Image credit: Getty Images
The higher education sector in Dubai is set for substantial growth, with three new international universities scheduled to establish campuses in the emirate for the 2025–26 academic year, according to recent information from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The new institutions include the renowned Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), which boasts a Business and Management program ranked 27th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by subject. Additionally, the American University of Beirut, placed 237th globally, and Saudi Arabia’s Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences are also joining the educational landscape, as reported by Dubai Media Office.
The expansion comes after Dubai’s higher education sector recently saw an increase in enrollment of nearly 20%.
The KHDA has indicated that negotiations are ongoing with a number of other international universities, showcasing sustained interest in establishing a presence in Dubai.
“Dubai’s commitment to attracting world-class universities, supported by The Executive Council, highlights the emirate’s rising international profile,” commented Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of KHDA’s Strategic Development Sector. “With the backing of our visionary leadership, we have established the foundation to position Dubai as a global center for quality education.”
Dr. Dawood also emphasized that this expansion aligns with both the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Education 33 Strategy, which aim to boost the city’s global competitiveness, draw in international students, and double the economy within the next decade.
Global Recognition
Currently, Dubai is home to 41 higher education institutions, 37 of which are international branch campuses that provide a diverse array of academic programs. Several of these universities have earned international acclaim for their academic excellence.
For instance, the University of Manchester Dubai and the University of Birmingham Dubai are linked to home campuses ranked 35th and 76th globally, respectively, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. Additionally, Curtin University Dubai (ranked 183rd) and the University of Wollongong in Dubai (ranked 184th) also fall within the top 200.
Campuses in Dubai have been recognized in specific subject rankings as well. In the area of Business and Management, institutions such as the London Business School (7th), ESCP (54th), and Luiss University (67th) have received high accolades. In the arts, Instituto Marangoni, which specializes in design education, ranks between 51st and 100th globally in Art and Design.
Vision for 2033
The expansion of international educational opportunities forms part of a broader initiative called Education 33, which seeks to transform Dubai’s education sector.
Main objectives include:
- Increasing the proportion of international students to 50% of all higher education students in Dubai by 2033.
- Boosting educational tourism by a factor of ten.
- Incorporating more Emiratis into industries geared towards the future.
- Contributing Dhs5.6 billion to the GDP of the higher education sector.
- Positioning Dubai among the top 10 global study destinations for universities.
The strategy also advocates for a hybrid educational model that combines both transnational and local education, emphasizing research, innovation, and collaboration across different sectors of the economy.
Growth in Enrollment
Dubai’s status as an attractive location for higher education continues to rise. In the academic year 2024–25, total student enrollment at private higher education institutions surged by 20%, with international student enrollment increasing by 29%.
A record 42,026 students are currently registered across the 41 private institutions in the emirate, marking the highest enrollment ever recorded.
These institutions provide over 700 academic programs, many tailored to prepare students for emerging industries and careers aligned with Dubai’s long-term economic aspirations.