LBS EMBA Admissions: London, Dubai and EMBA-Global Guide

Which LBS Executive MBA fits you?

The Executive MBA runs 17 to 22 months in London or Dubai, each with two formats. The LBS EMBA fees below are the latest published and change each year.

The September 2026 cohort has 93 students from 39 nationalities, 40% women and an average of 15 years of experience, and 34% come from the Middle East.

LBS EMBA Dubai: what Gulf-based applicants should know

The LBS EMBA Dubai stream suits leaders who do not want to relocate. Its in-person format brings you to Dubai for one block week a month, Thursday to Sunday, which works for people commuting from elsewhere in the Gulf. LBS says at least 30% of its Executive MBA students live outside the UK and UAE.

Faculty travel between the two campuses, and most electives run from London with some in Dubai, so expect some time in London. Beyond AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, the Dubai programme is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education's Commission for Academic Accreditation. Dubai fees are charged in US dollars.

LBS Executive MBA requirements

• An average of 15 years of experience, with at least five in management.
• No minimum GMAT score. LBS recommends the Executive Assessment, and the LBS EMBA GMAT waiver is assessed case by case.
• An English test, unless you have worked for a substantial time in English or studied for a degree in English.
• Two essays of up to 600 words each: how you will contribute to and benefit from the programme, and what being an LBS alumnus would mean to you.
• One reference from your immediate line manager, a one-page CV and a £180 application fee.

How do LBS EMBA admissions work?

LBS publishes staged deadlines for each intake on its admissions calendar, so apply early and ask the London or Dubai team which stage is open.

You also complete a Kira video assessment of leadership, critical thinking and communication; our Kira Talent interview guide helps you prepare. Shortlisted candidates interview in person or virtually with an Admissions Committee member or an EMBA alumnus.

The LBS EMBA-Global, run with Columbia Business School, has deadlines of 14 October 2026 (passed), 12 January 2027 and 12 March 2027 for its May 2027 intake.

How to stand out

• Quantify your scope: people led, budgets owned, markets opened.
• Use the second essay to show what you will give back, not only what you will gain.
• If your quantitative record is thin, take the Executive Assessment rather than relying on a waiver.
• If you are earlier in your career, compare this route with LBS MBA admissions, and see our London Business School overview.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the GMAT for LBS EMBA admissions?

Not always. There is no minimum score, and LBS recommends the Executive Assessment for time-pressed executives. Waivers are assessed case by case for candidates with strong quantitative experience or qualifications such as CFA, ACCA, CIMA or ACA. Send your CV and reasons to the recruitment team.

How often do you attend classes on the LBS EMBA Dubai?

In the in-person format starting in September, year one is taught in eight monthly block weeks in Dubai, from Thursday to Sunday, with about 20% self-paced online. The blended January format mixes in-person units in Dubai with live online sessions. Year two depends on your electives.

What is the difference between the LBS EMBA and EMBA-Global?

The Executive MBA is taught by LBS in London or Dubai over 17 to 22 months. EMBA-Global is a 20-month programme with Columbia Business School, taught in residential weeks in London and New York, and graduates receive two MBAs.