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Middle East

Why you should consider an MASTER in 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.

Reasons to study your MASTER in Middle East

  • The Middle East links Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a fascinating cultural crossroads.
  • Some of the world’s earliest civilizations emerged here, making it a region rich in history.
  • The universities in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region, are incredibly well-funded institutions with modern facilities.
  • Some Middle Eastern countries like the UAE have an expat population of over 50%, creating a welcoming place for international students.
  • The low or non-existent taxes found in some countries make it an attractive option financially.

5 things you should know about studying in the Middle East

How much will it cost to study 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.

How reputable are the universities in the Middle East?

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. 

What is the status of the economy?

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.

Are there a lot of international students in the Middle East? 

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. 

Which languages are spoken in the Middle East?

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. 

Most popular study destinations

Countries in Middle East