Best Online MBA Programs in Saudi Arabia - 2026 Comparison

Thinking about pursuing an MBA but not about quitting your job? You are in good company. Across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and the rest of the Kingdom, more professionals are looking for a way to earn a business degree around a full working week, and the number of programs claiming to offer exactly that has grown fast.

The catch is that "online" means very different things depending on who is using the word. Some programs here are taught entirely through a laptop. Others are blended, with regular classes at a branch or campus. A few sit in between, with live online lectures and optional workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah. And the price tags range from a few thousand dollars to six figures in riyals.

There is good reason for the interest. Vision 2030 has put business growth, new industries, and private sector leadership at the center of the national agenda, and that creates demand for managers who can lead teams, read the numbers, and make sense of new technology. An MBA is one of the most common routes there. The tricky part is picking the one that fits your life, your budget, and your goals.

So we looked at eight options, three options delivered in the Kingdom and five international providers offering degree programs you can study online or in a blended format from the Kingdom, and compared them on the things that actually change your experience: what the whole degree costs, how it is delivered, who awards it, and how it is accredited. Every competitor figure comes from that institution's own published pages and is referenced at the end, so you can check anything yourself.

Ready? Let us find the right fit for you.

What We Compared and Why It Matters

A glossy brochure can make any MBA sound perfect. We did not order this guide by MBA rankings, top MBA lists, or lists of top universities. Nexford comes first as our pick, and the others are grouped by type rather than ranked. These are the questions we used to compare them:

• What You Will Really Pay: We looked for the full published cost of the degree, not just a per-credit or per-month figure, and noted fees that sit outside tuition, such as registration, preparatory courses, or VAT.
• How It Is Delivered: Fully online, blended with required classes, or hybrid with optional workshops. We only call a program online when the institution's own pages say so, and we label the delivery format of every entry clearly.
• How Much Flexibility You Get: Fixed intakes versus rolling starts, set class times versus study on your own schedule, and whether finishing faster actually saves you money.
• Whose Name Is on the Degree: Several programs here are taught by one organization and awarded by another. We state which institution awards each degree, because that is the name employers will see.
• Who Can Enroll: Some programs are open to international students wherever they live. Others are limited to Saudi students and residents of the Kingdom, or require you to attend classes in a particular city. We flag those limits up front.

A Quick Note on Accreditation

Accreditation sounds dry, but it decides how your degree is treated by employers, government bodies, and other universities, so it is worth two minutes.

In Saudi Arabia, higher education quality is overseen by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC), through its National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA). A Saudi university with ETEC institutional accreditation is the most straightforward choice if you are aiming for a government role or plan to continue to a doctorate locally.

Universities in Saudi Arabia also run well-known campus-based MBA programs, including at public universities such as King Saud University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and King Abdulaziz University. This guide focuses on online and blended options, so those campus programs are not covered here.

International degrees follow the rules of the country that awards them. UK degrees are awarded by universities with their own degree awarding powers, even when a separate college or partner delivers the teaching. US degrees are backed by accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Business schools can also hold programmatic accreditation from bodies such as AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, IACBE, or ACBSP.

Nexford University is institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the US Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by CHEA. Separately, Nexford's School of Business and Innovation holds specialized accreditation for its MBA program from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Two quick tips. First, membership is not accreditation. A school can be a member of AACSB without being AACSB accredited, and we keep the two apart throughout this guide. Second, if you plan to use any foreign online degree for a Saudi government post, a professional license, or further study at a Saudi university, check with the Ministry of Education or the relevant body how it treats that specific qualification. That applies to every international option here, not just one.

1. Nexford University: Best for a Fully Online MBA You Can Start Any Month

What Makes It Stand Out

Nexford University was built as an online university from day one, so nothing about it is a classroom program squeezed onto a screen. There is no campus to commute to and no semester to wait for. You start on the first of any month, keep up with weekly deadlines, and fit the rest around your job.

The pricing follows the same logic. Graduate tuition is a flat monthly subscription, so the faster you move through the program, the less you pay overall. Nexford also adjusts tuition by country, and Saudi Arabia appears in the pricing selector on its tuition page, so learners in the Kingdom see a rate set for this market. Enrollment is open to learners in every region.

Key Program Details

• Format: 100% online, with no campus visits or residencies. Coursework is flexibly paced rather than self-paced, with weekly deadlines, and live sessions are optional. Nexford asks you to plan on at least 10 hours of study a week.
• Start Dates: The 1st of every month.
• Program Length: The MBA page lists 9 to 18 months. Carry a heavier load and you can finish in as few as 9 months.
• Learning Style: Project-based, with assignments built around real business problems. MBA examples include a business case for change at Tesla and a robotics roadmap at 3M, so you finish with work samples as well as a transcript. It is a form of experiential learning, and AI tools are part of the coursework rather than banned from it.
• Career Support: A career coaching team is available from enrollment, with group sessions and one-to-one time.

Nexford Programs

You can take the Master of Business Administration on its own, add a specialization, or choose one of the specialized MBA programs:

• Online MBA
• MBA with specialization in Artificial Intelligence
• MBA with specialization in Cybersecurity
• MBA with specialization in Enabling E-Commerce
• MBA with specialization in Fintech and Blockchain
• MBA with specialization in Healthcare Management
• MBA with specialization in International Business
• MBA with specialization in Sustainability
• MBA in Entrepreneurship
• MBA in Finance
• MS in Data Analytics
• MS in Digital Transformation
• MS in AI and Technology Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• BBA with Specialization in Artificial Intelligence
• BBA with Specialization in Business Analytics
• BBA with Specialization in Digital Marketing
• BBA with Specialization in Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in AI for Business
• BAS in Management and AI in Business
• Associate of Applied Science in Business
• Associate of Applied Science in AI for Business
• Mini MBA
• Career Pathway in Operations Management
• Career Pathway in Professional Sales

Key Cost Details

Nexford prices by country group, and Saudi Arabia sits in Group 2. Each program below shows the general range across all country groups first, then the rate for Saudi Arabia, with the math behind every total. [1]

• MBA (monthly subscription):
• Depending on your country group: $275 to $450 per month. Over a 9-month accelerated path that is $275 x 9 = $2,475 to $450 x 9 = $4,050, and over the standard 18 months it is $275 x 18 = $4,950 to $450 x 18 = $8,100. [1]
• Saudi Arabia rate: $320 per month. That comes to $320 x 9 = $2,880 on the accelerated path, or $320 x 18 = $5,760 over the standard 18 months. The same rate covers the MBA with a specialization and the MBA in Entrepreneurship. [1]
• MBA in Finance (monthly subscription):
• Depending on your country group: $280 to $470 per month. [1]
• Saudi Arabia rate: $360 per month, which is $360 x 10 = $3,600 on the 10-month accelerated path, or $360 x 18 = $6,480 over the standard 18 months. [1]
• MS Degrees (monthly subscription):
• Depending on your country group: $280 to $470 per month. [1]
• Saudi Arabia rate: $360 per month, which is $360 x 9 = $3,240 on the accelerated path, or $360 x 18 = $6,480 over the standard 18 months. [1]
• BBA (pay per course):
• Depending on your country group: $120 to $250 per course, across 40 courses. That is $120 x 40 = $4,800 to $250 x 40 = $10,000. [1]
• Saudi Arabia rate: $230 per course, so $230 x 40 = $9,200 in total. BBA specializations are the same price. [1]
• Application Fee: A one-time, non-refundable $25 application fee. [1]
• Other Costs: No textbook fees or other hidden fees to graduate. [1]
• Payment Options: Credit or debit card, bank transfer, Venmo, or PayPal including interest-free pay-in-4 options, with financing available through Climb Credit. You can pause your program and stop payments, then pick up where you left off. [1]
• Fees Page: Nexford tuition page

Accreditation

Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the US Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Nexford's School of Business and Innovation has specialized accreditation for its MBA program from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Nexford is licensed in the District of Columbia by the Higher Education Licensure Commission and is listed in the World Higher Education Database maintained by the International Association of Universities. [2]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• You can start on the 1st of any month, so there is no waiting for an intake.
• The monthly subscription rewards speed. Finish in 9 months and you pay for 9 months.
• Transparent pricing set for the Saudi market, published openly rather than quoted on request.
• No campus visits, so it works whether you live in Riyadh, Abha, or Tabuk, or travel often for work.
• Seven MBA specializations plus MBA degrees in Entrepreneurship and Finance, with options in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and healthcare that line up with growing sectors in the Kingdom.
• Practical projects based on real companies, so you build a portfolio as you study.

Things to Consider

• Nexford holds US national accreditation from DEAC rather than US regional accreditation, and its MBA is accredited by IACBE rather than AACSB. Both are recognized, but if an employer or doctoral program specifically asks for AACSB or regional accreditation, check before you enroll.
• It is fully online, so there is no campus experience and no in-person classroom in the Kingdom.
• Nexford launched in 2019, so its alumni network is younger than those of long-established universities.
• The focus is business and technology only. If your field of study is engineering, law, or health sciences, Nexford has no programs in it.
• If you plan to use the degree for a Saudi government post or a local professional license, confirm with the Ministry of Education how it treats a US online degree for that purpose.
• Flexible pacing still takes discipline. There are weekly deadlines, and about 10 hours of study a week is the expectation.

Who Should Choose Nexford

Working professionals in Saudi Arabia who want an accredited US MBA without leaving their job or attending classes on a fixed schedule. It is a natural fit if you like knowing exactly what you will pay, want the option to finish quickly, or are aiming for career paths in AI, digital business, finance, or healthcare management.

Explore the Nexford MBA

2. Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University (formerly Saudi Electronic University): Best for a Saudi Government-University MBA in Blended Format

What Makes It Stand Out

You may know this university as the Saudi Electronic University (SEU). In September 2026 it was renamed Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University, and the new name now appears across its official site, which still lives at seu.edu.sa. It is a Saudi government university built around blended learning, and it runs branches across the Kingdom.

Its MBA combines classroom instruction with distance learning. For Saudi nationals and residents who want a locally awarded degree from an accredited public university, without giving up their job, it is one of the clearest options in the Kingdom.

Key Program Details

• Format: Blended. The program combines traditional classroom instruction with distance learning, so expect some in-person attendance.
• Branches: The MBA is offered at the Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah branches, for both male and female students.
• Structure: 36 credit hours across 12 courses and 4 levels. The standard duration is two academic years: a theory year and a practical year for the thesis.
• Topics: Strategic management, global economics, business ethics, and global e-commerce, among others.
• Executive MBA: The university also runs a blended Executive MBA at its Riyadh branch. Its program page lists 36 credit hours over two academic years, while the fees page lists 33 credit hours, so confirm the current figure with the university.
• Preparatory Semester: Applicants whose bachelor's degree is not in business or a related administrative field must complete a preparatory semester of four courses before final admission.
• Who Can Apply: Saudi nationals, or non-Saudis living in the Kingdom with a valid Iqama.
• English Requirement: For example, IELTS Academic of at least 5, with some exemptions listed on the program page.

Key Cost Details

• MBA Tuition: SAR 2,250 per credit hour x 36 credit hours = SAR 81,000 total cost of study. [3]
• Executive MBA Tuition: SAR 2,250 per credit hour. The fees page lists 33 credit hours and a total cost of study of SAR 74,250. [3] The EMBA program page lists 36 credit hours, so ask the university to confirm the current credit hours and total before you budget. [4]
• Preparatory Semester (if required): 12 hours x SAR 750 = SAR 9,000. [3]
• VAT: The published fees do not include VAT. [3]
• Summer Courses: Summer semester tuition is 50% higher per credit unit. [3]
• Payment Timing: Newly admitted students must pay the full first-semester fees to secure final admission. [3]
• International Rates: The university does not publish a separate rate for international learners, because the MBA is open only to Saudi nationals and Iqama holders living in the Kingdom.
• Fees Page: Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University master's tuition fees

Accreditation

Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University received full institutional accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, through the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation, covering 1 May 2026 to 1 April 2033. The university also reports that a number of its courses are accredited by Quality Matters. [5]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• A Saudi government university with full institutional accreditation from ETEC, which keeps local recognition simple.
• Blended delivery means real classmates and faculty in your city, alongside distance learning.
• A published, per-credit price with the full cost of study stated upfront.
• A preparatory semester gives graduates from non-business fields a structured way in.
• An Executive MBA option for more experienced managers.

Things to Consider

• The MBA is only offered at the Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah branches, so learners elsewhere may face travel.
• Admission is limited to Saudi nationals and Iqama holders living in the Kingdom.
• At SAR 81,000 before VAT, plus SAR 9,000 for the preparatory semester if you need it, the total is a sizable commitment. [3]
• The two-year structure, with a thesis year, is a fixed timeline rather than a self-paced one.
• Blended learning includes in-person classes, so confirm the attendance schedule before you commit.

Who Should Choose Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University

Saudi nationals and residents near Riyadh, Dammam, or Jeddah who want a locally awarded, ETEC-accredited MBA from a public university, and who like the structure of regular classes alongside distance study.

3. University of Strathclyde with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University: Best for a Triple-Accredited UK Executive MBA in Riyadh

What Makes It Stand Out

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in Riyadh, the world's largest women's university, has partnered with the University of Strathclyde to host the Strathclyde Executive MBA on its campus. Strathclyde academics deliver the teaching, and the degree is Strathclyde's own.

This is not an online MBA, and we want to be upfront about that. It is a blended executive program with intensive weekend classes in Riyadh, supported by online learning between sessions. We have included it because it is one of the most prominent MBA options in the Kingdom for working professionals, and the cohort is co-ed.

Key Program Details

• Format: Blended. Monthly intensive seminars on the PNU campus in Riyadh, delivered by Strathclyde academics, combined with off-campus learning through a virtual learning environment.
• Duration: Designed so most participants graduate in two years, with study spread over up to five years if needed.
• Intakes: April and October. Applications close at the end of March for April and the end of August for October.
• Curriculum: Strategy-focused, with modules such as Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation, and electives that can also be taken in Glasgow or at Strathclyde's other international centers.
• Entry Requirements: Typically a degree, a minimum age of 24, and at least three years of full-time postgraduate experience with significant people or resource management. Alternative routes exist for candidates with professional qualifications or extensive management experience. IELTS 6.0 is normally required for non-native English speakers.
• Classmates: A co-ed cohort, with access to Strathclyde's student and alumni network across its international centers.

Key Cost Details

• Tuition: SAR 180,000 for the October 2026 intake. This is the only intake fee published at the time of writing. [6]
• Fee Confirmation: Strathclyde notes that fees may be updated and that your tuition fee will be confirmed in your offer letter. [6]
• Installments and Scholarships: Questions about scholarships and payment by installments are handled by PNU's graduate studies team, so ask them directly. [6]
• Other Costs: Budget separately for any electives you choose to take in Glasgow or at another international center.
• Fees Page: University of Strathclyde Executive MBA, Saudi Arabia

Accreditation

The degree is awarded by the University of Strathclyde. Strathclyde Business School holds triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. [6]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• A UK university MBA from a triple-accredited business school, taught in Riyadh.
• Face-to-face teaching from Strathclyde faculty, which suits learners who value a classroom.
• A co-ed cohort of experienced business professionals, which brings strong networking opportunities.
• Electives can be taken abroad, adding an international dimension if you want it.
• Flexibility to extend study up to five years if work gets busy.

Things to Consider

• It is a campus-based blended program, not an online MBA, so you need to be in Riyadh for the monthly intensive weekends.
• At SAR 180,000 for the October 2026 intake, it is the highest published tuition in this guide. [6]
• Entry asks for at least three years of management experience, which is a higher bar than several other options here.
• Intakes are twice a year, in April and October.

Who Should Choose Strathclyde at PNU

Experienced managers based in or near Riyadh who want a triple-accredited UK Executive MBA, prefer learning in a classroom with peers, and have the budget, or employer sponsorship, to match.

4. Arab Open University, Saudi Arabia: Best for an Open University Validated MBA Close to Home

What Makes It Stand Out

Arab Open University (AOU) is a pan-Arab university with six branches in Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Al-Ahsa, and Hail. Its Faculty of Business Administration Studies describes itself as a blended learning business school offering everything from single courses to bachelor's and master's degrees.

What makes AOU different is its long-standing partnership with the Open University in the United Kingdom. AOU is a Partner Institution of the Open University and delivers Open University validated awards, and the MBA is among the programs listed under that partnership.

Key Program Details

• Format: Blended learning, according to the Faculty of Business Administration Studies.
• MBA Options: The Open University partnership page lists the MBA, MBA in Finance, and MBA in Human Resource Management among AOU's validated programs. That page covers AOU's programs as a whole, so ask the Saudi branch which MBA tracks are currently open for admission.
• Branches: Six in Saudi Arabia, so blended classes may be closer to home than at some universities.
• Graduate Information: The pages for graduate academic programs, admission requirements, and graduate fees on the Saudi website require a login, so contact admissions for current details.

Key Cost Details

• MBA Tuition: Not published publicly. The graduate fees page on the Saudi website requires a login, so ask admissions for a written quote covering tuition and any service fees.
• International Learners: Ask admissions to confirm eligibility and any different rate for non-Saudi applicants.
• Fees Page: Arab Open University, Saudi Arabia

Accreditation

Arab Open University in Saudi Arabia states that it is accredited by the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. [7] AOU is a Partner Institution of the Open University in the United Kingdom and delivers Open University validated awards. Its most recent partnership renewal took place on 1 October 2024 and runs until 30 September 2029. A validated award is not the same as being taught directly by the Open University, but AOU notes that validated awards are treated the same as direct Open University awards for employment and postgraduate study. [8]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• A UK university-validated MBA that you can study in Saudi Arabia.
• Six Saudi branches, which can make in-person sessions more convenient.
• Blended learning built for people who are working.
• Specialized MBA tracks in Finance and Human Resource Management are listed among the validated programs.

Things to Consider

• MBA tuition is not public, which makes it harder to compare costs before you speak to admissions.
• Graduate program details sit behind a login, so you will need to contact the university for specifics.
• Blended delivery means some in-person attendance at a branch.
• It is worth confirming which MBA tracks are open at the Saudi branch for your intake.

Who Should Choose Arab Open University

Professionals in the Kingdom who like the idea of a UK-validated MBA, studied with in-person support at a nearby branch, and who are happy to contact admissions directly for fees and program details.

5. Robert Kennedy College with the University of Cumbria: Best for a UK Executive MBA Studied 100% Online

What Makes It Stand Out

Robert Kennedy College (RKC) is a private college based in Switzerland that teaches online degrees in partnership with UK universities. Its Executive MBA is awarded by the University of Cumbria, and the whole program runs online, so you can study from anywhere in the Kingdom without a visa or campus visit.

There is no local Saudi partner involved. You apply directly to the college online and join a classroom that RKC says includes students from more than 130 countries.

Key Program Details

• Format: 100% online via RKC's OnlineCampus, with class discussion and collaboration.
• Duration: 12 months to 5 years.
• Start Dates: Rolling admissions throughout the year.
• Structure: There is no final dissertation. Instead, you complete an applied business project for your company or a new venture, and an Applied Leadership module brings in CEOs and executives to share their experience.
• Entry Requirements: An honors degree at 2:2 or above, at least 5 years of relevant work experience, and IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. Candidates who can show equivalence through professional qualifications or experience are also considered.
• Other MBAs: RKC also lists University of Cumbria MBAs in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, and International Business, plus a University of Lancashire MBA.

Key Cost Details

RKC publishes its master's tuition by payment plan, in Swiss francs. [9]

• 12-Month Plan: CHF 11,600 total, or CHF 966 per month over 12 payments. [9]
• 24-Month Plan: CHF 12,600 total, or CHF 525 per month over 24 payments. [9]
• Full Payment Upfront: CHF 11,000. [9]
• Rounding: RKC notes that monthly amounts are rounded and that the final installment adjusts to the exact total. [9]
• Lower-Priced Alternative: University of Lancashire master's programs, including the Lancashire MBA, are listed at CHF 10,000 on the 12-month plan, CHF 11,600 on the 24-month plan, or CHF 9,500 paid upfront. [9]
• Student Finance: The Executive MBA is not eligible for UK Government student finance. [10]
• Fees Page: Robert Kennedy College tuition plans and rates

Accreditation

The degree is awarded by the University of Cumbria, which received its university title and degree awarding powers from the Privy Council and is listed among recognized UK awarding institutions. Robert Kennedy College delivers the teaching but does not award the degree itself. [10]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• A UK university MBA earned completely online, with no travel.
• Rolling admissions, so you can start when it suits you.
• A practical business project instead of a dissertation.
• Several payment plans, including monthly installments.
• A large, international classroom.

Things to Consider

• Fees are set in Swiss francs, so your riyal cost can shift with the exchange rate during the program. [9]
• At CHF 11,000 to CHF 12,600 depending on the plan, it is a bigger investment than some online options here. [9]
• The Executive MBA asks for 5 years of relevant experience and IELTS 6.5, unless you can show equivalence.
• The college that teaches you is not the university that awards your degree, so it helps to understand that arrangement before you apply.

Who Should Choose Robert Kennedy College

Experienced professionals who want a British MBA, studied fully online at their own pace, and who meet the experience and English requirements. It suits people targeting multinational employers where a UK university name travels well.

6. upGrad with ACEC: Best for Choosing Between Several University Partners

What Makes It Stand Out

upGrad is an online learning platform that works with universities in the UK, the US, and India. Its Saudi Arabia website lists online MBAs from schools such as Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Golden Gate University, and Edgewood University, with fees shown in Saudi riyals.

Separately, Advanced Curriculum for Education Company Limited (ACEC Limited KSA) works in partnership with upGrad in Saudi Arabia. Through its own portal, ACEC offers online MBA and Executive MBA programs that it describes as UGC approved.

Key Program Details

• LJMU MBA: upGrad lists the program at 18 months. It starts with an 11-month IIM Udaipur Executive Program in Business Management and AI Leadership, followed by 2 months of MBA specialization, 1 month of applied business research, and a 3-month strategic business consultancy project. There are 6 specializations to choose from. You need a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of full-time work experience before the LJMU phase. upGrad lists an optional 2-day immersion at IIM Udaipur and an optional 6-day (tentative) campus immersion at LJMU in the UK. Both cost an additional fee and are not required to complete the program.
• Golden Gate University MBA: A 13-month online MBA from San Francisco, with six concentrations including Applied AI, and an optional on-campus immersion in San Francisco.
• Edgewood University MBA: 100% online, from Wisconsin. upGrad lists 10 months as the fastest possible completion time.
• ACEC MBA and Executive MBA: The ACEC portal lists a 2-year online MBA in specializations such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Healthcare Management, and Logistics and Supply Chain, plus a 1-year online Executive MBA for graduates with at least 2 years of work experience. Faculty from the university run live online sessions for each chapter.

Key Cost Details

upGrad lists its MBA fees in Saudi riyals and notes that adjustments may apply due to exchange rate changes. [11]

• LJMU MBA: SAR 22,500 in total tuition, or SAR 1,250 per month on the pay-as-you-progress plan. [12]
• LJMU Immersions: Both immersions are optional and available at an additional fee. [12]
• Golden Gate University MBA: SAR 33,800 for 36 units. This includes a scholarship of up to 75% on the on-campus tuition fee of SAR 171,700. You can pay a caution deposit followed by 13 monthly installments of approximately SAR 2,460, or pay upfront for an additional 10% fee waiver. [11]
• Edgewood University MBA: SAR 28,000 for 30 credits. This includes a scholarship of up to 30% on the on-campus tuition fee of SAR 56,300. You can pay a caution deposit followed by 10 monthly installments of approximately SAR 2,610, or pay upfront for an additional 10% fee waiver. [13]
• ACEC MBA and Executive MBA: Fees are not published on the ACEC program pages, so request a quote from ACEC directly. [14][15]
• Fees Pages: LJMU MBA, Golden Gate University MBA, Edgewood University MBA, and ACEC online MBA programs

Accreditation

Each MBA degree is awarded by the partner university, not by upGrad or ACEC. upGrad describes the LJMU MBA as WES recognized and notes that IIM Udaipur, which delivers the first phase, is an AACSB accredited business school. [12] upGrad describes the Golden Gate University MBA as WASC accredited and states that Golden Gate University is a member of AACSB, which is a membership rather than AACSB accreditation. [11] upGrad states that Edgewood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and that its MBA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). [13] ACEC's program pages state that its programs are recognized by India's University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with an "A" grade by NAAC, but they do not name the awarding university, so ask ACEC which university will issue your degree. [14][15]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• Several MBAs from UK, US, and Indian universities, compared in one place.
• Fees published in Saudi riyals for the upGrad partner MBAs.
• Monthly payment options and upfront payment discounts.
• A local partner in the Kingdom through ACEC.
• Online study, with campus immersions listed for some programs.

Things to Consider

• Each MBA is awarded by a different university, with a different structure, timeline, and accreditation, so compare carefully.
• The Golden Gate University and Edgewood University prices include scholarships on much higher on-campus fees of SAR 171,700 and SAR 56,300, so confirm your exact scholarship before you commit. [11][13]
• Riyal fees may be adjusted for exchange rate changes. [11]
• The ACEC pages do not publish fees or name the awarding university.
• The LJMU route requires 2 years of full-time work experience before the LJMU phase.

Who Should Choose upGrad with ACEC

Learners who want to compare several online MBAs from different countries side by side, like seeing fees in riyals, and value having a local partner in Saudi Arabia.

7. Edinburgh Napier University via Stafford Global: Best for a Hybrid UK MBA With Optional Riyadh and Jeddah Workshops

What Makes It Stand Out

Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) offers a Global Hybrid MBA designed specifically for Saudi Arabia, delivered in collaboration with its partner Stafford Global. Teaching combines online modules and live online lectures led by the university, with in-person workshops in Saudi Arabia.

This is a hybrid program rather than a fully online one. Stafford Global describes the KSA workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah as optional sessions that provide additional assignment support, which makes this a good middle ground for anyone who likes the idea of some face-to-face help.

Key Program Details

• Format: Hybrid. University-led live online lectures and online modules, with in-person workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah. Stafford Global describes the workshops as optional, while ENU's own page lists in-person workshops as part of delivery, so confirm attendance expectations when you apply.
• Specializations: A general MBA route or one of 12 specialist routes. Saudi routes listed by Stafford Global include Project Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Banking, IT Information Systems, and Tourism and Hospitality.
• Duration: Stafford Global lists 20 months.
• Assessment: Stafford Global states that the program is assessed entirely through assignments, with no exams. Confirm this with admissions.
• How You Enroll: Stafford Global is authorized to assist with ENU applications and to collect tuition fees on ENU's behalf.

Key Cost Details

• Course Fee: USD 19,900, as listed by Stafford Global. [16]
• Net Course Fee After Early Bird Discount: USD 16,900, payable in monthly installments of USD 845. Without the discount, the USD 19,900 fee is paid at USD 995 a month. [16]
• Early Bird Discount: Stafford Global offers the USD 3,000 reduction only to the first 10 students who complete their first installment payment, so confirm whether it applies to your intake. [16]
• Fee Protection: ENU states that tuition fees paid to Stafford Global will never exceed those payable by students who apply directly to the university. [17]
• Fees Page: Global Hybrid MBA Saudi Arabia

Accreditation

The MBA is awarded by Edinburgh Napier University, a UK university. Stafford Global describes the Global Hybrid MBA Saudi Arabia as AACSB accredited. [16] ENU confirms Stafford Global as its authorized partner for this Saudi Arabia program. [17]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• A UK university MBA designed specifically for learners in Saudi Arabia.
• Live online lectures led by the university, plus in-person workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah.
• A choice of 12 specialist routes or a general MBA.
• Assignment-based assessment with no exams, according to Stafford Global.
• Monthly installment plans in US dollars.

Things to Consider

• The USD 16,900 net fee depends on a USD 3,000 early bird discount limited to the first 10 students, so budget for USD 19,900 (USD 995 a month) until your fee is confirmed. [16]
• Fees are in US dollars, so they are set in a currency other than riyals.
• You enroll through a partner rather than directly with the university, although ENU publicly confirms the arrangement.
• Workshop attendance expectations are described slightly differently by ENU and Stafford Global, so clarify them before you enroll.

Who Should Choose Edinburgh Napier via Stafford Global

Professionals in Riyadh or Jeddah who want a UK MBA mostly online, with the option of in-person support for assignments, and who prefer a specialization from a wide list.

8. UniAthena with Abertay University: Best for a Fast-Track UK MBA Pathway

What Makes It Stand Out

UniAthena is an online education provider operated by Athena Global Education, with an address in Oxford, UK, and a liaison office in Sharjah, UAE. Its Global MBA is developed and delivered in collaboration with Abertay University in Scotland, which awards the MBA. Learners in Saudi Arabia enroll online, as there is no local Saudi partner involved.

The program is built as a pathway: a 120-credit diploma followed by a 60-credit MBA top-up, adding up to 180 UK credits. It is designed to be completed in 12 months on the Fastrack Plan.

Key Program Details

• Format: Blended, with a mix of online resources, workshops, and presentations.
• Duration: 12 months on the Fastrack Plan.
• Structure: A 120-credit Extended Diploma in Global Business Management followed by a 60-credit MBA top-up.
• Qualifications: A Global MBA from Abertay University, an Extended Diploma from Qualifications Scotland, and an optional Certified Manager credential from the Chartered Management Institute.
• Intakes: Six cohorts a year, starting in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
• Entry Requirements: A bachelor's degree in any subject, or a mature entry route for applicants aged 23 or over with at least 3 years of relevant managerial experience.

Key Cost Details

• Registration Fee: $600 to start the course. [18]
• Installment Fee I: $3,300, paid as $550 per month over 6 installments. [18]
• Qualifications Scotland Diploma Fee: $300, paid on successful completion of the 6 installments. [18]
• Top-Up Registration: $1,500. [18]
• Installment Fee II: $2,900, paid as $1,450 per month over 2 installments. [18]
• Total Fee: $600 + $3,300 + $300 + $1,500 + $2,900 = $8,600 for the full program on the Fastrack Plan (12 months). [18]
• Optional and Extra Costs: $300 for the optional CMI certification, $200 per module retake, and course extensions from USD 250 for 3 months. [18]
• Fee Changes: UniAthena notes that fees are subject to revision. [18]
• Fees Page: UniAthena Global MBA

Accreditation

The Global MBA is awarded by Abertay University, UK, and carries 180 UK credits. The Extended Diploma is issued by Qualifications Scotland, and the optional Certified Manager credential is issued by the Chartered Management Institute. UniAthena delivers the program but does not award the MBA itself. [18]

Strengths Worth Highlighting

• A UK university MBA with a published total fee and a clear payment schedule.
• A 12-month fast-track timeline.
• Six intakes a year.
• An extra diploma and an optional CMI credential along the way.
• A mature entry route for experienced managers without a bachelor's degree.

Things to Consider

• The $8,600 total is split into several separate payments, and optional items such as module retakes, extensions, and CMI certification are extra. [18]
• Delivery is blended, so check what the workshops involve for learners in Saudi Arabia.
• The MBA comes through a diploma-plus-top-up route rather than a single standalone master's degree.
• Fees are quoted in US dollars and are subject to revision.

Who Should Choose UniAthena

Professionals who want a UK university MBA on a short, fixed timeline, like the idea of picking up an extra diploma along the way, and want a clear, published payment schedule.

Best Online MBA Programs in Saudi Arabia 2026 - Quick Comparison

Here is a side-by-side snapshot, split into two tables so you can compare like with like. Costs come from each institution's official pages and are shown in the currency each one publishes. Full details and references are in the sections above.

International Providers

 Saudi Universities and Partnerships 

Figures exclude living costs, travel, and optional extras unless noted. Swiss franc and US dollar figures will move against the riyal, so check the rate on the day you budget.

How to Choose the Right Online MBA for You

There is no single best online MBA in Saudi Arabia for everyone. The right one depends on how you like to learn, where you want your degree to come from, and what you can comfortably spend. Here is a simple way to narrow it down:

• If you want full flexibility and predictable costs: Nexford University lets you start any month, study fully online, and pay $320 per month in Saudi Arabia, so finishing faster lowers your total.
• If a Saudi government university degree matters most: Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University offers an ETEC-accredited MBA in a blended format, if you are a Saudi national or Iqama holder near Riyadh, Dammam, or Jeddah.
• If you want an executive classroom experience in Riyadh: The Strathclyde Executive MBA at PNU brings a triple-accredited UK business school to the PNU campus, at a premium price.
• If you want a UK degree with local branches: Arab Open University offers Open University validated MBA tracks with blended learning at six Saudi branches. Ask admissions for fees.
• If you want a UK MBA completely online: Robert Kennedy College and the University of Cumbria offer an Executive MBA with rolling admissions and no dissertation.
• If you want to compare several partner MBAs in riyals: upGrad lists options from LJMU, Golden Gate University, and Edgewood University, with ACEC as its local partner in the Kingdom.
• If you like online study with optional face-to-face help: Edinburgh Napier University via Stafford Global offers workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah alongside live online lectures.
• If you want a fast-track UK pathway: UniAthena and Abertay University offer a 12-month Global MBA route with a published payment schedule.

Before you pay anything, ask each school the same three questions: Who awards the degree? What is the total cost, including every fee? What happens if you need to pause? Clear, written answers to all three are a good sign that you will be well looked after.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you want an accredited MBA you can start next month, study entirely online, and fit around a busy job in the Kingdom, Nexford was designed with you in mind. Take a look at the Nexford online MBA, then use the tuition page to see how your monthly rate and timeline add up.

Not sure the MBA is the right fit? You can also explore the MS in Data Analytics, the MS in Digital Transformation, the MS in AI and Technology Management, or the BBA if you are still working toward your first degree. When you are ready, the admissions page explains what you need to apply.

Disclaimer

Last updated: October 2026

This article was researched and fact-checked in October 2026. Every competitor fee was taken from that institution's own official pages, or from the official pages of its authorized partner, at the time of writing, and each is referenced below so you can verify it. Totals described as calculations, including Nexford's accelerated and standard MBA totals, are worked out from published monthly or per-course rates and are shown with their arithmetic. Where a provider does not publish a figure, we say so rather than estimate one. Fees, intakes, delivery formats, scholarships, partnerships, and accreditation can all change, so please confirm current details in writing with the institution before making a financial commitment.

References

[1] Tuition. Nexford University. https://www.nexford.edu/tuition

[2] Accreditation. Nexford University. https://www.nexford.edu/nexford-accreditation

[3] Tuition fees for master's programs. Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University (formerly Saudi Electronic University). https://seu.edu.sa/en/deanships/graduate-studies-research-and-innovation-deanship/tuition-fees/

[4] Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA). Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University (formerly Saudi Electronic University). https://seu.edu.sa/en/programs/executive-master-of-business-administration-emba/

[5] Academic accreditation. Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman University (formerly Saudi Electronic University). https://www.seu.edu.sa/en/deanships/development-and-quality-deanship/accomplishments/academic-accreditation/

[6] MBA Master of Business Administration, Saudi Arabia. University of Strathclyde. https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/mba/mbasaudiarabia/

[7] FAQs. Arab Open University - KSA. https://www.arabou.edu.sa/students/Pages/faq.aspx

[8] The Arab Open University and the Open University-United Kingdom Partnership. Arab Open University - KSA. https://www.arabou.edu.sa/partnerships/ou/Pages/default.aspx

[9] Tuition Plans and Rates. Robert Kennedy College. https://www.rkc.swiss/fees

[10] Executive MBA. Robert Kennedy College. https://www.rkc.swiss/online-executive-mba

[11] Master of Business Administration, Golden Gate University. upGrad Saudi Arabia. https://www.upgrad.com/sa/mba-from-golden-gate-university/

[12] MBA from Liverpool John Moores University with IIM Udaipur Certification. upGrad Saudi Arabia. https://www.upgrad.com/sa/mba-degree-from-liverpool-business-school-with-iim-udaipur-certification/

[13] Master of Business Administration, Edgewood University. upGrad Saudi Arabia. https://www.upgrad.com/sa/mba-from-edgewood-college/

[14] Online MBA in Finance Management. upGrad and ACEC, KSA. https://upgraddegree.ace.edu.sa/course-details/KSA/MBA/Finance-Management

[15] Online Executive MBA in Finance Management. upGrad and ACEC, KSA. https://upgraddegree.ace.edu.sa/course-details/KSA/Executive-MBA/Finance-Management

[16] Global Hybrid MBA Saudi Arabia, Online and KSA Workshops. Stafford Global, authorized partner of Edinburgh Napier University. https://www.staffordglobal.org/online-mba/enu-hybrid-mba-saudi-arabia/

[17] MBA with Stafford Global, Saudi Arabia. Edinburgh Napier University. https://www.napier.ac.uk/global/transnational-education/mba-with-stafford-global

[18] Global MBA. UniAthena. https://uniathena.com/global-mba