Latest news with #internationaluniversities
Gulf Business
03-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai to have 3 new international universities: Details revealed
Image credit: Getty Images Dubai's higher education landscape is poised for significant expansion as three new international universities prepare to open campuses in the emirate for the 2025–26 academic year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced. The incoming institutions include the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), whose Business and Management programme ranks 27th globally in the QS World University Rankings by subject. Also joining are the American University of Beirut, ranked 237th globally, and Saudi Arabia's Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Read- The KHDA noted that discussions are ongoing with several other international universities, signaling continued interest in establishing a presence in Dubai. 'Dubai's initiative to attract top-tier global universities, endorsed by The Executive Council, reflects the emirate's growing international stature,' said Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of KHDA's Strategic Development Sector. 'Thanks to the support of our visionary leadership, we've laid the groundwork to transform Dubai into a global hub for world-class education.' Dr Dawood added that the expansion aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy, both of which aim to increase the city's global competitiveness, attract international students, and double Dubai's economy over the next decade. International recognition Dubai is already home to 41 higher education institutions, 37 of which are international branch campuses offering a wide range of academic programmes. Among them, several universities are recognized globally for academic excellence. The University of Manchester Dubai and the University of Birmingham Dubai are associated with home campuses ranked in the top 100 globally — at 35th and 76th respectively — according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. Additionally, Curtin University Dubai (183rd) and the University of Wollongong in Dubai (184th) rank within the top 200. Dubai-based campuses also performed well in subject-specific rankings. In the field of Business and Management, institutions such as London Business School (7th), ESCP (54th), and Luiss University (67th) earned high marks. In the arts, Instituto Marangoni, which specializes in design education, is ranked between 51st–100th globally in Art and Design. Vision for 2033 The expansion of international education offerings is part of a broader strategy under Education 33, which aims to reshape Dubai's education sector. Key targets include: Growing international student enrolment to comprise 50 per cent of all higher education students in Dubai by 2033. Increasing educational tourism tenfold. Integrating more Emiratis into future-focused industries. Contributing Dhs5.6bn to the higher education sector's GDP. Establishing Dubai among the top 10 global destinations for university study. The strategy also promotes a hybrid educational model combining transnational and national education, with a focus on research, innovation, and collaboration across economic sectors. Rising enrollment figures Dubai's appeal as a higher education hub continues to grow. In the 2024–25 academic year, total student enrolment at private higher education institutions increased by 20 per cent, with international student enrolment rising by 29 per cent. A record 42,026 students are now enrolled across the 41 private institutions in the emirate — the highest figure to date. These institutions collectively offer more than 700 academic programmes, many designed to prepare students for emerging industries and careers aligned with Dubai's long-term economic goals.
The National
02-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Top Indian business school among three new global universities to open in Dubai
Dubai is set to host three new international universities that will open during the 2025-26 academic year. The Indian Institute of Management, the American University of Beirut and Saudi Arabia's Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences will all open, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority has confirmed. IIM's business and management programme is ranked 27th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, while AUB has an overall QS ranking of 237. There is also strong interest from other major universities to open campuses in Dubai, with several in discussions or pending final approval, the KHDA said. Dubai currently has 41 international higher education providers, 37 of which are international branch campuses. Two British universities with campuses in Dubai are ranked among the top 100 globally by QS: the University of Manchester (35th) and the University of Birmingham (76th). Two Australian universities, also with Dubai campuses, are ranked in the top 200: Curtin University (183rd) and the University of Wollongong (184th). Education 33 strategy The announcement comes after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, chaired the Dubai Executive Council last week. During the meeting, the council approved a project to attract top international universities to the emirate and discussed the Academic and Career Guidance Policy. This, Sheikh Hamdan said, would help Emirati students in future job markets with academic and career support, setting a target that 90 per cent would find employment within six months of graduation. The project aims to have international students comprise half of the students in higher education institutions in the emirate by 2033, contributing Dh5.6 billion and making Dubai one of the top 10 global cities for university study. In the last academic year, overall higher education enrolment in Dubai saw a record 20 per cent increase. International student enrolment rose by 29 per cent. A total of 42,026 students are now enrolled in Dubai, the highest number on record. 'Dubai's initiative to attract the best global universities, endorsed by the Executive Council, reflects the emirate's international stature,' said Dr Wafi Dawood, chief executive of the KHDA's strategic development sector.
Arabian Business
27-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai unveils major education reforms with new visas plan
Dubai's Executive Council has approved a major package of initiatives aimed at transforming the emirate into a top 10 global city for students by 2033. The new initiatives will expand international university presence, reform student visas, enhance career guidance, and boost Dubai's position as a destination for academic excellence and innovation. The new policies, approved during a meeting of The Executive Council at Emirates Towers, are aligned with the Economic Agenda D33 and the Education Strategy 2033. Dubai student boost Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: ' Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism, and openness to the world. 'Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, providing them with world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities. 'Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.' The emirate currently plays host to 37 international universities, including top-ranked institutions such as Curtin University, University of Wollongong, University of Birmingham, and University of Manchester. Under the new strategy, this number is expected to rise to more than 70 by 2033. Dubai education targets and initiatives 50 percent of all university enrolments in the emirate will be international students by 2033 A new student visa system, work visas for graduates, and international scholarships will be introduced A Higher Education Investment Fund and a Scientific Research Network will support university clusters and research Career advice services will be strengthened in schools and universities, with a target of 90 per cent employment within six months for Emirati graduates Dubai aims for 11 universities in the global top 200 and a AED5.6 billion contribution from higher education to GDP 80 per cent of education providers will be able to offer effective career advice services 70 per cent of graduates will be able to gain entry into one of their top three university or career choices Also approved at the Executive Council Meeting was the Academic and Career Guidance Policy, led by Knowledge and Human Development Authority, which sets clear goals for aligning education with employment. It includes entrepreneurship programmes, life skills camps, and digital platforms offering real-time insights into the job market. 'Youth are the architects of the future,' said Sheikh Hamdan. 'Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.'
The National
26-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Hamdan announces plan to support Emiratis in future job markets
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Thursday chaired the Dubai Executive Council meeting with education high on the agenda. The council approved a project to attract top international universities to the emirate while putting together the Academic and Career Guidance Policy. This, Sheikh Hamdan said, will help Emirati students in future job markets with targeted academic and career support. 'Today, I chaired The Executive Council meeting and approved a set of policies and strategies to reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for education and future-ready talent,' he wrote on X. 'We approved a project to attract top international universities, aiming to position Dubai among the world's top 10 destinations for undergraduate and postgraduate students.' 'Aligned with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for a knowledge-based economy, the project will be implemented in partnership with KHDA and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism,' Sheikh Hamdan added. 'We also approved the Academic and Career Guidance Policy to help Emirati students thrive in future job markets through targeted academic and career support.' A focus on the environment The Crown Prince of Dubai also revealed the approval of the Air Quality Strategy 2030, while also setting out plans for a new centre to mediate legal disputes. The clean air initiative follows a similar project announced in February, known as the Super Block initiative, which will target urban areas to make them more pedestrian-friendly. It is hoped that this will enhance quality of life, sustainability and boost social interaction between communities. It also aims to reduce carbon emissions by designating car-free residential areas and increasing green spaces. Areas such as Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone will be the first to be boosted by the initiative. 'Enhancing quality of life remains a key priority. We approved the Air Quality Strategy 2030, which will be implemented by Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, in partnership with relevant entities, with the aim of fostering a healthy and safe environment for all,' he continued on Thursday. 'During the meeting, we also approved the Dubai International Mediation Centre project to provide an efficient and transparent platform for alternative dispute resolution. 'We also approved the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects to standardise procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen private-sector partnerships, and ensure efficient delivery and high-quality outcomes.'
Khaleej Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Study abroad criteria for UAE students: All you need to know
The UAE's Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development has approved a set of standards and regulations governing the enrollment of Emirati students in higher education institutions abroad. These standards require students to enrol in internationally recognised universities and academic programmes, ensuring the quality of academic qualifications and their alignment with the needs of the national labour market and future development directions. For students currently pursuing their studies abroad, they can adjust their status in accordance with the newly adopted criteria. To ensure fairness and account for special cases, especially students studying abroad, Emirati students continuing their education overseas, whether self-funded or sponsored, will have a one-year grace period from the date this decision takes effect to adjust their academic status. This was announced during a virtual media briefing on Wednesday. New adjustments Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Mohamed Ebrahim AlMualla, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, clarified that the decision applies to all citizens wishing to study abroad or those already on scholarships to pursue education outside the UAE. This is regardless of whether they are sponsored by official entities, self-funded, or nominated by their employers. The decision applies to all levels of higher education, from diploma to PhD, and encompasses professional qualifications equivalent to these academic degrees. AlMualla explained, 'There are two categories of students currently studying abroad. The first category includes those who meet the criteria, and they are only required to ensure that their current university and major fall within the approved standards.' 'As for the second category, which does not meet the criteria, they have two options: the first is to adjust their academic path by switching to another major within the same university — if that major is classified or meets the criteria — or to transfer to another university that does meet the criteria.' He confirmed that the Ministry will provide the necessary support to students in the process of adjusting their status, by guiding them to universities that meet the standards and assisting them through embassies and cultural attachés abroad, enabling them to make the required changes. AlMualla also added that students may apply for an exemption through the Ministry's website. The exemption request will be referred to the Exemptions Committee, chaired by the Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development, which will review the applications and decide whether to grant the exemption or request that the student adjust their academic situation. He stated, 'Today, we are announcing a decision that reflects the UAE's commitment to regulating the education of its citizens abroad to ensure they receive high-quality education in line with the best global standards. Studying abroad is an investment by the student, the sponsoring entity, and the employer if the student is employed. It is also an investment of the student's own time and effort. Therefore, this investment must be properly placed, and this is what the decision seeks to ensure.' He explained that the decision is based on rigorous global university rankings. Students are required to enroll in the top 50 universities for their major, or among the top 100 universities in countries with high student populations, such as the United States and Australia, and up to the top 300 universities in non-English-speaking countries — an approach aimed at promoting both academic and cultural diversity. He elaborated, 'We rely on two primary rankings: the overall university ranking and the specific major ranking. Students must be enrolled in a university ranked within the top 100, 200, or 300, depending on the country, and in a major that falls within the approved rankings. As for exemptions, they are received through the Ministry and forwarded to the committee chaired by the Education Council." The Council emphasised the importance of adhering to the specified standards to avoid non-recognition of degrees obtained from abroad. Failure to meet the criteria may affect the use of such qualifications for employment, promotion, study leave, exam leave, thesis defense, or qualification-based benefits within the federal government sector in the UAE. Also, the Ministry's website offers services related to the recognition of higher education qualifications, providing a set of digital tools to help users make informed decisions. These tools include a search service for approved study programmes, a list of eligible universities and majors, and an online platform for submitting exemption requests. These services are available to all students, parents, and sponsoring institutions.
