Get your own personalized 360° MBA Ranking now.
Get a free consultation
International MBA students
Student satisfaction rate
Schools accredited by AACSB, AMBA or EQUIS
Average annual salary
Your guide to studying in UAE
Studying in UAE means getting immersed into a melting pot of cultures. Composed of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairaand), it is a place that blends old-world charm with cutting-edge modernity. With futuristic buildings and ancient markets in equal measure, UAE has something for everyone. For international students, it also has different business and management programs taught in English. An MBA in UAE can be the right stepping stone to a career in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, especially with UAE’s business location connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Cultural Specifics of UAE
The United Arab Emirates blends traditional values with modern cosmopolitan influences, creating a unique cultural mosaic. When in UAE, it’s important to signal respect for elders and authority figures, for instance through formal greetings and polite gestures. Communication is usually indirect, as locals prefer to maintain harmony rather than enter into confrontation. Hospitality is one of the pillars of Emirati culture and guests are always treated with generosity and warmth.
It is best to dress modestly in public places, especially around religious sites, as a sign of respect for local customs. Family is another cornerstone in UAE culture and relationships – extended family networks act like an essential support system for locals.
Business Culture in UAE
Doing business in UAE is all about relationships. People here like to get to know each other before diving into work talk. That’s why professional meetings often start with a friendly chat over coffee or tea. When it comes to communicating, Emiratis are polite and indirect. They might not immediately say “no” to avoid offending the other party. When it comes to dress code, it’s important to look sharp – stick to conservative, formal wear to make a good impression. While locals will appreciate being on time, meetings don’t always start when they are supposed to.
Decision-making can be slow too, as there’s often a chain of command to follow. If you have to remember one thing about communication and doing business in UAE, it’s to always show respect. Using titles and showing regard for age and position will take you far.
The experiences of students and alumni in UAE
Students are looking for business schools that value the long-term – especially concerning the environment and sustainable business practices. But which schools and programs can provide this kind of education? And what does thinking with a long-term orientation in business really mean? We explore some of the ins and outs of the issue.
Podcast special from Unimy, Unimy and Beyond, and Prepadivser. How and why should you use culture to find your best MBA?
Advantages of the MBA programs in UAE
The latest Financial Times MBA and EMBA rankings list 4 schools in the United Arab Emirates among the top in the world, recognizing their strategic locations and the significant advantages in networking and career opportunities they provide.
Studying in UAE, especially for an MBA, inevitably comes with expenses such as tuition fees and accommodation. International students can find financial aid opportunities from local universities as well as from international business schools with campuses in UAE. For example, INSEAD, with a campus in Abu Dhabi, offers region-specific scholarships such as the Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship, which supports students from developing countries.
More importantly, UAE is a business hub of global significance, which means international MBA graduates can count on diverse career prospects. Many programs have strong industry connections and can arrange internships for students, helping them expand their network and find roles in finance, technology, and international trade.
COMMON EXPENSES AND LEGAL ASPECTS
Cost of living
Rent of one-bedroom apartment in city center (monthly): AED 5,982.65
Basic utilities (monthly): AED 669.26
Public transport pass (monthly): AED 200.00
Gym subscription (monthly): AED 257.14
Water (1.5-liter bottle): AED 2.12
Source: Numbeo
Visa requirements and work permits
To study an MBA in UAE, international students must obtain a student visa, typically sponsored by their university. To get the visa, they will need to prepare proof of admission, passport copies and passport-size photos, medical test results, proof of accommodation, proof of funds for tuition fees and living expenses, and several other documents. Work permits for part-time jobs are allowed under certain conditions, but students must obtain permission from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Full-time employment usually requires converting the student visa to a work visa after graduation.
FEATURED SCHOOLS IN UAE
Available programs:
Explore the most popular MBA programs in UAE
You might also be interested in...
Request a consultation
Get a free consultation with our expert advisors and discover the MBA that best suits your profile and aspirations.