the_red_sheep

Does anyone have any experience studying at any of the Uni's in Dubai?

Specifically, I'm considering doing an MBA whilst here - fewer distractions than at home, my employer will pay for at least some of it and give me some flexibility in hours around exam times etc. I don't trust myself to do it purely distance learning, so part-time (i.e. a couple of nights a week, or occasional intensive week/long weekend) would be my favoured option. I'd prefer a UK or US university (or possibly a European one), anyone used any of those who are represented out here?

the_red_sheep

26 and 1/2 hours, 54 views and not a single response. What does that say about the inhabitants of the board...

Madam Medusa

that some of them can't be arsed to post at the moment, maybe...

anyway, edinburgh business school has a really strong mba offering here...they are part of heriot-watt university and one of the top ranked programmes in the world...the course is flexible as there is an online element as well, so should you end up moving from the uae, you would be able to continue...

check it out here, http://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai/ebs/index.htm

MM, xx

The Dean

The slow/lack of response could also mean that there are very few members of The Bored who have experience of MBAs out here, and can't be bothered to post a 'sorry, can't help you' reply.

If you ask a question about something we all know about - 18th century Flemish literature, for example - The Bored will be overrun with responses..........

weescot

London Business School also run a well thought of MBA in Dubai.

http://www.london.edu/programmes/dubailondonemba.html

However, you can study in Abu Dhabi with INSEAD - they are getting a good reputation, although it is early days. I know 2 people that completed it - both got 1st degrees in teh west and rated it.

http://www.insead.edu/middle_east_campus/

Hope this helps. You are going to be busy....

Jim Smith

I am not an MBA holder myself but for sure there are a number of European based universities offering them here. Middlesex University, perhaps. A few British ones, and also Woolongong Uni from Australia. I think a number of them are based in knowledge village so perhaps that would help in a search. Good luck.

Waqs

Apart from london business school I wouldn't recommend doing an MBA here.

London Business School is ranked number 1 business school in the world

The Dean

Don't bother...............

MBA = Means Bugger All
Masters = Moderate Achievers Still Trying the Educational Route to Success

Millhouse

I've never understood the point of an MBA... What is a master of business administration... does that mean you become a guru at filing?

weescot

Ooh - this could be an interesting thread now ...

typical

I would agree with the first point. But even then I wouldn't do an MBA here.

Yes, I do have an MBA...

LBS is a very good school. The FT rate it number 1, Business Week 5th in the non-US list, Economist 8th.

An MBA is 20% learning, 80% networking. If you feel you need that 20%, knock yourself out. Otherwise, go to the best school possible, with links to the employers you are interested in, in the geography you want to work in.

INSEAD doesn't offer the MBA from AD, only the EMBA. Very different beasts.

typical

Do I have to give a serious answer?

The MBA is an entry point to a few careers: strategy consulting, investment banking, and financial or strategic roles in industry, in particular. It's deliberately a broad degree, meant to give people a taste of many areas of business with the aim of either helping them be a generalist for a while (consultant) or able to understand many aspects of a business (banking, private equity, etc.).

In the US, it has become a bit of a rite of passage in more types of company, particularly in industry - without one, it becomes hard to progress. This is not true of the rest of the world however.

It's a useful year or two out to learn some stuff, meet lots of amazing people, reflect on what to do next and have some fun. Mine was life-changing (different career, different city, another set of friends).

Millhouse

The broad nature of an MBA is exactly what I have issue with. I accept that it is seen as an entry point into the fields you suggest, but that is a failure in itself. How can you study for 2/3 years and then just turn up as a 'strategy consultant' - that is the exact reason why so many companies are poorly advised.

I would say that a professional accountancy qualification is better. The courses these days cover much of the same material as an MBA but also equip you with the added bonus of having the ability to actually read a set of financial statements (rather than MBA graduates who think they can read a set of statements).

I have recruited, and worked with, people from both fields in my time. The accountants are much stronger. That said, if you want a power point presentation done then you go to the MBA holder every time.

Still, horses for courses and all that. MBA's are brill for changing your career in a single swoop whereas bean counters always run the risk of being seen as just that.

kittycat1

I just learnt how to do a power point presentation and I don't have a MBA! Woohoo I must join MENSA! And I nearly know how to use Excel! I am on fire!

Millhouse

No, you have just been awarded an MBA.