If you’re planning to apply for an Executive MBA program and are based in the UAE, you’ve likely started searching for Dubai EA courses to help you prepare. The Executive Assessment (EA) is designed for experienced professionals like you: busy, goal-driven, and often juggling full-time work with the demands of MBA applications.
But as you begin comparing prep options, one big question usually comes up:
Should you enroll in a group Dubai EA course or go for private tutoring?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your schedule, learning style, goals, and how much support you need.
First, What Is the Executive Assessment?
The Executive Assessment (EA) is a 90-minute standardized test accepted by top Executive MBA programs like:
- London Business School (LBS) – Dubai campus
- INSEAD Abu Dhabi
- Chicago Booth EMBA
- HEC Paris EMBA
- And many more
The test is divided into three sections:
- Integrated Reasoning (12 questions)
- Verbal Reasoning (14 questions)
- Quantitative Reasoning (14 questions)
Unlike the GMAT, the EA focuses more on real-world problem-solving and data interpretation. It’s designed to assess your ability to make executive-level decisions, not to test obscure academic knowledge. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
That’s why so many professionals in the UAE are now turning to Dubai EA courses or hiring tutors to help them prepare effectively.
What Are Dubai EA Courses?
Dubai EA courses usually refer to structured group classes offered either online or in-person by test prep centers in the region. These courses typically:
- Follow a fixed syllabus
- Include multiple weekly sessions
- Provide instruction on each section of the exam
- Offer homework and practice tests
- Often have 5–15 students per cohort
These courses are ideal for students who like a classroom environment, enjoy learning with peers, and need a structured schedule to stay on track.
Pros of Dubai EA Courses
- Cost-effective: Group classes are usually cheaper than private tutoring.
- Peer motivation: Learning alongside others can boost engagement and accountability. We write can, but we have also seen peer learning provide unnecessary anxiety for students who are already unsure of themselves.
- Scheduled structure: Good for students who prefer a clear, step-by-step study calendar.
Keep in mind that there are no official books for the Executive Assessment. However, there is an official question bank that we recommend students buy regardless of which prep option they choose.
Cons of Dubai EA Courses
- Less personalization: You’ll follow a group pace, which may move too quickly or slowly for your needs. Many people preparing for the EA have not studied math in over a decade. Foundational math with basic operations- adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing- is often skipped in group courses. Unfortunately, skipping the foundation is like building a house without a hammer. It usually takes many lessons and the intervention of a private tutor to realize that a weak foundation was the reason your quantitative score was not improving.
- Limited flexibility: If you miss a session, catching up can be difficult. Need to work late? Have to take a business trip or desperately want to go on vacation? Making up lessons in Dubai EA courses is usually challenging because the test center needs to move people through the course to make more money. The test center will keep you on a fixed path even if you have the calendar time.
- Varying quality: Not all instructors are experienced with the EA, especially if the course was originally designed for GMAT students. Most test centers in Dubai use old GMAT materials (pre-2016) to prepare you for the EA. We write our custom materials for students based on expert knowledge of the EA, nine years of experience teaching the test, and a deep understanding of the differences between the GMAT and EA.
What About Private EA Tutoring in Dubai?
Private tutoring gives you personalized 1-on-1 instruction that’s fully tailored to your goals, learning style, and test date. A good EA tutor doesn’t just teach you the material; they design a study plan specifically for you.
Many busy professionals in Dubai opt for tutoring because it allows them to:
- Focus only on what they need help with
- Learn at their own pace
- Work around a tight or unpredictable schedule
- Receive targeted strategies for scoring higher
Pros of Private Tutoring
- Highly personalized: Every session is built around your strengths, weaknesses, and score goals. We follow the structured course plan for our students, but we can extend conceptual discussions if necessary.
- Flexible scheduling: Choose session times that work with your work and life commitments. You can also easily make up lessons.
- Faster improvement: Students often see quicker results with focused, expert guidance.
- Accountability: You have a 1-on-1 relationship with your tutor, so they know if you didn’t do your homework. Tutor accountability is much better than peer motivation because it keeps you focused without the anxiety of in-class competition.
- Confidence boost: Tutors help you stay motivated and eliminate guesswork from your prep. More importantly, we help you reactivate all those dormant study strategies you will need when starting your EMBA/MBA classes.
Cons of Private Tutoring
More expensive: 1-on-1 sessions usually cost more than group courses. Price-sensitive students should consider a hybrid option.
The Hybrid Option: Dubai EA Courses + Tutoring
Some students opt for a hybrid approach: they start with a group course for foundational knowledge and transition to tutoring in the final weeks before the test.
This strategy can combine the affordability of group prep with the customization of private sessions, which is especially helpful if you need targeted help in one section, like Quant or IR.
For many Executive Assessment candidates in Dubai, a hybrid prep plan—combining group courses with private tutoring—offers the ideal balance of structure, flexibility, and personalization. This option is especially useful if you’re just getting started and want to build your knowledge in a structured class setting, then shift to targeted one-on-one sessions as your test date approaches.
For example, you might begin with a 6-week Dubai EA course that covers all three sections of the test. Once you’ve grasped the basics, you could transition to private tutoring to focus on specific weaknesses, like managing time in Integrated Reasoning or building confidence in Quant.
Hybrid plans are also great for busy professionals. You can stick to scheduled group sessions while booking private lessons on weekends or evenings when you need extra support.
We offer a 10-hour troubleshooting private tutoring bundle perfect for students who have prepared for the EA before or taken Dubai EA courses. We use the information from your previous prep to target your weaknesses and increase your score.
Ultimately, hybrid prep helps you maximize every minute of study time. You benefit from the accountability of a class and the precision of personalized coaching, giving you a strong, flexible path to a higher EA score, without overcommitting to one method.
So Which Is Right for You?
The EA may be shorter than the GMAT, but it still carries weight with admissions teams. A strong score can boost your application, offset a lower GPA, and help you feel more confident as you take the next step in your career.
Whether you choose Dubai EA courses or private tutoring, the most important thing is to pick a prep strategy that fits your goals, lifestyle, and learning style.
If you’re self-motivated, have a good foundation, and prefer group dynamics, Dubai EA courses can be a great fit. But if you’re short on time, need more personal attention, or are aiming for top-tier EMBA programs, private tutoring is likely the better investment.
So ask yourself:
- Do I need flexibility or structure?
- Am I confident in my test-taking ability, or do I need expert guidance?
- How quickly do I need to be test-ready?
Answering these honestly will help you make the best choice for your Executive MBA journey.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re leaning toward a group class or want fully personalized coaching, we’ve got you covered.
✅ Expert-led 1-on-1 tutoring
✅ Custom-made materials that reflect the current Executive Assessment
✅ Full support for your EMBA application
Book a free consultation today and we’ll help you choose the prep plan that’s right for you.
