied business research.
• Live and interactive sessions to enhance learning.
• Immersion and networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders.

When selecting your Doctor of Business Administration program, the key is to find the right fit for your career aspirations—not just the right university. Before deciding on an online doctoral degree, consider the following points:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by AMBA and/or TEQSA, as this guarantees international recognition of your degree.
• Delivery Mode: Some learners prefer live classes, others recordings, and many opt for a blended approach. Choose a program that aligns with your preferred learning style.
• Dissertation: Check whether the research topics offered align with your current industry or future career plans.
• Industry Awareness: Ensure the curriculum covers real business challenges and relevant industry topics.
• Faculty: Look for programs led by faculty with both academic and industry expertise to provide valuable guidance and mentorship.

The upGrad platform simplifies this process by providing access to accredited online Doctor of Business Administration programs from leading global universities, offering professionals in Saudi Arabia both credibility and flexibility.

Applying for an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in Saudi Arabia requires thoughtful planning. Understanding the entry requirements, supporting documents, and funding options can help you navigate the application process with confidence.

Most programs require candidates to hold a master’s degree (such as an MBA or a related qualification). Some universities may ask for a strong academic record or relevant professional experience. 

Applicants may also need to submit a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency for applying to specific programs offered by particular universities. However, they are not mandatory for all. Hence, it is a good idea to explore the program details of the university you want to pursue your DBA from to understand all the prerequisites. 

Are online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degrees recognized by employers in Saudi Arabia?

Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degrees can be recognized by employers in Saudi Arabia, especially in the private sector, provided they are acquired from a reputable and accredited institution.

Can I pursue a DBA in Saudi Arabia while working full-time?

Pursuing a DBA in Saudi Arabia while working full-time is possible if you opt for a part-time, weekend, or online DBA program, which is specifically designed for working professionals. Many universities and institutions offer flexible formats, such as part-time, executive, or blended learning, to accommodate professional commitments.

What’s the difference between a PhD and a DBA in Saudi Arabia’s context?

The key difference is that a PhD in Business Administration is an academic degree focused on creating new theory and research, while a DBA is a professional degree focused on applying existing theory to solve real-world business problems.

How long does it take to complete a DBA in Saudi Arabia?

A DBA in Saudi Arabia typically takes 3 to 6 years to complete, depending on the program's format. Full-time programs usually take 3 to 4 years, while part-time or executive programs can take 4 to 6 years or longer. The exact time depends on factors like the specific program's structure, the student's pace, and the complexity of the research required for the dissertation.

Is a DBA worth it in Saudi Arabia?

For professionals in Saudi Arabia, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can be worthwhile if they aim for C-suite or senior leadership positions. A DBA provides advanced leadership skills, research experience, and professional credibility that help graduates achieve career transformation, career advancement, and increased earning potential.