Dubai ranked as the best student city in the Middle East, according to the QS Best Students’ Cities Ranking 2023.
Summer break has ended and more than 28,200 higher education students have returned to universities. The students represent more than 80 countries, including, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, comprising more than 85 percent of the student body. Students from the UAE make up the remaining 15 percent.
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) are home to 27 academic institutions including University of Birmingham and University of Manchester, both of which are ranked in the top 100 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023.
The education ecosystem not only reflects international students but the diversification pans out to students, teachers and staff, as well.
“We have continued to update our curriculums so that our students learn how to apply the latest industry insights from their fields to real-life scenarios and become 100 percent employable once they graduate,” said Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai.

“The University of Birmingham is extremely proud to have established ourselves here in Dubai. We are committed to being part of the continual development of the education landscape in Dubai and the pursuit of quality education and research to support Dubai’s overall strategic ambition for the future,” said Professor David Sadler, University of Birmingham Dubai Provost.
“As the first international university in the UAE, we shoulder the responsibility to offer students top-class education through innovative learning spaces and state-of-the-art labs and equipment,” said Michael Eberle, Head of Marketing at UOWD.
The previous year was especially significant for DIAC and DKP, as several academic institutions expanded curricula and resources to give students access to practical learning opportunities.
The UAE continues to expand and invest into the education system through various initiatives, leading to the continuous growth and development of the sector.