Academic Catalog

Dubai Business School

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The University of Dubai MBA Program is an internationally accredited graduate degree designed to develop strategic, innovative, and ethical business leaders. The program equips students with advanced knowledge in core business disciplines while offering the flexibility to pursue specialized concentrations that align with emerging market trends and global workforce needs.

Delivered through traditional, hybrid, and fully online Flexi MBA options, the program caters to the diverse needs of professionals seeking career advancement without compromising their work–life balance. Its curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, leadership, digital transformation, and sustainable business practices, preparing graduates to excel in a rapidly evolving economic environment.

Students can choose from a wide range of concentrations, including:

  • General MBA

  • FinTech

  • Strategic Human Capital

  • Digital Trade & Supply Chain Management

  • Digital Marketing

  • Data Economics and Design of Policy

  • Principles of Manufacturing

  • Digital Leadership

  • Statistics and Data Science

With its strong industry connections, innovative curriculum, and alignment with Dubai’s vision for a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy, the University of Dubai MBA provides graduates with the skills, credibility, and global outlook necessary to succeed in leadership roles across sectors.

Data, Economics, and Design of Policy

Overview

Shape the future of decision-making with data-driven insights and innovative policy design. The MBA in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy is a forward-looking hybrid program offered by the University of Dubai, in collaboration with MITx.

This unique program combines core business and management courses from UD with online specialized coursework from MITx in:

  • Economic theory and applied policy analysis

  • Causal inference and data interpretation

  • Behavioral science and decision-making

  • Evidence-based program design and evaluation

Designed for professionals in both the public and private sectors, the program develops critical thinking, strategic planning, and policy design skills—empowering graduates to influence real-world outcomes using data and economics.

As global challenges increasingly require evidence-based governance, and with Dubai aiming to become a global hub for innovation and smart policymaking, this MBA prepares you to lead with purpose and insight.

Admission Requirement

 
Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99

Digital Leadership

Overview

Transform your career with the MBA in Digital Leadership, a pioneering program offered by the University of Dubaiin strategic collaboration with the University of Denver (USA). This future-ready degree is designed for ambitious professionals who aim to lead in an increasingly digital and tech-driven business environment.

The curriculum integrates advanced topics such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Transformation—equipping students with the skills to drive innovation and lead organizational change.

Graduates will receive dual credentials:

  • An MBA from the University of Dubai, accredited by AACSB

  • A Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Leadership from the University of Denver

This program combines academic rigor with real-world relevance, aligning with Dubai’s Digital Economy Strategy and the UAE’s goal to become a global leader in technology and innovation.

Whether you aim to lead in Dubai, the broader UAE, or internationally, this MBA prepares you to thrive in the digital revolution, positioning you for leadership roles in tech, consulting, government, and enterprise sectors.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99

Digital Trade and Supply Chain Management

Overview

Supporting Dubai’s D33 Vision by Preparing the Next Generation of Digital Leaders

The University of Dubai is at the forefront of developing the digital leaders of tomorrow—professionals who will transform industries and redefine the future of digital trade and supply chain management.

Aligned with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, the University’s programs are designed to deliver the future-ready skillsessential for navigating a fast-evolving global economy driven by digital commerce, blockchain logistics, AI-powered supply chains, and smart trade platforms.

Through forward-thinking education, the University of Dubai bridges current industry needs with emerging market opportunities, preparing graduates to:

  • Lead digital transformation initiatives in global trade and logistics

  • Leverage emerging technologies for supply chain innovation

  • Contribute directly to Dubai’s goal of becoming a global leader in digital economy and innovation by 2033

Whether you aim to work in smart ports, fintech-enabled trade systems, or next-gen logistics platforms, our programs offer the academic foundation, technological insights, and strategic thinking required to lead confidently in the digital era.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99

Fintech

Overview

Each Term meets for 10 sessions of 4 hours 30 minutes (45 contact hours) with 2.10 Hours in each session with 20 minutes break in between. Each course will have contact time 2.10 hours (130 minutes per session) * 20 sessions = 2600 minutes = 3CH as against the CAA requirement of 2250 minutes.

 

Program Learning Outcomes
After graduation, MBA students will be able to:

  • PLO1: Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical application in the relevant business discipline.
  • PLO2: Demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills through managerial reporting and persuasive presentations.
  • PLO3: Develop leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset in the dynamic business context in the UAE and beyond.
  • PLO4: Apply quantitative and/or qualitative analytical methods to support decision-making in the dynamic business environment.
  • PLO5: Evaluate business situations ethically and recommend sustainable solutions.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99
EmSAT 1400IAcademic lELTS 6.0 or TOEFL (PBT 550 or IBT 79 or CBT 213) EmSAT 1250 or Academic lELTS 5.5 or TOEFL (PBT 530 or lBT 71 or CBT 197)

General MBA

Overview

Each Term meets for 10 sessions of 4 hours 30 minutes (45 contact hours) with 2.10 Hours in each session with 20 minutes break in between. Each course will have contact time 2.10 hours (130 minutes per session) * 20 sessions = 2600 minutes = 3CH as against CAA requirement of 2250 minutes – In each term students take 3 courses per term for 3 terms as per the study plan except the 4th term in which students register for 3rd concertation course and register for thesis with 6CH.   
 
The Program Objectives of the MBA program are to build student capacity to:
  • Think critically and communicate effectively as managers (through demonstrating effective professional oral & writing skills for business and making persuasive presentations at a managerial level).
  • Lead dynamic international and UAE organizational situations in business and management concept (through demonstrating effective leadership in a team setting, work effectively as a member of a work team, produce quality deliverables from team work).
  • Adapt and Innovate to solve problems, to cope with unforeseen events, and to manage in unpredictable environments (through effective use of quantitative and qualitative analytical tools, make and justify a recommendation).
  • Analyze ethical situations and justify alternatives across areas of concentrations.
  • Apply knowledge in new and unfamiliar circumstances through a conceptual understanding of relevant inter-disciplines.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission

Conditional Admission

Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum of GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.0 – 2.9

Principles of Manufacturing

Overview

Elevate your career with the MBA in Principles of Manufacturing, a cutting-edge program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—a hallmark of academic excellence recognized globally. This specialized MBA is designed for professionals aiming to lead in advanced manufacturing, operations, and digital transformation.

Graduates of the program gain the exclusive opportunity to pursue the MITx MicroMasters credential in Statistics and Data Science, adding globally respected credentials to their professional profile.

Aligned with Dubai’s strategic vision to become a global hub for digital commerce and innovation by 2033, this program empowers students with industry-relevant skills in smart manufacturing, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable production systems—key competencies for success in the evolving global economy.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99

Digital Marketing

Overview

Each Term meets for 10 sessions of 4 hours 30 minutes (45 contact hours) with 2.10 Hours in each session with 20 minutes break in between. Each course will have contact time 2.10 hours (130 minutes per session) * 20 sessions = 2600 minutes = 3CH as against the CAA requirement of 2250 minutes.

Program Learning Outcomes
After graduation, MBA students will be able to:

  • PLO1: Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical application in the relevant business discipline.

  • PLO2: Demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills through managerial reporting and persuasive presentations.

  • PLO3: Develop leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset in the dynamic business context in the UAE and beyond.

  • PLO4: Apply quantitative and/or qualitative analytical methods to support decision-making in the dynamic business environment.

  • PLO5: Evaluate business situations ethically and recommend sustainable solutions.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99

Statistics and Data Science

Overview

Position yourself at the forefront of data-driven decision-making with a unique hybrid MBA program offered by the University of Dubai, in collaboration with MITx. This program integrates core business courses from UD with specialized online courses in Statistics and Data Science from MITx, part of the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Designed for forward-thinking professionals, this MBA equips you with critical skills in:

  • Statistical analysis and data interpretation

  • Machine learning and predictive modeling

  • Big data analytics and data visualization

  • Business intelligence and decision science

As industries increasingly rely on data to drive strategy and operations, this program prepares you to lead in high-demand roles across sectors such as finance, healthcare, logistics, marketing, and technology.

Whether you aim to become a data-savvy business leader, a strategic analyst, or pursue the MITx MicroMasters credential, this program offers a powerful combination of business acumen and data expertise—perfectly aligned with global trends and Dubai’s ambition to become a digital economy powerhouse by 2033.

Admission Requirement

 
Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99

Strategic Human Capital

Overview

Each Term meets for 10 sessions of 4 hours 30 minutes (45 contact hours) with 2.10 Hours in each session with 20 minutes break in between. Each course will have contact time 2.10 hours (130 minutes per session) * 20 sessions = 2600 minutes = 3CH as against CAA requirement of 2250 minutes – In each term students take 3 courses per term for 3 terms as per the study plan except the 4th term in which students register for 3rd concertation course and register for thesis with 6CH.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99
EmSAT 1400IAcademic lELTS 6.0 or TOEFL (PBT 550 or IBT 79 or CBT 213) EmSAT 1250 or Academic lELTS 5.5 or TOEFL (PBT 530 or lBT 71 or CBT 197)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The new PhD Program is to consist of two phases that are critical for PhD learners in developing careers as interdisciplinary researchers.

#

Category

Number of Courses

Credit Hours

1

Phase 1

8

24

2

Phase 2

10

30

Total

18

54

The PhD Program Structure and Course Sequence

Phase 2 After passing the CPE, each student will be assigned a supervisor in the related field (refer to EP 3.19 Dissertation Supervision and Examination Policy) and start to prepare for the proposal of PhD dissertation including passing the first defense within 8 terms from the date of assigning a supervisor, then starting collecting data and prepare for the final defense meanwhile prepare for a conference participation and publishing in PRJ indexed in Scopus Q1 or Q2. Thus in total students has to enroll in 10 dissertation courses which is equal to 30 credit hours.

Full Time 

S.N0

Course Code

Course Title

Prerequisite

Co-requisite

C.H.

1

DISS 756

Proposal Defense



0

2

DISS 881

Doctoral Dissertation



3

3

DISS 882

Doctoral Dissertation



3

4

DISS 883

Doctoral Dissertation



3

5

DISS 884

Doctoral Dissertation



3

6

DISS 885

Doctoral Dissertation



6

7

DISS 886

Doctoral Dissertation



6

8

DISS 887

Doctoral Dissertation



6


Total

30


Part Time

S.N0

Course Code

Course Title

Prerequisite

Co-requisite

C.H.

1

DISS 756

Proposal Defense



0

2

DISS 881

Doctoral Dissertation



3

3

DISS 882

Doctoral Dissertation



3

4

DISS 883

Doctoral Dissertation



3

5

DISS 884

Doctoral Dissertation



3

6

DISS 888

Doctoral dissertation



3

7

DISS 889

Doctoral dissertation



3

8

DISS 890

Doctoral dissertation



3

9

DISS 891

Doctoral dissertation



3

10

DISS 892

Doctoral Dissertation



3

11

DISS 893

Doctoral Dissertation



3

Total

30


Program Modes and Study Plans:

 

Definition of Modes:

Full-Time PhD Students: At UD, full-time PhD students are required to register for 6 credit hours per term during their final third year of study. The overall duration for completing the PhD program for full-time students is designed to be between 3 to 5 years. This structure aligns with the practices observed at other institutions, ensuring a rigorous  and intensive academic experience.

Part-Time PhD Students: For part-time PhD students, UD requires registration for 3 credit hours per term. The expected duration for part-time students to complete their PhD program ranges from 4 to 7 years. This flexible approach accommodates the needs of students who  may be balancing their studies with professional and personal commitments, similar to the models followed by benchmarked universities.

 

Completion Requirements:

In order to graduate, a PhD student must complete 54 CH with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in addition to the required conditions stated in section seven of the policy EP 3.16.2 Academic Regulations of the PhD Program.

 

The University of Dubai confers PhD degrees during its annual commencement (graduation) ceremony on students who have completed their graduation requirements (including the final dissertation submission) before the graduation ceremony date.

 

The date of the dissertation completion (graduation date) will be the end of the term when the Graduate Committee approves the results of the Defense Exam or the final corrections.