Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered what drives people to perform certain actions, you’ve already scratched the surface of data science. Data science is a field that utilises algorithms to analyse both structured and unstructured data. Given the number of applications and use cases it powers, choosing to study an MSc in Data Science from Dubai opens up lucrative career pathways for you to tap into.
A Master’s degree in data science goes beyond technical skills— it teaches you to develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are vital to problem-solving. Choosing Dubai as your destination to study data science is a step towards honing these skills with a truly global education and diverse career opportunities.
With the Emirates’ finance, healthcare, real estate, logistics and aviation sectors experiencing a boom, there’s a hiring upswing for data scientists, machine learning engineers and data analysts. We’re talking about jobs that involve simplifying complex data in unimaginable volumes for these high-visibility, high-impact industries, which will require individuals who bring an agile mindset and heightened technical expertise to the table.
In this post, we will dive deep into the advantages of choosing to study your MSc in Data Science in Dubai, top universities that offer programmes, the consequent entry requirements that you’ll have to meet and the vast career scope in the job market when you finish your degree.
Why Study MSc Data Science in Dubai?
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Skills shortage and gap
The data science job market in Dubai rose by 35% in 2024, according to key findings from TerraTern. The launch of the Amazon Web Service Generative AI Innovation Centre ( AWS GENAIIC) in June 2023 has created 200+ jobs, indicating the demand for data scientists to plug the skills shortage and knowledge gap.
The UAE AI Strategy 2031
Launched in 2019, the AI strategy 2031 created an AI ecosystem and a coders community to encourage skills development in these critical areas that contribute to the country’s digital economy. The initiative will train a million individuals on AI by 2027, requiring data statisticians and engineers who can develop the curriculum and play a pivotal role in training the future generation.
Smart City Initiatives
Several projects like Smart Dubai (the Dubai Pulse), the Dubai Data Initiative, Paperless Strategy and the Blockchain Strategy are fueling the demand for data-driven solutions.
Industry Growth
Sectors like finance, healthcare, retail, and transportation are relying heavily on data to make smarter decisions. For instance, Dubai’s fintech sector saw a 30% surge in data science hiring in Q1 2025, while the healthcare sector is closely behind in its rapid adoption of AI to manage clinical systems, recordkeeping and medical services. is rapidly adopting AI, boosting jobs in data science.
- Government Support The Dubai government is championing several initiatives–including the Dubai Startup, Data Challenge, Coders HQ and an AI lab, all of which create a testbed for AI, Language Learning Models (LLM) and machine learning.
- Global Career Hub Dubai’s strategic location at the intersection of the East and the West attracts leading organisations to launch offices. Besides local players like Talabat and Careem, Amazon Web Services, Accenture, Capgemini and the Boston Consulting Group X (BCG X) actively recruit for roles that require field-expertise and know-how in custom tooling, decision modelling and data architecting.
- Diverse Career Opportunities There are several career pathways with perks such as hybridity and the opportunity to work with Fortune 500 companies, with some roles including:
- Applied AI
- Data Architecting
- Route optimisation
- Transactional data handling for payment flows.
- Large-scale deployment of AI/ML.
- Excellent Pay Data scientists are among the highest earners in the world. In Dubai, this equates to greater savings through tax-free earnings. According to Glassdoor’s pay estimates, the average salary sits between AED 13,000 to 25,000/month, with senior positions paying as much as AED 60,000/month.
Top Universities Offering MSc Data Science in Dubai
| University | Program Name | Tuition Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | MSc Data Science | AED 91,990 (1 year) |
| Emirates Aviation University | MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | AED 66,500 (18 months) |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | MSc Data Science | AED 140,000 – 168,608 approx for fulltime courses. |
| Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI | MSc in Statistics and Data Science | AED 30,000 approx |
| Middlesex University Dubai | MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | AED 83,000 approx |
| Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai | MSc Professional Studies: Data Analytics | ~AED 70,000 |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences Dubai | MSc Data Science | ~€12,000 – 13,600 (~AED 52,000) |
| Khalifa University Dubai (Computational Data Science) | MSc Computational Data Science | Not specified |
| University of Wollongong Dubai | Master of Business Analytics (Data Analytics focussed) | Not specified |
| Amity University Dubai | MSc Data Science | AED 60,000 – 70,000 approx |
Entry Requirements
- Have studied a relevant bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field, with a GPA of 3.0/4 in a mathematical discipline.
- Show proof of English language, with IELTS being the most commonly accepted test, but TOEFL, Duolingo (DET), are also gaining acceptance.
- Personal statements, resumes and recommendation letters.
- Submit a portfolio or give interviews at the university’s discretion.
The Cost of Studying MSc Data Science in Dubai
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai charges about AED 99,349 for the MSc Data Science program.
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences – Dubai charges around AED 45,938 per year.
- Middlesex University Dubai’s MSc Data Science & AI fees are approximately AED 74,263 per year.
| Expenses | Cost (AED) | Monthly Average (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Outside City Center) | 3,500 – 6,000 / Month |
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| Transportation (Public Transport) | 350 – 500 / Month | Dubai Metro: 3-7/ride Buses & Trams :Same as Metro Taxis: 12- 50/ ride Monthly Public Transport Pass: 300 – 500 |
| Food & Dining | 500 – 1,200 / Month | Groceries: 700-1200 |
| Internet | 250 –400 / Month | |
| Electricity, Water and Gas | 450-800/Month |
- Splitting rent costs with fellow students and opting for more affordableFrom the table, we can infer that rent will work out to be your largest expense and can be shared or split with fellow students.
- Finding part-time work with prior permission from your university. The Ministry for Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues eligible students with a work permit after obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the university.
- Apply for merit-based scholarships to get a partial or full waiver on the tuition fee.
Career Scope in Dubai & Beyond
- Data Scientists: Building predictive models, machine learning applications, and business insights.
- Data Analysts: Processing and visualizing data to help businesses make informed decisions.
- Machine Learning Engineers: Designing and deploying ML models.
- Data Engineer: Creating and maintaining data infrastructure and pipelines.
- AI Specialist: Developing AI-driven solutions for various industries.
- Business Analyst (with data focus): Bridging business needs and technical data solutions.
Scholarships & Funding Options
| University | Name of Programme | Tuition Fee (AED) | Scholarship | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Europe (UE) for Applied Sciences | MSc. Data Science | 100,900 (2 years full-time) |
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-Female applicants for BSc and MSc degrees in software engineering, data science and digital transformation – Number of Scholarships are split as: 1- 100% 2-50% 2-40% 2-30% Application deadline is the 8th of Either March or September |
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-Waives off €1000 -Apply with a strong motivation letter | |||
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-35% reduction on tuition fee -Applicable to the sibling or spouse pursuing a bachelor’s degree from UE. | |||
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | MSc Data Science | AED 91,990 (1 year) | Merit-based scholarships | Bachelor’s with good honors; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent |
| Emirates Aviation University | MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | AED 66,500 (18 months) | Chancellor’s Scholarship | -100% tuition fee waiver for 10 students. – PG students should hold a CGPA of 3.8 at the Bachelor’s degree level. – IELTS Score 7 and above. |
| Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship | -50% off on tuition fee. – Awarded to 100 students. – Min CGPA of 3.5/4 and IELTS score of 7 and above for PG students. | |||
| International Student Study Package, | -15% discount on programme fees for the full study period. – One free return Economy Class ticket on Emirates (from the home country to Dubai). | |||
| Alumni discounts |
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| Sibling discount | 10% off for siblings | |||
| University of Birmingham Dubai | MSc Data Science | AED 140,000 – 156,000 | Scholarships for underrepresented groups | Relevant bachelor’s; Mathematics A-level/equivalent; Good English proficiency test score |
| Middlesex University Dubai | MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | AED 74,000 approx | Study grants and scholarships | Bachelor’s degree; English proficiency |
| Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai | MSc Professional Studies: Data Analytics | AED 70,000 approx | RIT Merit-based scholarships |
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| Global Tigers scholarship |
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| Teaching Assistantship |
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| Executive Experience |
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| Khalifa University Dubai | MSc Computational Data Science | Not specified | Scholarships cover the costs of tuition (partial or full), accommodation and career development | Bachelor’s degree, strong academics, English proficiency |
| University of Wollongong Dubai | Master of Business Analytics | Not specified | Academic Merit-Based Scholarship | Covers 15% – 25% of tuition fees per trimester. Indian students are eligible for a 25% award if they graduated with 70% + in a relevant Bachelor’s degree. minimum of 75%, |
| Amity University Dubai | MSc Data Science | AED 60,000 – 70,000 | Merit & UAE national scholarships | – 15% is awarded for achieving 75% or above in a recognised Bachelor’s degree. |
Conclusion
Rigorous and challenging as the curriculum is, the rewards of pursuing an MSc in data science from Dubai make it all worthwhile. Graduates gain skills that have worldwide relevance, transferability and employability, making them irreplaceable in a futuristic job market.
At Fateh Education, we know that you have the mental fortitude to see your dream through. Your need of the hour, therefore, is a way to streamline the application process without losing track of your progress. Our experienced team has helped send thousands of students to Dubai who have gone on to leverage their skills in professional capacities across the globe. We helped write their success stories. Now is the time for you to script success. Contact us today for more information on studying a Master’s degree in data science from a Dubai-based university.
FAQs
RIT, University of Applied Sciences -UE Dubai, Wollongong, Middlesex and Khalifa University are some reputed names offering academically reputable data science and business analytics (data-focussed).
The average salaries vary by experience. The annual salary that an experienced data scientist in Dubai can expect to earn is between AED 3,00,000-5,00,000.
While work experience boosts your application, it’s not a mandatory requirement for consideration for MSc data science courses. The Admissions Offices generally consider an applicant’s academic background and work experience.
Yes, MSc data science programmes offered at leading universities in Dubai are accredited by the leading accrediting bodies, including the KHDA, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (UAE) and Quality Assurance Agency (UK).