The universities in Dubai International Academic City are planning to launch new educational programmes with the beginning of the new academic year this month.
“Over the years, Dubai has made significant strides in fostering an education hub for the region. We are well poised to register further progress as a formidable academic centre. We believe Dubai International Academic City has taken the right step in this long journey to become renowned worldwide for excellence,” said Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, TECOM Investments - Education Cluster.
More than 30 universities at TECOM Investments education cluster offer over 300 higher education programmes including diplomas, undergraduate degrees and post-graduate degrees.
Heriot-Watt University and Manipal University Dubai have announced expansion plans that include construction of additional buildings.
Manipal University Dubai has introduced Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Animation programmes to keep pace with the increasing demand for new courses. University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD) will also offer a new PhD programme in Autumn 2010.
“UOWD had its biggest enrolment ever in Spring 2010. There has already been significant interest in our doctoral programmes, with over 600 ‘expressions of interest’ thus far for the limited number of seats available. Interestingly, almost 50 per cent of the enquiries are from UAE nationals. These candidates will now be able to pursue an international standard doctoral programme in Dubai without having to travel overseas,” said Rob Whelan, President of University of Wollongong Dubai.
Heriot-Watt University, one of the UK’s leading universities for business and industry, started construction of a new campus in Dubai International Academic City in July which is set to increase its capacity and significantly expand its course offering. As a part of the new development, a 300,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art eco-friendly complex will be set up, extending the enrollment capacity of 1,500 by a further 3,000 enrollments.
“Our intake has grown by 30 per cent, compared to September last year, matching the growth level of the previous year.
“We are now proposing to introduce 10 extra programmes for September 2011 in line with our plans to move into the new purpose-built campus,” said Prof Ammar Kaka, Head of Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus.