Any prospective high-skilled worker exploring a move to the United Arab Emirates who does a basic internet search knows the challenge of finding affordable housing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Concerns are growing that the lack of housing supply is deterring the talent key to the country’s short-term plans.
The UAE’s ambitious development goals make the expansion of the higher education sector a priority. In addition to attracting prestigious foreign academic institutions and making the country a regional hub for higher education, UAE authorities hope to equip Emiratis with world-class skills and knowledge. These are essential to support the Emiratisation of key economic sectors and empower the local population at a time of great economic and social change.
But, as this paper is reporting today, UAE-based universities, old and new, are facing serious difficulties in recruiting high-quality faculty. This could endanger several educational objectives, including levels of enrolment and quality of education. Housing tops the list of reasons why foreign educators are reluctant to make the move and even turn down offers.
In fact, housing costs may well be the only reason standing between them and the UAE. This is why more has to be done in terms of infrastructure planning. By working in tandem with the country’s growing industries, real estate companies should be able to better understand their needs and those of their staff, who often seek comfortable but not necessarily lavish accommodation.
Fortunately, a new study by Morgan Stanley predicts that starting 2010, supply will no longer be a factor hindering the relocation to Dubai of expatriates. Abu Dhabi will have to wait until 2012 to see a similar outcome.
The situation is therefore not as dire as some may think. Much will depend on how the two-to-four year gap between now and then is managed, possibly through higher housing allowances and preferential housing for sectors deemed crucial to the country’s progress.
Page last updated 01 January 2020