Dubai is ready to strengthen its position as a global education center by welcoming three international universities for the educational year. The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) will establish campuses from India, Lebanon to American University of Beirut (AUB), and Fakih College for Medical Sciences from Saudi Arabia, which will mark a significant expansion of Dubai’s higher education landscape.
New campus to increase Dubai’s global education status
The Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed the upcoming arrival of these three institutions. IIM Ahmedabad is very respected worldwide, with its business and management programs currently ranked globally in the QS World University rankings. Meanwhile, the American University of Beirut ranks 237th in the overall global QS rankings. The entry of Fakeh College for medical sciences connects the increasing diversity of Dubai in special education sectors.
Extension of Dubai’s vision for higher education
CEO of Strategic Development Region at KHDA, Dr. Capidy Dawood highlighted the importance of this development in an interview with a local news outlet Katie, saying, “Dubai’s initiative to attract the best global universities, supported by the Executive Council, reflects the International Statches of Emirates.” Institute. “He further explained the alignment of Dubai with widespread goals: “This initiative aligns with social and economic goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and education 33 strategy, which represents a transformative vision for Dubai’s education system. The 203333333333333333333333333333333s contribute to doubling the Dubai economy in the next decade, which is in the city between the world’s top three economic hubs.,
Dubai’s rising higher education ecosystem
Currently, Dubai 41 hosts private international higher education providers, with 37 globally recognized universities. In particular, complexes such as Manchester Dubai University and Birmingham Dubai University benefit from global standing of their original complexes, which ranks 35th and 76th in the QS World University Ranking 2026 respectively.Other notable institutions are ranked 183rd and 184th respectively at the University of Kartin University in Dubai and Dubai. Three additional universities with Dubai complexes also range within the top 300 globally.In the latest QS World University rankings by the subject, many Dubai-based institutions have been recognized among the world’s best in business and management:
- London Business School is ranked 7th
- ESCP is on 54th
- Louis University has ranked 67th
Additionally, the Instituteo Marganoni, a major institute in design education, ranks between 51st and 100th globally for art and design.
Ambitious target for international student development
The university expansion is part of the wide global university attraction project of Dubai, which is embedded within education 33 strategy. The objective of this initiative is to build a strong educational ecosystem by combining international and local education, investing in scientific research and encouraging cross -border cooperation.By 2033, Dubai’s higher education is an important target for international students to make 50% of the population. This will contribute about DH 5.6 billion ($ 1.524 billion USD) to GDP in the education sector.Already, Dubai is looking at this growth. For the 2024–25 academic year, the total enrollment in private universities increased by 20%, with an increase of 29%of the international student number. Currently, 42,026 students are nominated in 41 private universities, offering over 700 educational programs, designed to equip the learners with the skills prepared for the future ready for Dubai’s strategic vision.
