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MBA degrees: What you need to know

According to Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), last year, 3,420 students signed up for MBA courses.

What’s an MBA degree worth? And is it worth paying extra money to study at top-ranked business schools. That’s a question we asked some of Dubai’s leading business schools.

“There are only three things which happen after your MBA course. You get promoted within your organisation, you get hired by a competitor or you go out and create your own business,” says Professor Christopher Abraham, Head of SP Jain School of Global Management - Dubai Campus.

Business studies have remained the most popular course offering in Dubai. According to Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), last year, 3,420 students signed up for MBA courses.

“The market for MBA programmes has not really boomed. For niche business schools with very high ranking, getting students to sign up for a programme is not difficult. Students usually look at rigour, fees and class timings before committing their time to a course,” Prof Abraham told Khaleej Times.

On average, MBA programmes cost Dh100,000 in Dubai. Aimed at mid-career professionals, business schools value work experience and a long-term commitment to study.

“Students bring their corporate problems to class and find solutions to problems in real life. Simulations, exercises and experiential learning make a big difference,” he added.

The Manchester Business School (MBS) is another popular b-school. More than 1,500 part-time MBA students are supported on the MBS campus in Dubai Knowledge Village.

Randa Bessiso, Director of MBS Middle East, says, “An MBA journey is a major commitment of time and money for any student. They have to be dedicated and they usually come with a clear expectation of the commitment required to complete such courses. These programmes are designed to suit the lifestyle of working professionals.”

Explaining the trends in enrolments, she added, “For the past few years, student numbers have been consistent. We look for experienced working professionals with a minimum five-year managerial experience. Evidence of leadership in current role and some level of influence on organisation strategy is important.”

muaz@khaleejtimes.com