Over half of Emiratis seek education in private universities

A new study has revealed that UAE Nationals aged between 18 and 30 are split down the middle when choosing to pursue higher education in either a private or a federal university.

The survey asked 200 UAE National high school leavers and under-graduates whether they were seeking higher education honours in government universities or private and global universities with campuses in the UAE and the results showed that 51.5 per cent preferred internationally accredited institutions.

The results of the study, which was answered by 92 men and 108 women, have been released by Informa Exhibitions, organisers of Al Ain Education and Career Fair, which takes place from 30 April to 2 May at the Al Khabisi Wedding Celebration Hall.

Supported by the Emirates National Development Programme, and strategically located in Al Ain due to its large population of Emirati school leavers and university graduates, the exhibition focuses on career, training and education opportunities in the UAE for young Emiratis contemplating their future educational aspirations and career direction.

There are currently 37 international universities with campuses in the UAE, making the country the leading global education hub with the most international universities out of a total of 200 campuses worldwide.

This combined with an estimated Emirati student population in Al Ain of more than 18,000 secondary school students, according to the Abu Dhabi Education Council, presents an enormous opportunity for private universities and educational institutions to reach out to prospective students at the fair.

Providing a dual platform for education providers and employers in the UAE, the exhibition is Al Ain's annual showcase event for universities and training institutes seeking students, and for leading employers searching for talented UAE Nationals in an effort to boost and fulfil their Emiratisation quotas.

Looking to meet the thousands of school leavers expected to walk through the exhibition doors in Al Ain next month include the Australian based University of Wollongong in Dubai, and the American technical training institute RIT Dubai, along with local private universities University of Jazeera, Al Hosn University, University of Sharjah, and Al Ghurair University.

Khurram Saeed, Exhibition Director of Al Ain Education and Career Fair, said: "The private education sector continues to play an important role in UAE higher education by diversifying their educational offerings and providing new programmes that fit a broad number of students with different cultural backgrounds and career aspirations.

"Their programmes, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, are both more diverse and adaptable, offering multiple study options that cater to full and part-time students, enabling them to pursue their higher education aspirations while at the same time working.

"What is interesting in these survey results, however, is that Emirati school leavers are very split when choosing to study in public or private higher education institutions.  It is reassuring, therefore, that the UAE is able to offer them excellent choices in both."

Now in its fourth edition, Al Ain Education and Career Fair returns hot off the heels of its partner event Tawdheef Recruitment Show, which took place in Abu Dhabi in January 2012, attracting more than 30,000 UAE and expatriate professionals looking to meet more than 100 companies to discover new career opportunities.

In addition to supporting the event on an official basis, diamond sponsor The UAE Presidential Guard, along with gold sponsors Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail, and Etisalat, are among the exhibitors who will be offering a number of current job openings, as well as future career opportunities to young Emiratis.

Other major employers include the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), Mubadala Aerospace, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Farmers Services Centre, and the industrial conglomerate General Holding Corporation (GHC), which among its holdings include Ducab, Emirates Steel, Arkan, Agthia and the National Petroleum Construction Company.

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