London Business School Launches Blended EMBA in Dubai

Dubai, UAE – 19 January 2026: London Business School (LBS) has officially welcomed the first cohort of its blended Executive MBA (EMBA) in Dubai, marking a significant step in strengthening executive leadership capabilities across the Middle East. The innovative blended programme integrates in-person sessions in Dubai with live online classes and self-paced learning, offering senior executives the flexibility to pursue a world-class MBA while continuing to excel in their careers.

This year, LBS admitted a total of 99 students to its blended EMBA, with 47 executives joining the Dubai cohort and 52 joining the London cohort. The Dubai intake stands out for its exceptional diversity and gender representation. Women make up 40% of the class—the highest female participation in the EMBA programme’s history—reflecting the School’s commitment to fostering inclusive leadership.

The Dubai cohort brings together executives from 20 nationalities, with strong representation from Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Egypt, as well as professionals from Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Pakistan, and beyond. Remarkably, 82% of participants commute from outside the UAE, highlighting the programme’s appeal to regional leaders seeking globally recognised executive education without relocating.

Students in Dubai have an average of 13 years of professional experience, spanning 6 to 26 years, and represent 25 industries including finance, energy, technology, healthcare, government, and consumer sectors. This diversity mirrors the evolving leadership landscape of the Middle East and underscores Dubai’s growing role as a hub for global business.

The blended EMBA format combines in-person classes in Dubai, live online teaching, and self-paced learning modules. This structure enables executives to balance demanding professional responsibilities with rigorous academic engagement. Feedback from admitted students, particularly senior leaders and women, emphasizes how the programme’s flexibility supports career advancement while accommodating personal and professional commitments.

Graham Hastie, Associate Dean of Degree Education at LBS, commented, “We are proud to welcome such a diverse and accomplished cohort to our EMBA community in Dubai. The record female participation and strong regional representation demonstrate both the depth of leadership talent in the Middle East and the growing demand for flexible, globally recognised executive education. Our blended model allows executives to choose how and where they learn while continuing to lead and contribute to their organisations and communities.”

For many students, the programme’s balance and flexibility were decisive factors. Saeeda AlBalooshi, a participant in the Dubai cohort, noted, “What attracted me to the LBS blended EMBA was its perfect balance—high-quality learning experiences coupled with the flexibility to continue growing professionally without pausing life.”

The EMBA programme can be completed within 22 months, with options to graduate in as little as 17 months depending on elective choices. By anchoring this programme in Dubai, LBS reaffirms its long-term commitment to developing inclusive, globally minded leaders across the Middle East.