Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid economic growth and diversification under Vision 2030, which has created strong demand for skilled business leaders. According to the Ministry of Education, MBA enrollments in the Kingdom have grown steadily over the past five years, with more than a dozen universities now offering specialized business degrees. Reports by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority show that new business licenses issued to foreign and domestic investors rose by over 50 percent between 2020 and 2024. This surge highlights the urgent need for professionals trained in finance, marketing, supply chain, and entrepreneurship.
An MBA in Saudi Arabia equips you with advanced management knowledge while connecting you to one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East. Whether you want to join multinational firms in Riyadh, lead projects in the energy sector of Dhahran, manage healthcare enterprises in Jeddah, or build your own startup, there is a program that matches your goals.
This guide presents 15 MBA programs for 2025 across public, private, and online institutions. Each section provides a detailed overview plus quick facts on tuition, credits, duration, delivery format, and suitability. You will also find comparison tables and charts to help you decide which program is right for you.
1. King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh
KSU is one of the oldest universities in Saudi Arabia and offers a structured MBA through its College of Business Administration. The program carries 48 credit hours, with 39 as core courses and 9 in a chosen major. You can complete it in as few as five semesters or as many as ten, giving flexibility for full-time professionals. Courses cover finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and strategic management. The school emphasizes both theory and practice, preparing graduates for leadership across industries. Alumni networks in Riyadh are extensive, which strengthens career prospects.
Quick Facts:
Tuition: Varies, subsidized for citizens
Credits: 48
Duration: 5–10 semesters
Delivery format: Campus-based, flexible pacing
Best suited for: Students seeking academic depth with specialization options
2. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran
KFUPM Business School is ranked among the top MBAs in the Middle East. The MBA requires 36 credits and takes about two years to complete. Classes are held Sunday to Wednesday evenings, making it ideal for working professionals. An Executive MBA (43 credits) is available in a modular weekend format over 20 months. KFUPM’s MBA emphasizes analytical skills, leadership, and regional business knowledge. The program is highly regarded by energy, technology, and consulting firms in the Eastern Province. Alumni often step into senior roles in Aramco, SABIC, and multinational companies.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Lower fees for citizens, varies for others
Credits: 36 (MBA), 43 (EMBA)
Duration: 2 years MBA, 20 months EMBA
Delivery format: Evening or modular weekend
Best suited for: Working professionals in energy and engineering
3. Saudi Electronic University (SEU), Riyadh
SEU offers one of the most flexible MBAs in Saudi Arabia. The blended model combines online and in-person courses across four semesters. The MBA requires 36 credits at 2,250 SAR per credit, totaling 81,000 SAR. This makes it one of the most affordable accredited programs. SEU also offers an Executive MBA (33 credits) for mid-career leaders. The university’s mission is to expand access, so the program is designed for professionals balancing work, family, and education. Its flexibility and national accreditation make it popular among Saudis and residents.
Quick Facts
Tuition: 81,000 SAR
Credits: 36
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Blended online and in-person
Best suited for: Professionals seeking affordability and flexibility
4. Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College (MBSC), King Abdullah Economic City
MBSC is modeled on international business schools with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. The full-time MBA runs about 15 months, with classes four days per week. The Executive MBA runs ~20 months, with tuition of 268,125 SAR before VAT. Programs emphasize case-based learning, projects, and exposure to global faculty. MBSC suits ambitious professionals who want intensive learning and strong leadership development. Its graduates often pursue roles in startups, investment, or consulting.
Quick Facts
Tuition: 268,125 SAR (Executive MBA)
Credits: 43 EMBA, ~45 MBA
Duration: 15 months (MBA), 20 months (EMBA)
Delivery format: Full-time intensive or modular weekend
Best suited for: Entrepreneurs and senior managers
5. King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah
KAU’s MBA and EMBA are respected across the Western Region. The program blends core business disciplines with electives in finance, economics, and public administration. It prepares graduates for leadership in both private and government roles. The Executive MBA is aimed at professionals in managerial positions seeking advanced training while continuing work. With its large student population and academic reputation, KAU provides networking advantages.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Lower for citizens, varies for others
Credits: ~42
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Campus MBA and Executive MBA
Best suited for: Managers in public administration and finance
6. Alfaisal University, Riyadh
Alfaisal’s MBA costs around 200,000 SAR and offers tracks in Human Capital and Healthcare Management. As a private university in Riyadh, it provides modern facilities, global faculty, and strong ties with local businesses. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and industry integration. Students gain access to executive speakers and networking events. Graduates often pursue careers in healthcare, HR, and private enterprise management.
Quick Facts
Tuition: 200,000 SAR
Credits: ~45
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Campus-based
Best suited for: Professionals targeting healthcare or HR management
7. Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU), Eastern Province
PMU’s MBA is priced at 80,000 SAR for non-alumni. It provides a broad foundation in business with concentrations in leadership, marketing, and finance. The Executive MBA is offered at 75,000 SAR. PMU is known for its strong links to Eastern Province industries, particularly oil and construction. The MBA attracts working adults who want a private university experience at a reasonable price point.
Quick Facts
Tuition: 80,000 SAR (MBA), 75,000 SAR (EMBA)
Credits: ~42
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Full-time or executive
Best suited for: Professionals in the Eastern Province
8. Qassim University
Qassim University offers both MBA and EMBA programs, serving students in central Saudi Arabia. Its programs focus on leadership and applied business knowledge, making them accessible to those outside major cities. The MBA follows Saudi standards of 36–42 credits. The EMBA targets experienced professionals seeking leadership advancement.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Public university fees (lower for citizens)
Credits: ~42
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Full-time and executive
Best suited for: Students in central provinces
9. Prince Sultan University (PSU), Riyadh
PSU offers four MBA tracks: General, Finance, HRM, and Marketing. Students begin in the general track before shifting. The MBA requires 36 credits and lasts ~21 months, with evening classes. PSU emphasizes flexibility for working professionals and provides financial aid opportunities.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Private university rates, varies
Credits: 36
Duration: 21 months
Delivery format: Evening classes
Best suited for: Working professionals seeking specialization
10. University of Business and Technology (UBT), Jeddah
UBT’s MBA requires 48 credits: 36 core and 12 concentration. Options include Finance, HR, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Entrepreneurship. Designed for working professionals, the program schedules classes around work commitments. UBT attracts candidates who want multiple specialization options in a private Jeddah campus.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Private university rates
Credits: 48
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Evening friendly scheduling
Best suited for: Students seeking diverse concentration choices
11. Dar Al Hekma University (DAH), Jeddah
Dar Al Hekma offers an MBA in both Arabic and English. The program blends business theory with practical leadership skills. Requirements include a bachelor degree, interview, and SOP. Tuition is listed per credit, aligning with other private universities. Dar Al Hekma is known for strong student support and small class sizes.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Listed per credit, varies
Credits: ~42
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Arabic or English
Best suited for: Students preferring smaller classes and bilingual study
12. Effat University, Jeddah
Effat University is a private institution with a strong focus on women’s leadership. Its MBA builds both analytical and leadership skills. Students gain exposure to community projects and industry partnerships. Effat provides a supportive environment and attracts candidates who value empowerment and innovation.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Private university rates
Credits: ~42
Duration: 2 years
Delivery format: Campus-based
Best suited for: Students seeking leadership and community focus
13. Arab Open University (AOU), Saudi Arabia
AOU offers an MBA with a blended learning model. Students study online modules with local support centers for exams and workshops. This model provides flexibility and affordability compared to private universities. It suits working adults who cannot commit to daily campus study.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Affordable, open model
Credits: ~36–42
Duration: 18–24 months
Delivery format: Open blended learning
Best suited for: Professionals needing low-cost flexibility
14. Westford University College (Online, for Saudi learners)
Westford delivers MBAs online and in hybrid formats through partnerships with UCAM Spain. Popular programs include Engineering Management and International Business. The pathway often involves a PG diploma stage followed by MBA completion. Classes run on weekends, and assessments are project-based.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Varies by partner university
Credits: Modular credit system
Duration: 1 year (fast track)
Delivery format: Online or blended
Best suited for: Professionals seeking global awarding bodies
15. Exeed College (Online, for Saudi learners)
Exeed offers a wide catalog of online MBAs including Finance, Healthcare, Supply Chain, and International Business. Most programs run for 12 months, with fully online delivery. Diplomas are awarded through partners such as UCAM or Woolf. Exeed targets professionals who want fast, affordable online MBAs.
Quick Facts
Tuition: Competitive, varies by track
Credits: 36–42 (partner university)
Duration: 1 year
Delivery format: Online study
Best suited for: Busy professionals seeking fast online MBA
Conclusion:
You now have a complete picture of MBA study in Saudi Arabia. The country continues to expand non oil sectors under Vision 2030, which keeps demand high for managers who can read financials, lead teams, and use data to make decisions. Public universities give you strong academic depth and lower costs for citizens. Private universities offer intensive networks and modern facilities. Online and blended providers give you flexibility so you can keep your job while you study. Your best choice depends on your career goal, schedule, and budget.