The University of Manchester Middle East Centre in Dubai has enrolled 90 new students from across the region in the January 2021 intake for the top-ranked, blended learning MBA from the University’s Alliance Manchester Business School, following a strong application period. Demand for top MBA programmes continues to be strong, despite the economic impact of the pandemic. The University enrols two intakes (January and July) per year for the Global Part-time MBA.
The new Global Part-time MBA cohort comprises 90 students of diverse nationalities and resident in countries across the region, with half the cohort residing in the UAE.
Many of them already hold a post graduate qualification, and the majority are self-funded. They hold various positions with around 40 per cent already in executive management roles in companies across all the region’s major industries, with technology, banking, construction, healthcare, consulting and aviation prominent among them. All the students are experienced working professionals with around 60 percent bringing 10 years or more experience to the programme. Women professionals comprise 21 per cent of the new cohort.
The new cohort was welcomed by the team from the University’s Alliance Manchester Business School and Middle East Centre in Dubai, during a hybrid (virtual and face to face) induction session in Dubai.
Randa Bessiso, Director – Middle East at The University of Manchester, said:
“Our latest MBA intake has been especially strong in terms of student numbers and diversity, showing the continued attraction of the part-time MBA for working professionals. The cohort is impressive in terms of the calibre of student, with more senior executives joining and bringing substantial experience in industry and consulting.
“Traditionally, applications to top MBA programmes have risen during difficult economic times, and we have seen this through the pandemic, as working executives take the opportunity to enhance technical and leadership skills and build a professional network of international contacts, during this pause in career development. Employer demand for MBAs remains strong and many of our students are preparing and positioning themselves for the anticipated business recovery. We aim to help our students build sustainable careers.”