TECOM Education Cluster Expands Premium Portfolio With Dubai Campus Acquisition

TECOM Group has acquired an integrated university campus in Dubai International Academic City, adding more than 300,000 sq.ft. of education space across several buildings. The AED125 million transaction expands the Group’s Commercial and Industrial portfolio and responds to a clear rise in demand from global higher education providers.

The campus purchase increases TECOM Group’s total investments in income-generating assets to more than AED5.5 billion since its listing in July 2022. The Group plans to upgrade the new buildings and facilities, targeting high-quality specifications that align with academic needs and wider economic objectives across the UAE.

This move sits within TECOM Group’s broader strategy for sustainable expansion in the higher education sector. The Education Cluster, which includes Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, is operating at an occupancy rate of 99%, underlining limited available capacity and sustained interest from international universities.

Policy directions also shape this demand. The National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, and Education 33 Strategy ‘E33’ encourage institutions to develop long-term plans in the emirate. These initiatives support Dubai’s aim to attract students and academic talent from a wide range of countries.

Dubai International Academic City functions as a dedicated hub for higher education, hosting more than 38,500 students within TECOM Group’s Education Cluster. The district provides a purpose-built environment, with degree pathways from bachelor’s to postgraduate level, supported by bespoke campuses, research facilities, and student housing designed for long-term institutional use.

The district is home to several well-known universities. These include Amity University Dubai, the first international campus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), the University of Birmingham Dubai, the American University in the Emirates (AUE), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, all operating within a concentrated academic zone.

TECOM Group higher education sector positioning and governance

"This acquisition demonstrates TECOM Group’s commitment to strengthening the higher education sector, thereby contributing to the UAE’s and Dubai’s position as a global hub for education and talent development," said Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of TECOM Group. "Aligned with long-term strategies such as the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, and Education 33 Strategy ‘E33’, Dubai International Academic City is well-placed to address robust demand from academicians and talent from across the world.

"This acquisition, part of our expansion strategy, enhances Dubai International Academic City’s ability to unite internationally renowned academic institutions. TECOM Group’s Education Cluster is home to over 85% of students enrolled in private higher education institutions across Dubai, and we will actively pursue such growth opportunities to enhance our portfolio of educational assets, with the aim of ensuring added and sustainable shareholder value."

TECOM Group financed the acquisition using existing resources, while maintaining what it describes as a healthy leverage and liquidity position. The transaction went through detailed regulatory and governance checks, including assessments conducted by independent parties accredited by relevant authorities, to ensure compliance with established evaluation criteria.

The enlarged campus footprint within Dubai International Academic City supports policy goals to develop Dubai as a global education destination, while offering capacity for further institutional growth. For science and technology communities in the region, the move signals continued investment in academic infrastructure that supports research, skills development, and long-term knowledge-focused economic activity.

With inputs from WAM