Graduates from accredited MBA programmes in the Middle East have risen by 500% in two years

10 January 2012 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Keynote speakers at the Middle East's first Association of MBAs  membership event reaffirmed their belief in the value of the MBA. Dr Ayoub Kazim Managing Director, TECOM Investments' Education Cluster, and Mr Ziad Makhzoumi, Chief Financial Officer of Arabtec Holding, who holds an MBA from Manchester Business School, both spoke in support of the world's leading business qualification. The Association of MBAs hosted its first Dubai Global Connections event for MBA students, graduates and business schools in Dubai last month.

According to the Association of MBAs global research, there was a 5% rise in the number of students enrolling on accredited MBAs, in 2010. The Middle East market for MBAs has grown rapidly since 2008, rising from 92 graduates from accredited MBA programmes offered in 2008 to 581 graduates in 2010 - an increase of 531%.

"We have seen a growth in interest and the understanding of the value of MBAs in the Middle East. With the new shifts and complexities in the demands on leaders in the 21st Century, it is the perfect time for those who want to play in important role in management to focus on skills such as strategy and leadership which are all part of an accredited MBA," said Sharon Bamford, Chief Executive, Association of MBAs.

The Association of MBAs figures confirm that over 2,000 students applied to study for an Association of MBA accredited MBA in the Middle East in 2010. 51.6% of students graduating from accredited MBA programmes from the Middle East were international students (expatriate citizens of other countries). 67% of the Middle Eastern nationals that studied an AMBA accredited MBA abroad, chose to study in Europe with the top destinations being the UK and France.

Dr. Kazim said: "A knowledge-based economy that is economically active in diverse sectors as well as globally competitive necessitates a qualified workforce. Towards this aim, Dubai envisions to become a pioneer education provider and the region's knowledge hub through delivering high quality postgraduate business education. Today, a host of local and foreign universities with branches in Dubai and the UAE are offering Master's programmes that will raise the percentage of better equipped professionals.

"The UAE's business-friendly environment, entrepreneurial spirit and status as a regional financial hub have encouraged the growth of educational institutions in the country. The job market offers a multitude of opportunities for qualified professionals including MBA degree holders. Such a scenario encourages young graduates to remain in the UAE to pursue their career goals."

Currently, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a member of TECOM Investments' Education Cluster, hosts 27 university campuses. A selection of these universities offers 26 Master-level programmes in business.

The global MBA accreditation agency launched the Global Connections member events in November 2011 to provide MBA students and graduates with insights and topical knowledge from business leaders and industry experts and to offer them the opportunity to build their contacts and networks with other MBA students and alumni in their region and internationally.

Ms Randa Bessiso, Director Middle East at Manchester Business School, which has over 1,000 MBA students and 800 alumni in the region, added: "This first Association of MBAs event reflects the region's rapidly emerging significance for business education and we were delighted to have one of our most prominent alumni as a keynote speaker. After five years in the region, our aim is to continue to grow our MBA community and to meet the clearly rising demand for the Manchester MBA in the Middle East. As a triple accredited school, we recognise the vital role that accreditation plays in selecting an MBA programme, and so we welcome AMBA's active interest in the region."  

The Association of MBAs accreditation service upholds the highest international standards of MBA programmes. Established in 1967, it is the international impartial authority on postgraduate business education. There are 189 business schools in over 70 countries with programmes accredited by the Association of MBAs. Its membership network currently includes 9,000 subscribing members living in 88 countries.

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Media enquiries contact:
Association of MBAs - Carol Turner                           
c.turner@mbaworld.com
Tel: +44 (0)207 246 2674

Manchester Business School
Jonathan Walsh, WPR, Dubai,
jon@wprme.com
Tel: 050 4588610

© Press Release 2012