As professionals in the United Arab Emirates seek advancement in their careers in 2026, experts emphasize that promotion now requires more than just additional years of experience. Career specialists highlight the growing need for individuals to demonstrate measurable impact, develop leadership capabilities, acquire new skills, and align their growth with organisational needs.
Tariro Masukume, education relationships lead at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, advises professionals to focus on understanding the nature of impact within their specific companies. “Being ready for a promotion is about doing the internal work,” Masukume said, underscoring the importance of tailoring one’s contributions to organisational priorities.
Continuous skill development remains vital in a rapidly evolving market, noted Professor Gisela Loehlein, academic director at De Montfort University Dubai. She stressed that professionals should aim to add relevant new competencies regularly. “If you can’t add something new to your CV every six months, you’re not going to learn anything new; you’re just treading the waters,” Loehlein commented, highlighting the competitiveness and volatility of today’s job market.
When considering further education, such as an MBA, experts recommend identifying the specific capabilities a desired role requires. Dr Jamid Ul Islam, associate professor at Canadian University Dubai, suggested that targeted learning may sometimes be more beneficial than broad business qualifications. “Rather than asking what’s the next degree I should pursue, I would ask what capabilities and qualifications does my next role expect from me that I don’t currently own,” he said.
As career paths progress, management experts emphasize the shift in skills needed. Dr Salma Soliman, assistant professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, noted that professionals must focus on leadership development and expertise in line with higher responsibilities. Executive coach Ebru Goksu Yildirim of London Business School recommends sustained investment over five to seven years to deepen leadership abilities.
Regarding the value of an MBA in 2026, career advisors emphasize that the degree alone does not guarantee promotions or employment. Dr Nidhi Sehgal, head of the School of Business and Humanities at Curtin University Dubai, urged students to cultivate employability and transferable skills alongside academic credentials. Similarly, Dr Umesh Kothari, assistant dean at S P Jain School of Global Management, recommended that MBA graduates evaluate their initial job choices based on learning opportunities rather than salary alone, emphasizing adaptability and resilience in today’s workforce.
The decision to pursue an MBA versus other postgraduate degrees should be informed by career objectives. Joshua Jackson, digital transformation manager at Middlesex University Dubai, explained that while an MBA offers a broad understanding of business, other degrees provide more specialized depth. “It depends on where you want to be,” he said.
Beyond the course content, the choice of institution plays a critical role in the overall experience and long-term value of an MBA. Amber Haque, associate director of Middle East development at London Business School, highlighted the importance of factors such as location, alumni networks, and faculty quality. “When students are going for an MBA, they are not just buying a degree, they are buying an ecosystem,” Haque stated, pointing to the broader community and support structure as integral to career success.