The University of Manchester – Dubai Welcomes Global MBA July Cohort 2026 as it Marks 20 Years in the Middle East

Dubai, UAE – 24 August 2026: The University of Manchester – Dubai has welcomed its latest Global MBA cohort to the Middle East branch, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class business education for ambitious working professionals across the region. As the University marks 20 years in the Middle East, the latest cohort reflects its continued role in developing future business leaders, strengthening industry-academic collaboration, and supporting the goals of the UAE National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which aims to provide future generations with the necessary skills to drive the economy in both public and private sectors.

Students will undertake The University of Manchester's Global Part-time MBA, gaining a globally recognised qualification that is also accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE. The accreditation ensures students have access to more potential career development opportunities, and eligibility for government and private sector jobs in the UAE and GCC.

The programme will be delivered through a blended learning model that combines online study with in-person workshops in Dubai and other global locations. This structure enables students to balance their studies with career and personal commitments while gaining exposure to a global learning environment. This international approach enables participants to learn alongside professionals from diverse industries and cultures while gaining practical insights from leading academics and business practitioners.

This year's intake brings together students from 21 nationalities, with a large proportion of candidates residing in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.With an average age of 35, the cohort represents professionals from multiple industries including business services, technology, manufacturing, financial services, energy, public sector, retail and healthcare, as well as real estate and media. Students bring varied levels of professional experience, with 18% having 16-20 years of experience, and 32% bringing 11-15 years of experience. The diversity of nationalities and professional experiences reflected within the cohort highlights the University's commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment where different perspectives and backgrounds are valued.  This range of experiences enables students to exchange perspectives, broaden their understanding of global business, and learn from one another.

Randa Bessiso, Founding Director & CEO, The University of Manchester – Dubai, said: "Our Global MBA continues to attract accomplished professionals from across the Middle East who are looking to strengthen their leadership capabilities while expanding their global perspective. Over our 20 years in the region, we have seen how quickly the demands on businesses, leaders and professionals can change, reinforcing the importance of continued learning and the resilience to adapt. This latest cohort highlights both the strength of the region's professional talent and the commitment of experienced professionals to continue developing their capabilities alongside their careers. . By combining academic excellence with practical business insights and exposure to a global network of peers and faculty, the programme equips participants with the skills and perspectives needed to lead organisations, drive innovation and contribute to the region's long-term economic growth. Moreover, our approach to education extends beyond academic and professional development. We graduate socially responsible individuals who understand their wider impact and are equipped to make a positive contribution to their organisations, communities and society."

To mark the start of the programme, The University of Manchester – Dubai hosted a welcome event for the new cohort, introducing students to the programme structure, faculty and support teams while outlining key academic and administrative processes. The session also featured an alumni panel which offered first-hand experience on the Manchester MBA study journey.

The University of Manchester was recently ranked among the top 40 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, further reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading higher education institutions. The University also achieved 7th place globally for international research collaboration, 10th for sustainability, 28th for employer reputation, and 32nd for academic reputation, recognising its continued impact across research, education, global partnerships and graduate employability.