Introduction
Indian students have been exploring overseas education in increasing numbers after COVID, given that brands now progressively aim to target global audiences rather than remaining strictly regional. This necessitates talents that can be used to support the growth of such companies, and the vast job market that has emerged has expanded the opportunities for success for anyone who understands how international business operates and is capable of managing it. Hence, what could be better than studying an MBA degree in this regard, and to make things even better, studying it in the UAE, the gateway to the West and East, where universities offer high-quality education and earning post-work opportunities is far easier compared to other nations, making this an overall alluring choice.
Furthermore, the business-friendly policies of the UAE, coupled with its rapid economic growth and its rising emphasis on innovation, make it the ideal place to learn management. And for Indian students, it is a great option given the shorter travel distance, international curriculum, solid industry connections, English as the language of instruction, cultural familiarity due to the sizable Indian expat population here, and the highly valued state-of-the-art facilities, which ultimately make it a much sought-after destination, giving solid competition even to the other Western universities and destinations.
Top Universities for MBA in UAE
1. Heriot-Watt University- Dubai
The Edinburgh Business School (EBS) within the Heriot-Watt University Dubai campus functions as a dedicated faculty for business and management studies, offering globally recognised MBA and business-related degrees. This MBA program is part of EBS’s global offering, one of the largest and most international MBA programs in the world, with over 9,500 active students and more than 19,000 alumni across 150+ countries. Notably, the campus also hosts the EBS Global Incubator, supporting startups through mentoring, co-working space, and investment access, enhancing the quality of hands-on learning students receive as part of the programme.
Rankings and Accreditation:
- Ranked 34th in the UK as per QS World University Rankings 2026
- The Dubai campus was awarded ‘Best University’ at the first-ever Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards in April 2019
- Ranked 35th in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the 2019 UK National Student Survey
- Degrees are accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
- Business school programs are accredited by prestigious global bodies including the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Association of International Accountants (AIA), and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
- Edinburgh Business School is a member of the Association of Business Schools
2. Hult International Business School – Dubai
Located in Dubai Internet City, Hult’s Dubai campus is surrounded by some of the biggest names in digital technology, Microsoft, MasterCard, LinkedIn, Samsung, and Facebook, all of which offer valuable networking opportunities and industry events for students, especially those from India. The campus is within walking distance of the Dubai Metro and just minutes away from the beautiful sandy beaches and the vibrant nightlife of Dubai Marina, which is a short taxi ride away.
Spread over 3,000 square meters, the campus features high-tech video conferencing facilities, spacious classrooms and breakout rooms, 24/7 security, prayer rooms, and a fully equipped computer lab, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded, comfortable academic and personal experience for students.
Rankings and Accreditation:
- Holds triple accreditation from global bodies: AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS
- Ranked #25 in QS International Trade Ranking – Executive MBA 2025
- Ranked #1 for Experiential Learning by The Forage, 2022
- Ranked #3 for Life-Changing Experience by Poets & Quants, 2022
- 88% of Hult master’s graduates were employed within 6 months
- Ranked #1 in the US for master’s in management, 2024 by Financial Times
- Ranked #3 for International Students (master’s in management, 2024) by Financial Times
- Ranked in the Top 50 Globally for master’s in management, 2024 by Financial Times
- Ranked #92 globally for Full-Time MBA in Financial Times MBA Rankings 2024
- Listed in the Top 100 Best US Business Schools by Bloomberg Business, 2024
3. Middlesex University – Dubai
The university was established in Dubai in 2005 as the first overseas branch of Middlesex University London. Its primary campus is located in Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), spanning over fifteen blocks and offering state-of-the-art classrooms and specialist labs, including VRx, RoboTechx, Sports Performance, and more. A second campus was opened in 2021 at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), designated as the MBA Study Hub, which supports the Daytime MBA programme and international cohorts. Both campuses are equipped with hybrid-enabled classrooms, specialist labs, independent study spaces, and the MCX Social Hub to enhance student learning and engagement.
Recognition and Accreditations:
- Licensed by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Middlesex University Dubai is the largest UK branch campus in Dubai by enrolment.
- Received a 5-star rating in KHDA’s Higher Education Classification in both 2020 and 2022.
- Obtained its institutional license from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in January 2025.
- Audited by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), ensuring that its academic delivery is on par with top UK education standards, and is noted for high-quality teaching, an employability focus, and a strong student experience.
Fees Structure and Cost of Living
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Heriot-Watt University- Dubai
MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice Programme: With intake periods in September and January, the duration of this programme is 1 year, and the fee you will pay as an Indian student in Dubai for this course is AED 114,900 per year. The degree you will receive will be licensed by the UAE’s Ministry of Education through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and the Royal Charter (UK).
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Hult International Business School – Dubai
Global One-Year MBA: The intake period is in September each year, and the course duration is one year. The fee for Indian international students in Dubai is AED 299,500 per year. The degree you will receive will be Triple Crown accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
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Middlesex University – Dubai
The MDX Dubai MBA: The intake period remains September, January, and April, and the duration of the programme is 1 year for full-time and 2 years for part-time. The fee an Indian international student in Dubai will be paying for this programme will be AED 82,400 (inclusive of VAT) for each year. Also, the degree you will receive is accredited by CIMA, CIM Accredited Study Centre, Financial Modelling Institute, and CIPS.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for pursuing an MBA degree in the UAE vary by university. However, a three- or four-year undergraduate degree from a recognised institution is typically required, with a minimum score ranging from 50% to 60% or higher, depending on the institution.
For example, universities such as Middlesex University, Heriot-Watt University, and Hult International Business School generally require a minimum grade of 60% or above for admission into their MBA programmes. While some MBA programmes require prior professional experience, Middlesex University offers specialised MBA programmes where industry experience is not mandatory.
Additionally, an IELTS score is required, though this also varies by university. For instance:
- Heriot-Watt University requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0).
- Middlesex University requires an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
Standardised tests like the GMAT or GRE are not mandatory for most UAE universities, but submitting them may strengthen your application.
Admission Requirements
For admission to an MBA programme in the UAE as an Indian international student, a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in India or abroad is required. Some top-tier universities may also require a higher GPA or strong academic merit, especially for competitive MBA programmes. Additionally, universities such as Hult, INSEAD, and Heriot-Watt prefer applicants with two to three years of relevant work experience.
Notably, while you are not required to show proof of funds when applying for a Dubai student visa, the following documents are typically required for university admission in the UAE:
- A valid Indian passport
- An offer letter from a UAE university
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of English language proficiency (in the form of a test scorecard)
- Work experience certificates (if applicable)
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you are planning to pursue an MBA in the UAE, the United Arab Emirates University College of Business and Economics, founded in 1977, is considered one of the best in the country. It operates under the Federal University of the United Arab Emirates and is also recognised as a national university. The programmes are accredited by AACSB, and the college has over 80 full-time faculty members drawn from around the world. Based in Abu Dhabi, its MBA programme is ranked 6th in the entire Middle East and Africa combined and falls within the 131–140 range globally, according to the QS MBA Rankings 2025.
Affordability is a crucial factor when considering studying abroad. In this regard, the UAE offers reasonably priced MBA programmes, with several reputed institutions providing high-quality education at costs that are comparatively lower than those in many Western nations.
Examples:- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Dubai Campus): Offers Global MBA programmes that provide excellent value, especially considering the international exposure and tri-city learning model.
- SP Jain School of Global Management (Dubai Campus): A globally ranked institution, it offers MBA programmes at competitive fees and even follows a tri-city learning model.
- BITS Pilani (Dubai Campus): With a strong presence in the UAE, the MBA programmes here are known for maintaining academic rigour while keeping the fees moderate for international students.
As an Indian student, to qualify for studying in the UAE, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and have a minimum score of 50% to 60%, depending on the university you are applying to. While some universities prefer candidates with 2 to 3 years of work experience, many—such as Middlesex University or BITS Pilani Dubai, also accept fresh graduates into specialised MBA programmes.
Providing proof of English language proficiency is essential, with most universities requiring a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5, or an equivalent score in TOEFL or PTE Academic. The exact score, however, may vary depending on the institution’s guidelines and requirements.
Although GMAT and GRE scores are not mandatory for most universities, submitting them can strengthen your application. Additional elements that add weight to your profile include strong academic transcripts, a well-crafted resume, a compelling statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Finally, you must meet all UAE student visa conditions, such as providing proof of funds, a medical fitness certificate, and required visa documents.
The duration of an MBA course in Dubai depends on the academic system followed by the university. Some universities offer master’s programmes that can be completed in 1 year, while others are designed to take 2 years. This variation exists because some institutions follow the UK or European academic system, offering intensive one-year MBA programmes for professionals seeking a fast-track option. Others provide more flexible formats that allow students to complete the programme over a longer period, often more than a year, especially in part-time or executive modes.
Examples:- Hult International Business School: 12-month Global MBA programme
- SP Jain School of Global Management: 1-year tri-city Global MBA
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai: Typically takes 2 years for full-time students and up to 4 years for part-time students
- Middlesex University Dubai: Offers a full-time MBA in approximately 15 months and a part-time option lasting up to 24 months