UAE emerging as global education hub amidst influx of regional and global learners

April 03, 2017– Tertiary enrollment in the UAE continues to rise as a direct result of its population boom and growing status as a destination of choice among overseas students seeking quality international higher education. According to an industry study, the UAE will need around 42,000 additional seats by 2020 to accommodate the expected influx of learners from all over the world.  

In the last decade, the UAE has transformed itself into Asia’s top education hub and one of the globe’s important destinations of learning. Dubai is home to a number of well-respected international universities and renowned higher academic institutions with best-in-class and diverse science, technology, and engineering courses, to name a few. Students from the region and around the world are coming to the country to enroll in globally recognized academic programs in these premier institutions. 

Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), said: “The competitiveness of UAE universities has exceled over the years due in part to the tremendous focus of the country’s wise leaders on high-quality education in line with UAE Vision 2021. The UAE provides young and mature learners alike with unprecedented access to top-notch courses being offered by esteemed international universities operating here. The diversity of Dubai students is clear proof of the country’s popularity among a wide range of local, regional and international learners. According to a research released by the Parthenon Group, the transnational student market in Dubai is in fact one of the fastest growing sector, which has expanded at a rate of 15 per cent and enjoyed a revenue worth USD 148 million (AED 544.3 million) over the past years. We are confident that this growth will continue as international interest remains high.” 

“In terms of education, the Emirates is enjoying unrivaled advantages and a competitive edge. Many academic institutions here boast of quality education and diverse in-demand courses, in addition to well-trained faculty members and state-of-the-art, technology-centric learning methods and facilities. More importantly, the local education sector offers exciting and all-encompassing scholarship opportunities. All these factors are making the UAE a destination of choice and one of the world’s exceptional education providers,” said Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President RIT Dubai.

According to Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), and organizer of Gulf Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX), the region’s leading student recruitment event, the UAE Government’s intensive efforts to continuously enhance and improve the education sector are aligned with the goal of achieving knowledge- and innovation-driven economic development and growth. Reports say the government has earmarked AED 10.2 billion for general and higher education this year. The amount accounts for 20.5 per cent of the AED 48.7 billion 2017 federal budget.

“This year, GETEX is returning with more innovative features designed to benefit and meet the unique, modern-day requirements of both students and universities. Learners of various nationalities and from different age groups will have an opportunity to effectively touch base with representatives from educational institutions and professional training providers, while participating organizations will be able to reach out to as many prospective students as possible to allow them to meet their enrollment targets and achieve successful student conversions. We invite everyone to sign up in this important event for a chance to capitalize on and maximize many unmatched student recruitment opportunities, “added Godinho.

Organized by IC&E, this year's GETEX will take place from April 13 to 15, 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Complete details on the Gulf Education & Training Exhibition are available at www.mygetex.com.