Dubai is getting ready to strengthen its image as a global education hub by adding three well-known international universities in the 2025-26 academic year. These include:
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) from India
- American University of Beirut (AUB) from Lebanon
- Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences from Saudi Arabia
These universities will open new campuses in Dubai, helping the city grow as a top destination for higher education.
The Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed the news and said this move will raise Dubai’s status in the global education world.
- IIM Ahmedabad’s Business and Management programme is ranked 27th in the world by QS Rankings.
- American University of Beirut is ranked 237th globally.
- Fakeeh College will add value to Dubai’s focus on specialized medical education.
Part of a Bigger Vision
Dr. Wafi Dawood, a senior official at KHDA, explained that this is part of Dubai’s long-term plan to attract the world’s best universities. He said it supports:
- Dubai Economic Agenda D33
- Education 33 Strategy
These plans aim to:
- Improve the global reputation of Dubai’s graduates
- Make Dubai a popular destination for international students
- Help more Emirati students join modern and future industries
- Double Dubai’s economy and make it one of the world’s top three economic centers
Dubai’s Existing Education System
Dubai already has 41 private international universities, with 37 being branch campuses of global institutions.
Some notable ones include:
- University of Manchester Dubai (Parent ranked 35th globally)
- University of Birmingham Dubai (Parent ranked 76th globally)
- Curtin University Dubai (Ranked 183rd globally)
- University of Wollongong in Dubai (Ranked 184th globally)
Other top-ranked universities in Dubai include:
- London Business School – Ranked 7th in Business and Management
- ESCP – Ranked 54th
- Luiss University – Ranked 67th
- Instituto Marangoni – Ranked among top 100 in Art and Design
Goal: More International Students
This expansion is part of Dubai’s Education 33 strategy to attract more international universities and students.
- The goal is for international students to make up 50% of all higher education students in Dubai by 2033.
- This is expected to bring Dh 5.6 billion (around $1.52 billion USD) into Dubai’s education sector.
Already, the growth is visible:
- Enrolment at private universities grew by 20% for 2024-25
- International student numbers increased by 29%
- Over 42,000 students are now studying in 41 universities across Dubai
- More than 700 academic programs are being offered, focused on future job skills
Dubai is making big moves to become a top global education hub by adding more international universities and focusing on future-ready skills, student diversity, and global rankings.
