There may currently be a shortage of places in private schools in the UAE but parents can rest assured that their children, provided they have the necessary qualifications, will have no trouble finding a college place. In addition to federal institutions such as Zayed University, UAE University, and the Higher Colleges of Technology there is an ever-increasing number of foreign universities eager to open branch campuses in the UAE. Prestigious institutions such as the Sorbonne, New York University, and Exeter University have all been drawn to this nation’s location at the nexus of East and West, the tax-free lifestyle, and stable political conditions. But some foreign universities such as the University of Wollongong in Dubai, which has been in the Emirates for 15 years, have expressed concern that the newcomers will create a glut of supply.
When the Dubai International Academic City was launched in 2007, it became the world’s first development solely dedicated to house university complexes. Currently home to 20 foreign universities and colleges with 8,000 students, it hopes to grow to 40 schools and 40,000 students in 10 years. Ras al Khaimah has revealed its plans to construct a similar development that will rival the size of Dubai’s. But universities coming to the Emirates should temper their enthusiasm if they think that the country’s explosive growth will translate into equally explosive revenues. When the eighth largest university in the US, Michigan State, opened its Dubai branch this year it managed to enrol only 54 students, one-fifth of the expected number. Its rigorous admission standards meant many struggled to meet the English language and mathematics skills needed for enrolment.
While these high bars for acceptance should be maintained since the UAE wishes to establish a world class educational system, foreign universities must understand that building their student population will take years, if not decades. Already two colleges have closed their doors after just a year. The UAE must ensure its students are receiving the right education they need to get into these universities. But if these new schools start small and offer quality education with the right variety of degree programmes, then they will find the UAE fertile soil in which to grow their institutions.
Page last updated 01 January 2020