Changing the face of education in the UAE

An increasing expatriate population and soaring demand for quality education are prompting more international institutes to open campuses in the UAE.

And this could in turn transform the country into a hub for talent in the region, say education sector sources.

The Australian University of Wollongong set the trend 15 years ago when it opened its Dubai campus and two dozen colleges from all over the world have followed.

"We're confident the demand will grow in line with Dubai itself," said Vice-President, Administration, University of Wollongong in Dubai, Raymi van der Spek. "There will be more expats living here seeking all sorts of education options as they have in their home countries. And 18 is very young to go home alone so if there are more education options it will entice teenagers to stay."

But as more universities appear will there be enough students to go round – and will they receive a good education?

Wassim Hamadah, Marketing Manager at Middlesex University Dubai, said: "Competition is good because it will improve the quality of teaching and then ultimately take students away from universities overseas in favour of the UAE. It will also make the universities work harder to improve standards."

The growth is most evident at Middlesex University, which has seen student numbers increase from an initial 34 to more than 1,000 today in three years.

The most recent census conducted in 2005 revealed the UAE's population grew by 75 per cent in 10 years to more than 4.1 million. Of this total, 20 per cent are UAE nationals. Figures from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, which licences universities in Dubai, show there are 30,000 students in the emirate. Some 35 per cent of these are Emirati, making a total of 19,500 expats.

The US's Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is the latest university to set up campus here. Although the project has yet to break ground, the first students will start at its temporary home at the Dubai Silicon Oasis headquarters in August. RIT is following other American colleges, including Harvard Medical School and Michigan State University, that have already set up in the emirate.

Dr Mustafa AG Abushagur, President of RIT Dubai, says: "Dubai has proven itself to be the most feasible location in the region for business and technology. With this in mind, RIT Dubai will become the source of talent for companies in the region."

There are two education free zones in Dubai – Academic City and Knowledge Village – where colleges can set up home, but not all choose to locate in the city. France's Sorbonne plumped for Abu Dhabi, while US-based George Mason University went even further afield and opened in Ras Al Khaimah.

Here Emirates Business takes a look at a selection of internationally renowned universities already here and those coming soon.

Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT Dubai will be the fourth college outside the United States linked to the New York-based parent institute. Located on a three million sq ft campus in Dubai Silicon Oasis, executives expect to teach between 4,000 and 5,000 students every year. Enrolment is underway for courses starting in August; under- and post-graduate classes will be conducted at DSO's headquarters until the permanent home is built.

George Mason University Ras Al Khaimah 

GMU, which has its parent institute in Virginia, United States, bucked the usual trend when it opened its campus in the UAE last year, opting for the less-populated Ras Al Khaimah. GMU-RAK is currently being housed in the former Higher Colleges of Technology for Men campus, but the permanent location will be on Emirates Road on the RAK-Umm Al Quwain border. Courses concentrate on science and business studies. 

Middlesex University Dubai

The London-based university opened its first overseas overseas campus in Dubai three years ago and had since seen student numbers increase from just 14 at the start to more than 1,000 currently. Based in Knowledge Village, the college says it is uniquely placed as it offers courses that no other institute does, including psychology and counselling.

Harvard Medical School Dubai Centre

The medical school of one of the world's most famous universities arrived in Dubai in 2004 in a partnershhip with Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) after the government expressed a desire to have a healthcare centre of excellence. The bulding was due to be finished last year, but is still under construction on a site in the heart of DHCC, but this delay has not stopped research programmes being put in place. Facilities include a medical simulator to give students real-life experiences.

Universite Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi

The French university has been in operation in Abu Dhabi for two years and now has 250 students, some of whom had to complete a year of French classes to get up to speed in the language before starting their degree. It is the first branch outside France and, under an exclusive agreement, will remain the only Sorbonne in the Middle East.

University of Wollongong in Dubai

UOWD was the first overseas institute to establish a base in Dubai when it opened 15 years ago. It now offers two types of degree: a UOWD qualifcation, or one that can be exchanged for a Univeristy of Wollongong degree. However, 99 per cent of students opt for the former as they are attested locally and helps graduates gain a job in the UAE.

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