8 Best Business Administration (MBA) Universities in the United Arab Emirates

American University of Sharjah leads the 8 Business Administration (MBA) universities in the United Arab Emirates at #272 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by University of Sharjah (QS World #328) and Abu Dhabi University (QS World #501). The universities on this list offer 27 matching courses between them.

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Universities 8 Programs 27 Scholarships 38

8 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

1Best overall

QS World #272 #4 in United Arab Emirates Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

American University of Sharjah

Private University · 7 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

All 7 courses →

AED 68,500 – AED 93,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1997Founded

6,000Students

4,000International

Admissions open

#272 QS World University Rankings 2026

#4 in United Arab Emirates

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2Top pick

QS World #328 #5 in United Arab Emirates Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

University of Sharjah

Public University · 2 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

AED 43,500 – AED 59,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1997Founded

17,000Students

4,000International

Admissions open

#328 QS World University Rankings 2026

#5 in United Arab Emirates

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3Top pick

QS World #501 #7 in United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi University

Public University · 5 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

All 5 courses →

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

—Students

—International

Admissions open

#501 QS World University Rankings 2025

#7 in United Arab Emirates

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4Ranked

#14 in United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates

British University in Dubai

Public University · 2 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

—Students

—International

Admissions open

#14 in United Arab Emirates · by research impact

65,938 citations · h-index 111

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5Ranked

#18 in United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates

University of Wollongong - Dubai Campus

Public University · 2 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

—Students

—International

Admissions open

#18 in United Arab Emirates · by research impact

37,512 citations · h-index 85

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6Ranked

#21 in United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates

American University in the Emirates

Public University · 3 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

—Students

—International

Admissions open

#21 in United Arab Emirates · by research impact

28,278 citations · h-index 72

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7Ranked

#23 in United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates

American University in Dubai

Public University · 2 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

—Tuition (indicative)

1995Founded

2,000Students

—International

Admissions open

#23 in United Arab Emirates · by research impact

19,516 citations · h-index 67

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8Ranked

#29 in United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates

Jumeira University

Public University · 4 courses in Business Administration (MBA)

—Tuition (indicative)

—Founded

—Students

—International

Admissions open

#29 in United Arab Emirates · by research impact

2,671 citations · h-index 26

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How these universities are ranked

3 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #272 (American University of Sharjah) to #501 (Abu Dhabi University); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: University of Sharjah is cited most (1,081,529 citations).

Public, private and where they are

7 are public and 1 private (88% public). By location, Sharjah (2) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is American University in Dubai, founded in 1995. University of Sharjah is the largest, with 17,000 students.

What the courses look like

By level: 18 bachelor's, 6 master's, 2 phd / doctorate and 1 professional. The usual length is 4 years and 1–2 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (86% of courses with a stated intake). American University of Sharjah offers the widest choice, with 7 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 2 of these universities. University of Sharjah is the least expensive at USD 14,000 a year and American University of Sharjah the most at USD 22,000; the middle of the range is about USD 22,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in the United Arab Emirates for Business Administration (MBA)?

American University of Sharjah (QS World #272), University of Sharjah (QS World #328) and Abu Dhabi University (QS World #501) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Business Administration (MBA) in the United Arab Emirates?

Of those with published fees, University of Sharjah is the least expensive at about USD 14,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Business Administration (MBA) in the United Arab Emirates?

7 public and 1 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Business Administration (MBA) course take in the United Arab Emirates?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with 1–2 years the next most common.

When do Business Administration (MBA) courses start in the United Arab Emirates?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Which university has the most Business Administration (MBA) courses in the United Arab Emirates?

American University of Sharjah, with 7, ahead of Abu Dhabi University (5).

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