McDonough School of Business

Executive MBA Dubai Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions related to the Executive MBA Dubai program.

What will my diploma say?

All graduates of the Georgetown Executive MBA in Dubai will receive a diploma from Georgetown University with a Master of Business Administration.

What is the format of classes?

Because it is designed for working professionals, the Georgetown Executive MBA program in Dubai convenes classes once per month for four consecutive days (Thursday to Sunday). There also will be three week-long residencies throughout the program, including traveling to Washington, D.C., and  another global location.

Is it possible to enroll in the Executive MBA Dubai program if I don’t live in Dubai?

The Executive MBA Dubai was designed for students throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region, so there are no admissions restrictions in terms of geographic location. However, the majority of our program is delivered in Dubai. Students must commute to Dubai for four consecutive days once per month.

How is the Executive MBA Dubai program connected to Georgetown University?

The Executive MBA Dubai program is offered through Georgetown’s prestigious McDonough School of Business, and students in this program receive the same benefits as students studying on the main campus in Washington, D.C. This includes classes taught by the school’s full-time professors, dedicated career services, and access to the global Georgetown University alumni network of more than 200,000 graduates around the world.

Is the Executive MBA Dubai program similar to the Executive MBA offered in the United States?

Yes, both Executive MBA programs have the same rigorous curriculum with adaptations for living and working in either Washington, D.C., or the MENASA region. Both programs have residencies that require international travel and capstone projects. Finally, both are taught by full-time faculty of the McDonough School of Business and have dedicated career services for students.

Who will be teaching in the program?

Students in the Executive MBA Dubai program will learn from the same faculty who teach on the Washington, D.C., campus. Faculty will travel to Dubai to teach during class weekends and will be available remotely to connect with students between class modules.

How are the courses taught?

Individual faculty members deliver course content using different approaches, including case studies, lectures, experiential learning, simulations, and group projects. Teamwork is emphasized throughout the program. It creates a rich learning environment in which students are exposed to various industry perspectives and learn from their classmates’ experiences.

How many hours per week should I expect to work on course preparation outside the classroom?

Depending on your work experience and familiarity with the subject matter, the amount of preparation time will vary. Students report spending an average of 12 to 15 hours per week on coursework outside of the classroom.

Will Executive MBA Dubai students have access to the alumni network?

Yes, all graduates of Georgetown University degree programs have the same access to alumni networking tools, career services, and alumni programming. With more than 200,000 alumni worldwide, there are opportunities to connect with other local alumni in the region from all Georgetown schools and programs. Because this program is offered through the McDonough School of Business, graduates have the added benefits of lifelong career services and programming from the McDonough Office of Alumni Relations.

Are GMAT, Executive Assessment (EA), or GRE scores required for admission to the EMBA program?

No. Neither GMAT, EA, nor GRE scores are required for admission. The Admissions Committee does reserve the right to request a score to better evaluate an applicant’s quantitative skills.

Must students be employed full time?

We expect students to hold full-time employment throughout the program. As members of an executive learning community, students bring real-world experience into the classroom and are able to immediately apply academic concepts gained through our curriculum in their workplaces. However, the Admissions Committee is willing to review and consider applicants who currently do not hold full-time positions.

What kind of academic transcripts do I need to submit?

Students who have attended or graduated from a non-U.S. college or university must submit their academic documents according to World Education Services (WES) standards, as described below.

If your academic documents are in a language other than English, you must submit the certified translation as well as the original documentation for review. Once admitted and prior to matriculating into the program, translators are required to send our office both the original documentation and certified translation in a sealed envelope. Your translator should certify that the original documentation was received in a sealed envelope from the institution.


Connect with Us


Or visit us at the following location:

Georgetown University
Dubai International Financial Centre
DIFC Academy, Gate Village 2, Level 3
PO Box 74777, Dubai, UAE

Lana Dajani

Lana Dajani

Director of Admissions & Operations, Executive MBA Dubai

As the director of admissions and operations for Georgetown’s Executive MBA Dubai program, Lana Dajani leads admissions, recruitment, marketing, and program operations. She has more than 12 years of experience in higher education and the private sector. Prior to joining Georgetown, she worked for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in Dubai. Her experience includes business development, admissions, operations, strategic planning, and recruitment. Dajani also is the author of two children’s books. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, with a B.S. in foreign service and an M.A. in international law.