Dubai Business School
graduate

MBA in Data, Economics & Design of Policy

Overview

Shape the future of decision-making with data-driven insights and innovative policy design. The MBA in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy is a forward-looking hybrid program offered by the University of Dubai, in collaboration with MITx.

This unique program combines core business and management courses from UD with online specialized coursework from MITx in:

Economic theory and applied policy analysis
Causal inference and data interpretation
Behavioral science and decision-making
Evidence-based program design and evaluation

Designed for professionals in both the public and private sectors, the program develops critical thinking, strategic planning, and policy design skills—empowering graduates to influence real-world outcomes using data and economics.

As global challenges increasingly require evidence-based governance, and with Dubai aiming to become a global hub for innovation and smart policymaking, this MBA prepares you to lead with purpose and insight.

Admission Requirement

Regular Admission	Conditional Admission
Accredited bachelor’s degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0	Accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 2.00 – 2.99

Who Is The Program For?

This program is ideal for professionals seeking to lead evidence-based policy, apply economic insights to strategic decisions, or design impactful solutions to complex societal and business challenges. It’s tailored for:

Government and public sector professionals involved in policy planning, urban development, economics, or social programs
Consultants and analysts working in think tanks, international NGOs, or economic advisory roles
Private sector strategists and managers who want to apply behavioral and economic insights to organizational decision-making
Economists and data analysts aiming to enhance their leadership and business acumen
Professionals in regulatory bodies, education, or healthcare focused on designing or evaluating impactful policies
Mid-career professionals seeking a transition into roles in sustainability, innovation, public-private partnerships, or economic development

If you're driven to use data, economics, and design thinking to craft smarter policies or business strategies, this program gives you the interdisciplinary tools to lead effectively.

Career Opportunities

The MBA in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy opens doors across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, empowering graduates to make data-informed, economically sound decisions that shape impactful policies and strategic business actions.

Career Paths Include:

Public Policy Analyst
Economic Development Strategist
Behavioral Policy Advisor
Program Evaluation Specialist
Sustainability and ESG Analyst
Government Relations or Public Affairs Manager
Data-Driven Decision-Making Consultant
International Development Officer (UN, World Bank, etc.)
Urban Innovation and Smart Policy Planner
Regulatory Affairs Specialist

With Dubai and the UAE investing heavily in evidence-based governance, smart city development, and public-private innovation, this program equips graduates to thrive at the intersection of data, strategy, and policy.

Estimated Salary Range

Graduates from this program, with dual expertise in business and policy design, are well-positioned for influential roles that command competitive salaries across industries.

Estimated Monthly Salary Ranges (AED):

Public Policy Analyst / Advisor: AED 25,000 – AED 40,000
Economic Development Consultant: AED 30,000 – AED 45,000
Program Evaluation Specialist (Govt./NGO): AED 22,000 – AED 35,000
Sustainability & ESG Lead: AED 28,000 – AED 42,000
Government Affairs Manager: AED 30,000 – AED 50,000
Strategic Policy and Data Consultant: AED 35,000 – AED 55,000
Urban Innovation or Smart Governance Advisor: AED 32,000 – AED 50,000

Factors that influence compensation:

Sector (government, consulting, international NGOs, tech/startups)
Advanced certifications and the MITx credential
Experience in policy impact measurement, data science, or economic strategy
Leadership responsibilities and cross-functional project roles

The UAE’s shift toward digital governance, green economy, and policy innovation makes this MBA exceptionally relevant for long-term career growth in the region and beyond.

Program Specification

MBA Core Courses

Code	Course Name	CH	Prerequisite / Corequisite
MBA 600	Managerial Economics	3	-
MBA 611	Accounting & Financing Decisions	3	-
MBA 606	Marketing Management	3	-
MBA 620	Organizational Behavior	3	-
MBA 641	Ethics, CSR, & Corporate Governance	3	-
Research Component
MBA 625	Business Research Methods	3	-
MBA 646	Strategic Management (Capstone)	3	-

Focus Areas (Offered Online)

Data, Economics, and Design of Policy

Code	Course Name	CH	Prerequisite / Corequisite
MITx 1473	The Challenges of Global Poverty (Intro)	3	-
MITx 4009	Good Economics for Hard Times (Intro)	3	-
MITx 1475	Political Economy and Economic Development (Advanced)	3	-

Term 1

Term 1 - (3 MBA Core Courses)
Course Code	Course Title	Course Category	Suggested Prerequisite	Suggested Co-requisite	C.H.
MBA 625	Business Research Methods	MBA Core (Research Component)			3
MBA 600	Managerial Economics	MBA Core			3
MBA 606	Marketing Management	MBA Core			3
Semester Credits					9
Accumulated Credits					9

Term 2

Term 2 - (2 MBA Core Courses + 1 Focus Area Core Course)
Course Code	Course Title	Course Category	Suggested Prerequisite	Suggested Co-requisite	C.H.
MBA 611	Accounting & Financing Decisions	MBA Core			3
MBA 620	Organizational Behavior	MBA Core			3
MITx 1473	The Challenges of Global Poverty	Focus Area Core			3
Semester Credits					9
Accumulated Credits					18

Term 3

Term 3 - (2 MBA Core Courses) or (2 MBA Core Courses + 1 Focus Area Core Course)
Course Code	Course Title	Course Category	Suggested Prerequisite	Suggested Co-requisite	C.H.
MBA 641	Ethics, CSR & Corporate Governance	MBA Core			3
MBA 646	Strategic Management (Capstone)	MBA Core			3
MITx 4009	Good Economics for Hard Times	Focus Area Core			3
Semester Credits					6 or 9
Accumulated Credits					24 or 27

Term 4

Term 4 - (2 Focus Area Core) or (1 Focus Area Core )
Course Code	Course Title	Course Category	Suggested Prerequisite	Suggested Co-requisite	C.H.
MITx 4009	Good Economics for Hard Times	Focus Area Core			3
MITx 1475	Political Economy and Economic Development	Focus Area Core			3
Semester Credits					3 or 6
Accumulated Credits					30