The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a West Asian federation made up of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. The country’s capital is Abu Dhabi, while Dubai is a major financial and commercial hub. The UAE’s investment environment, infrastructure, and regional business connections make it a strong destination for students interested in business, management, finance, and related fields.
Students can find internationally accredited universities and business schools in the country. Many institutions also use industry links, internships, exchange opportunities, case studies, simulations, and applied learning to broaden students’ academic and professional experience.
The following are some of the most well-known business schools in the country.
Top Business Schools in the United Arab Emirates
1. American University in Dubai
The American University in Dubai (AUD) follows an American-style model of education. Its School of Business Administration is AACSB-accredited and offers programs such as the Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Innovation Management, and certificate options.
AUD’s Bachelor of Business Administration is a four-year, 123-credit program with majors such as Accounting, Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications, Artificial Intelligence in Business, Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing. The MBA is a 36-credit program, usually studied full time over about two years, with general and concentration options.
For 12 to 16 undergraduate credits, AUD lists annual undergraduate tuition and mandatory service and technology fees at AED 105,030, or about US$28,600. The MBA costs AED 14,040 per 3-credit course for 12 courses, making base MBA tuition AED 168,480, or about US$45,900, before semester and other applicable fees. The MS in Innovation Management uses the same per-course rate for 10 courses, making base tuition AED 140,400, or about US$38,200. The school’s website lists additional fees and adjustments.
2. University of Dubai
The University of Dubai is a private UAE institution licensed by the Ministry of Education and owned by the Dubai Chamber. Its Dubai Business School is AACSB-accredited and offers business programs at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
The business school uses experiential learning, case studies, simulations, and collaboration with industry. The General MBA is a 30-credit program that can be completed in 12 to 15 months. The Ph.D. in Business Administration is a 54-credit program designed for completion in three years full time or four to five years part time.
The university publishes its fees in its student finance policy. The MBA is listed at AED 9,555 per regular 3-credit course, while the Ph.D. in Business Administration is listed at AED 15,000 per regular 3-credit course. Students should also check application, registration, internship or thesis, VAT, and other applicable charges before applying.
3. American University of Sharjah
The American University of Sharjah’s School of Business Administration integrates American-style business education with regional and global perspectives. The school is AACSB-accredited and offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral business education.
AUS is also recognized in current MBA rankings. In the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, the AUS MBA is listed in the 151–200 global band and tied for seventh in the Middle East and Africa region. AUS also reports that the MBA is ranked second in the UAE in the same ranking cycle.
The school supports applied business learning through facilities such as its Interactive Trading Floor, which gives students experience with financial-market tools and data. Many students also gain career experience through internships and employer engagement.
For 2026–2027, AUS lists undergraduate tuition at AED 110,876 per academic year, or about US$30,200. Graduate business tuition is listed at AED 180,840 for the MBA, or about US$49,200, and AED 164,400 for several specialized business master’s programs, or about US$44,800. Application, activity, housing, lab, health insurance, and other charges may apply.
4. United Arab Emirates University
United Arab Emirates University’s College of Business and Economics is AACSB-accredited for both business and accounting. The college operates in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level business education, including the Doctor of Business Administration.
The university is equipped with modern academic facilities and works with industry through advisory boards, internships, and applied projects. These links help students connect classroom learning with business practice in the UAE and the wider region.
For international undergraduate students in the College of Business and Economics, UAEU lists 120 credits at AED 2,300 per credit, making base tuition about AED 276,000, or about US$75,200, for the full program. The MBA fee schedule includes standard courses, a capstone, a leadership program, and other listed components; applicants should budget at least AED 77,300, or about US$21,000, before any required bridging courses or international-trip provision. The DBA tuition schedule lists a total of AED 252,200, or about US$68,700, plus any applicable registration and VAT-related charges.
5. University of Sharjah
The University of Sharjah’s College of Business Administration offers undergraduate, MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Doctor of Business Administration programs. Its programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and by AACSB.
The college has an international student body and emphasizes student-centered learning, research, business engagement, and industry partnerships. Its business programs cover areas such as Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Business Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, and Public Sector Management.
For students admitted from Academic Year 2022/2023 onward, the university’s current tuition-fee tables list undergraduate College of Business Administration programs at AED 63,740 per year, or about US$17,400. Graduate business fees are listed at AED 4,200 per credit for the MBA, AED 3,200 per credit for the Executive MBA and Master of Science in Business Analytics, and AED 6,400 per credit for the DBA. Application, graduation, testing, internship, and other university service fees may apply, and the university states that fees may change without prior notice.
Business education in the UAE has expanded significantly, with accredited programs now available from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. If you are an aspiring business professional, the UAE offers many opportunities to study in an international and industry-connected environment.
We hope this article on the best business schools in the UAE was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in UAE and Available Business Programs for International Students pages for more informative articles.
