Congratulations on choosing the UAE for your MBA, but now comes the hard part.
While some of the region’s most respected business schools are located here, how do you know which one’s best for you?
For Indian students, the real challenges start with finding the right college.
- Which institutions have the best MBA programs in the UAE?
- What do the actual 2026 fees look like once you account for the credit structure and VAT?
- Which programs allow part‑time study or executive formats without stretching timelines or budgets?
These are all factors that you must take into account. They directly affect cost, visa planning, and long‑term academic value.
In this guide, I’ve focused on exactly those questions. Here, you’ll find the top MBA colleges in the UAE based on accreditation, tuition fee, intake information, and program structure.
And if you want to make the selection process even easier, try GradRight’s university search platform. It will help you compare universities and programs within minutes.
Top 10 MBA colleges in the UAE
MBA colleges in the UAE differ widely in how they structure and price the same degree. Two programs can look similar on the surface but vary sharply in total cost, study load, and flexibility.
Some colleges quote a single all‑inclusive fee, while others charge by credit or subject, which changes the final amount depending on how fast you finish.
The colleges listed below have the best MBA programs in the UAE. The list includes a mix of full‑time, part‑time, and executive‑style MBAs. So, you can compare options based on cost, pace, and career stage rather than reputation alone.
| College | Program Name | Duration/Mode | Total Tuition Fee (AED) |
| American University of Sharjah | Master of Business Administration (general MBA) | Typically 33 credits; Full-time/Part-time | 175,560 |
| American University in Dubai | Master of Business Administration | 12 courses; Full-time/Part-time | 168,480 |
| Abu Dhabi University | Master of Business Administration | 30 credits; Full-time/Part-time | 88,200 (excl. VAT) |
| Ajman University | Master of Business Administration | 30 credits; Full-time/Part-time | 60,000 (AED 2,000 × 30; tuition zero-rated for VAT) |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai | Master of Business Administration | 12 subjects; weekends | 115,167 (AED 9,597.26 × 12; VAT included) |
| Middlesex University Dubai | MBA (Daytime) | 1-year full-time/ 2-year part-time | 82,400–84,872 (intake-dependent, 2026; VAT included) |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | MBA with a Specialism in Professional Practice | Typically 1-year full-time (alt. part-time routes) | 114,900 (Jan 2026 special; VAT included) |
| University of Birmingham Dubai | MBA | 2-year part-time | 155,400–174,510 (2-year total; start-date dependent) |
| Canadian University Dubai | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 36 credits; Full-time/Part-time | 101,115 (latest published handbook; VAT included) |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | MBA – International Business (Day)
MBA – International Business (Evening/Weekend) |
2 years, Full-time
2 years, Part-time (working professionals) |
82,950 (AED 41,475 × 2; VAT included) |
If you plan to keep your job while you study, an Executive MBA or EMBA may be ideal for you. EMBA programs are typically part-time or hybrid (weekend/modular blocks).
The trade-off is price. EMBAs cost more than most full-time MBAs, but they compress real learning into schedules that don’t stall your career.
“Exit survey data consistently shows great outcomes for [executive MBA] ]alumni, such as salary increases and promotions.” — Michael Desiderio, Executive Director, Executive MBA Council.
If you are looking for the best MBA colleges in Dubai for Indian students, here are a few from around the UAE you should check out:
- London Business School Executive MBA
- NSEAD Global Executive MBA
- Hult International Business School Executive MBA
- Middlesex University Dubai Executive MBA
If you are unsure about whether to pursue a regular MBA or an EMBA in Dubai, here’s what you should do. Compare total cost, contact hours, and travel/leave needs, and then pick the format that best fits your next 18 to 24 months.
Cheapest MBA colleges in the UAE
For many Indian students, the total cost decides whether an MBA abroad is possible this year or if they have to wait. The good news is that the UAE has genuinely affordable MBA options that still offer recognised degrees, solid teaching, and practical schedules.
By choosing these colleges, you’re not trading quality for price. You’re choosing colleges that publish clear tuition, offer flexible formats, and keep extras predictable.
But why are some MBAs cheaper than others?
A few reasons: lower per-credit rates instead of premium “brand” pricing, campuses outside the most expensive zones of Dubai, evening/weekend delivery that shares resources across cohorts, fewer high-cost add-ons like long international study trips, and transparent VAT or zero-rated tuition policies on core fees. Many also run scholarships or early-payment discounts.
Finding the best MBA colleges in Dubai with low fees may take some time, but there are a few available in the UAE:
| College | Program Name | Duration / Mode | Total Tuition Cost (AED) |
| Ajman University | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 30 credits; Full-time/Part-time | 60,000 (AED 2,000 × 30 credits). |
| United Arab Emirates University | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ~1.5 years, including summer | 77,100 (9×AED 5,900 + AED 12,000 capstone + AED 12,000 leadership). |
| Al Ain University | Master of Business Administration (all tracks) | 33 credits; Full-time/Part-time | 82,500 (AED 2,500 × 33 credits). |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | MBA – International Business (Evening/Weekend) | 2 years; Part-time | 82,950 (AED 41,475 × 2; VAT incl., per fees page). |
Tip: Always double-check your chosen intake’s offer letter for any incidentals (visa, insurance, materials) and whether VAT is included on the specific page you’re viewing. The university’s offer letter is the final authority.
When you’ve narrowed your shortlist to a few best MBA programs in the UAE, the last mile is about fit and finances. GradRight can help you with that.
GradRight convenes students, universities, and lenders together, so guidance is current and accountable. At ShiftED 2024 in Hyderabad, 4,000+ students engaged with 24 global universities and leading loan partners. That’s exactly the ecosystem you need when you’re finalizing an MBA choice.
Now that you have a somewhat clear picture of the best MBA programs in the UAE, it’s time to think about the next steps. Treat the MBA like a 24-month investment. Ask every relevant question like:
- Will this degree be recognized where I want to work?
- Can I afford the real total without digging into my savings or emergency funds?
- Does the format match my life, family, workload, and travel?
If you’re tempted by prestige, translate it into measurable advantages. Consider recruiter access, cohort quality, and role changes within 12–18 months of graduation. If an EMBA fits your path, benchmark fees against expected salary lift and sponsorship.
“The demand for managerial expertise has never been greater because we are going through major transformations.” — Mauro Guillén
