{
  "id": 10141813,
  "title": "MBA in 2026: Is it still worth the investment?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/mba-in-2026-is-it-still-worth-the-investment",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-27T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/mba-in-2026-is-it-still-worth-the-investment-1.500689187"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For professionals contemplating an MBA in 2026, a crucial question now may revolve around the additional value it can bring throughout one's career rather than solely focusing on the potential for a higher salary. While an MBA remains a widely recognized pathway into business and management, experts suggest that prospective students must consider factors beyond the qualification itself when evaluating its worth. During a panel discussion at the inaugural Gulf News LevelUp event in Dubai, senior representatives from leading business schools explored when an MBA can yield the most value, how it compares to other postgraduate options, what employers seek in MBA graduates, and how artificial intelligence is transforming business education.\n\nDr. Nidhi Sehgal, head of school of business and humanities at Curtin University Dubai, emphasized that an MBA alone does not guarantee a job or promotion. She emphasized that students should focus on developing employability and transferable skills which will help sustain their careers. Sehgal noted that while salary is an important consideration, the financial returns from an MBA are not the only form of return - the capital gains from the experience, skills, and networks built over the course of the program also contribute to the overall value.\n\nDr. Umesh Kothari, assistant dean GMBA/MGB/GCGM and assistant professor at S P Jain School of Global Management, advised that the initial job taken after completing an MBA should be viewed not just by its remuneration, but also as a learning opportunity. Kothari highlighted the importance of adaptability, resilience, and critical thinking skills in navigating the evolving workplace. He believed that the first job after the MBA should be assessed in terms of the learning experience, projects worked on, contributions made, and skills acquired, with critical thinking taking precedence over mere numerical analysis.\n\nMiddlesex University Dubai's Joshua Jackson, conversion, retention, and digital transformation manager, pointed out that an MBA may not necessarily be the ideal choice for every professional. He suggested that the appropriate postgraduate route depends on an individual's career aspirations. Jackson explained that an MBA offers a broad understanding of business, while other postgraduate degrees provide depth in a specific area. Rather than opting for an MBA merely because it is a familiar qualification, students need to consider their career trajectory and whether they require extensive business knowledge or deeper expertise in a particular field.\n\nAmber Haque, associate director of Middle East development at London Business School, stressed that the selection of the business school is equally crucial to the decision to pursue an MBA. \"Where you decide to go matters more than the decision to pursue an MBA,\" Haque said. Prospective students should examine factors such as location, alumni network, and quality of faculty when choosing a business school. Haque further highlighted that the MBA experience extends beyond academic credentials - it is about the ecosystem created by the institution, the opportunities for networking, and the impact of the student's contributions in the classroom. She emphasized that in today's MBA programs, the emphasis is not solely on grades, but on active participation and the value each student brings to the learning community.\n\nArtificial intelligence has emerged as another significant factor reshaping the business landscape and the skills MBA students need to develop. Dr. Umesh Kothari noted that while there is no fear of using AI, it is essential to understand its functions to leverage its potential in achieving organizational goals. Kothari pointed out that technology continues to be a key enabler in driving business success, and MBA students must adapt to this changing environment by developing relevant technological competencies.\n\nHowever, for professionals uncertain about whether an MBA is the right investment, Haque advised conducting an audit of one's skills to identify areas of deficiency. This self-assessment can help determine the most suitable career path. Haque concluded by stating that while an MBA can open doors, the degree's value also depends on how well it aligns with an individual's career goals and their ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving workplace.",
  "summary": "Dubai: For professionals considering an MBA in 2026, the biggest question may no longer be whether the qualification can lead to a higher salary, but what else it can deliver over the course of a career. An MBA remains one of the most recognised postgraduate routes into business and management, but experts say prospective students need to look beyond the qualification itself when assessing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Prospective MBA students must now weigh the degree's broader career value, including skill and network gains, against traditional measures like salary increases, as experts stress adaptability and individual career goals.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}