Why you should consider an MBA in the Middle East
Why you should consider an MBA in the Middle East
View all schools-
Popular search terms
View all regions
Middle East
Why you should consider an MBA in Middle East
The Middle East is home to some of the oldest civilizations on Earth and is known for its vast crude oil reserves and subsequent reliance on oil exports. However, several economies in the Middle East have since diversified into a wide range of sectors.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have undergone swift modernization, opening up to the world as they target tourism to boost their economies. These countries are known for outstanding business education in the Arab world. Consistent economic growth and young populations increase spending on higher education throughout the region.
Both local and international business schools offer many accredited MBAs in the Middle East. The American University in Dubai program was featured in the QS Global MBA Rankings. Additionally, business schools, including HEC Paris, INSEAD, and Hult International Business School, have all decided to set up satellite campuses in the region. With the economy expanding to cater to the vast numbers of young people set to enter the job market in the coming years, now might be the perfect time to make your mark with an MBA in the Middle East.
Reasons to study your MBA in Middle East
- The Middle East links Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a fascinating cultural crossroads.
- Some of the world’s earliest civilizations emerged here, so it is a region rich in history.
- The universities in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region, are incredibly well-funded institutions with modern facilities.
- Some Middle Eastern countries like the UAE have an expat population of over 50%, creating a welcoming place for international students.
- The low or non-existent taxes found in some countries make it an attractive option financially.
5 Things you should know about studying in the Middle East
How much will it cost to study in the Middle East?
The international business schools with a satellite campus in the Middle East are the most expensive, with the INSEAD MBA priced at €98,000. You’ll find that local schools are likely to charge less. For example, the American University of Sharjah's MBA tuition fee is $45,740
How reputable are the business schools in the Middle East?
Growing investment into higher education in the Middle East means local business schools are starting to make their mark globally. The MBA program at American University in Dubai appeared in the QS Global MBA Rankings. The region is also emerging as a popular satellite campus location for global business schools, including HEC Paris, INSEAD, and Hult International Business School.
What is the status of the economy?
The economies of countries in the Middle East vary massively, from countries with severely undeveloped economies (Yemen, Syria) to some of the wealthiest per capita in the world (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait). The latter set of countries has seen rapid economic growth in recent decades, though the largest economies in the region remain those of Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Are there a lot of international students in the Middle East?
Many international students choose to study in the Middle East. There are over 224,048 international students in Turkey, which hosts the most international students in the Middle East. The UAE hosts the next most, with more than 215,975. Saudi Arabia hosted 64,874 international students.
Which languages are spoken in the Middle East?
The five most spoken languages in the Middle East are Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, Kurdish, and Hebrew. English is commonly taught as a second language in various Middle Eastern countries and is the primary language in regions where expats comprise most of the population in the United Arab Emirates.
Most popular study destinations
Countries in Middle East
INSEAD
France, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States of America
Fontainebleau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, San Francisco
Hult International Business School
United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, China
Boston, New York, San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai
Bayes Business School, City University London
United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates
London, Dubai
Sofaer Global MBA, Coller School of Management
Israel
Tel Aviv
IMT Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Sabancı Business School
Turkey
Istanbul
American University Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai
What is an MBA?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a prestigious postgraduate degree in business management and leadership. It equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge in finance, marketing, strategy, and operations, preparing them for advanced career opportunities in various industries.
While a general master’s program might be more theoretical or specialized in a particular field, an MBA is distinct for its business-centric curriculum and practical approach to handling real-world business scenarios. There are also a growing number of specialized MBA programs tailored to specific career goals. Explore our articles for intriguing offerings like dual-degree programs or MBA specializations.
The value of an MBA is often reflected in enhanced career prospects, higher earning potential, and a robust professional network. Delve into success stories from INSEAD MBA graduates and others to explore the tangible and intangible returns an MBA could offer.