Dubai: Driving on Shaikh Zayed Road to Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), one can't but notice huge construction cranes on the universities campuses.
In order to accommodate the influx of students, a competitive market and technological advancements, universities are directing their resources towards satisfying all student needs.
Students expect more from institutions today than just education. When looking for universities, many reported they examine programme accreditation, facilities, faculty quality, freedom on campus and rate of employment after graduation.
"It's important to have friendly teachers, a modern classroom as well as facilities such as a good library with good books not just study materials," said Julie Johny, business student at Mahatma Gandhi University, which recently moved its campus to DIAC.
Student cafeterias and sports complexes, however, are among the issues that students wish to see improved. "I am satisfied with the facilities to a certain extent but we don't have a sports complex and I really like sports," said Ebrahim Al Hamdani, finance student at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, based in Dubai's Knowledge Village.
Universities have responded to student expectations by offering those who require special training have purpose-built rooms and specific equipment.
At Canadian University of Dubai, a relatively new university boasts a state-of-the art gymnasium, fitness centre, tennis courts and high tech biology and chemistry laboratories. At nearby Knowledge Village, UOWD has just finished constructing a big lecture theatre and renovating a games room and a library. Deeper in the city is DIAC, a cluster of modern, high tech buildings.
Dubai Men's College (DMC), based here, has built sports complexes, seminar halls and auditoriums, and special training rooms for majors that require specialised training such as editing sound and film.
The availability of wireless connection enables students to study anywhere on campus, at any given time. "The new trend in universities is shifting away from computer labs. Since there is wireless connection everywhere and since more and more students have laptops, universities don't need a very large computer lab," said Raymi van der Spek, VP Administration of UOWD.
This trend is not restricted to Dubai but rather extends to other campuses across the UAE.
By Maysam Ali, Staff Reporter