Sharjah University Soars in Global MBA Rankings

University of Sharjah Makes Giant Leap in Global Executive MBA Rankings

The United Arab Emirates' higher education system has reached another significant milestone as the University of Sharjah has made a remarkable advancement in the 2025 edition of the QS Executive MBA Rankings. This globally recognized higher education ranking has identified the University of Sharjah as the 12th best in the world based on career outcomes.

Behind the Success: Career Building and Salary Raise

Last year, the university was in the 161-170 range, but this year it finds itself in the 141-150 range in the comprehensive ranking. Even more noteworthy, in the career outcomes category, which examines salary increases and promotions post-graduation, it has climbed to 12th in the world.

Looking more closely at the data:

Based on average salary increases, it secured the 20th spot.

For the promotion rate of its graduates, it achieved 34th place globally.

This indicates that the University of Sharjah's programs make a real difference in students' professional careers.

Arab Region: Stronger Positions in Global Rankings

The QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025 evaluated 233 programs across 50 countries. From the region, five countries have six universities on the list, including well-known institutions like the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and KFUPM Business School in Saudi Arabia, which have slipped slightly to the 101-110 range compared to last year but continue to represent the forefront of the region.

The Egyptian AUC Business School has maintained its position in the 121-130 range and performs outstandingly in the so-called Executive Profile indicator, which measures the managerial experience of enrolled students. AUC ranks 25th, while AUB holds the 26th place in this category, underscoring that their programs are attractive to seasoned professionals.

Tunisia's Mediterranean School of Business improved to the 171-180 range, while the Lebanese American University (Adnan Kassar School of Business) made it to the 181-190 range.

Employer Recognition Also Grows

KFUPM and AUC also delivered strong results in the Employability indicator: the former securing the 61st, and the latter the 76th place, indicating that global employers increasingly recognize the region's higher education institutions.

Higher Education on the Global Map

Leading the global ranking this year is the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School. HEC Paris of France moved to the second position, while IESE Business School of Spain secured third. The top five are rounded out by MIT Sloan and the London Business School.

The United States continues to dominate the ranking with 67 participants, followed by France (12) and the United Kingdom (11). Canada, China, India, and Australia are also well-represented.

What Does This Mean for the Region?

According to the President of QS, the developments in the region prove that Executive MBA programs are becoming increasingly competitive on the international stage. Classrooms filled with experienced leaders from various countries, strong career outcomes, and international diversity all contribute to ensuring that future leaders become genuinely global, adaptable, and strategically minded professionals.

Summary

The example of the University of Sharjah illustrates that UAE's higher education is not only regionally but also globally gaining recognition. Through career opportunities, professional development of students, and program quality, the region's universities are justifiably entering the global forefront. This opens new opportunities for students and employers alike—both locally and internationally.

(Source: QS Executive MBA Rankings.)