Why you should consider doing a master’s degree in the Middle East
Getting your master’s degree in the Middle East is an investment in your future.
The Middle East is home to some of the oldest civilizations on Earth and is known for its vast crude oil reserves and subsequent reliance on oil exports. However, several economies in the Middle East have since diversified into a wide range of sectors.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have undergone swift modernization, opening up to the world as they target tourism to boost their economies. These countries are known for outstanding business education in the Arab world. Consistent economic growth and young populations increase spending on higher education throughout the region.
With the economy expanding to cater to the vast numbers of young people set to enter the job market in the coming years, now might be the perfect time to do your master’s degree in the Middle East.
The international business schools with a satellite campus in the Middle East are the most expensive, with the INSEAD MiM priced at €52,000. You’ll find that local schools are likely to charge less.
Growing investment into higher education in the Middle East means local business schools are starting to make their mark globally. According to numerous global rankings, countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have some of the best universities in the Middle East. The region is also emerging as a popular satellite campus location for global business schools. INSEAD in UAE is one example of an excellent university in the region.
The economies of countries in the Middle East vary massively, from countries with severely undeveloped economies (Yemen, Gaza, Syria) to some of the wealthiest per capita in the world (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait). The latter set of countries has seen rapid economic growth in recent decades, though the largest economies in the region remain those of Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Many international students choose to study in the Middle East. There are over 224,048 international students in Turkey, which hosts the most international students in the Middle East. The UAE hosts the next most, with more than 215,975. Saudi Arabia hosted 64,874 international students.
Some of the most spoken languages in the Middle East are Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish, and Persian. The Middle East is a very linguistically and culturally diverse region. English is commonly taught as a second language in various Middle Eastern countries and is common in countries such as the UAE where expats make up a large amount of the population.
Countries in Middle East
United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates
London, Dubai
United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, China
Manchester, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore
France, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States
Fontainebleau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, San Francisco
Netherlands, Suriname, Czech Republic, China, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt
Buren, Beijing, Shanghai, Paramaribo
France, Singapore, Morocco
Cergy-Pontoise, Paris, Singapore, Rabat
United Arab Emirates
Dubai
A master’s degree is a graduate-level academic program that deepens your understanding of a specific field. This type of degree equips you with advanced knowledge and specialized skills in your chosen discipline, setting the stage for professional advancement or further academic pursuits. Unlike the broader scope of an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree zeroes in on a particular area of expertise.
Master’s programs are generally divided into two categories: academic and professional. Academic master’s degrees, such as a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA), focus on theoretical knowledge and research in fields like science, humanities, and business. On the other hand, professional master’s degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Education (M.Ed.), impart practical skills and knowledge tailored to specific career paths.
The value of a master’s degree lies in the enhanced career opportunities it offers, the potential for increased earning power, and the cultivation of a professional network within your field of study. Specializations within master’s programs enable students to customize their education to match their career ambitions and areas of interest even further. By deepening your expertise and honing your skills, you are better positioned to make significant contributions to your profession and to society at large.
Explore our articles to learn about the wide array of master’s programs available and how they can elevate your career prospects and personal development.