Dubai Set To Welcome International Campuses Of Three Major Universities
Three international universities are preparing to establish campuses in Dubai for the 2025-26 academic year, according to Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The institutions include India's Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, ranked 27th globally for Business and Management by QS World University Rankings, Lebanon's American University of Beirut, ranked 237th globally, and Saudi Arabia's Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences.
Dubai is witnessing significant interest from renowned universities aiming to open campuses in the emirate. Several institutions are currently in discussions or awaiting final approval. Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, stated: "Dubai's initiative to attract the best global universities, endorsed by The Executive Council, reflects the emirate's international stature."
Currently, Dubai hosts 41 international higher education providers licensed by KHDA. Among these, 37 are international branch campuses offering a wide array of academic programmes tailored to meet learners' needs and aspirations. Notably, two home campuses rank among the top 100 globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2026: University of Manchester Dubai (35th) and University of Birmingham Dubai (76th).
The Education 33 strategy aims to enhance Dubai's educational landscape by integrating transnational education with national programmes. This project seeks to invest in education, scientific research, and international collaboration across various economic sectors. By 2033, it aims for international students to make up half of all higher education enrolments in Dubai.
In recent years, enrolments at higher education institutions in Dubai have surged. The 2024-25 academic year saw a record 20% increase in overall student enrolment and a 29% rise in international student enrolment. Currently, there are 42,026 students enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions.
Global Recognition and Rankings
Several universities with a presence in Dubai have been acknowledged among the world's best for Business and Management in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. London Business School ranks 7th globally, ESCP is at 54th place, while Luiss University holds the 67th position. Instituto Marangoni is also recognised between positions 51–100 worldwide for Art and Design.
The global university attraction project aims to contribute AED5.6 billion to the higher education sector's GDP by making Dubai one of the top ten global cities for university study. This initiative aligns with social and economic goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Dr. Dawood further explained that this initiative aligns with both the social and economic objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Education 33 Strategy. The vision is transformative for Dubai's education system with goals such as enhancing graduates' global competitiveness and increasing educational tourism tenfold by 2033.
Among other notable rankings are Curtin University Dubai at position 183rd and University of Wollongong in Dubai at position 184th globally. Three additional universities with campuses in Dubai rank within the top 300 according to QS rankings.
Dubai's visionary leaders have ensured all necessary resources are available to position it as a global leader and a prime destination for students seeking prestigious international higher education institutions.
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