Region
Shaping tomorrow: How Dubai’s new university will redefine education in the Arab Region
With a new university planned, Dubai is focussing on new economic opportunities through education.
By Dr Ashwin Fernandes
Dubai represents an unbelievable transformation. Only a century ago, it was a small trading port on the Arabian Peninsula, with large areas of the city underdeveloped and under-resourced.
The discovery of oil in 1966 marked a turning point for Dubai. Though the reserves were small compared to others in the region, the leadership under Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum realised that to diversify their economy it was necessary to invest in other important industries including commerce, real estate, tourism and banking as oil will be a temporary boost.
In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a transformation in the reputation of Dubai. The building of Port Rashid, Jebel Ali Free Zone, and Dubai International Airport laid the foundation on which Dubai became the global hub for trade and logistics. Dubai’s strategic plan to upgrade its geographical location turned out to be one of its largest assets as it enabled the city to link businesses, goods, and people from around the world. Moreover, with the establishment of famous landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab, Dubai transformed itself into a global city known for its luxury lifestyle and cosmopolitan population.
Despite its rapid growth, the city has always believed in sustainable growth over infrastructure development. The city’s success is not only built on impressive projects, but also on the strategic long-term planning to position Dubai as an international hub for business, finance, and innovation.
“The Dubai Vision 2030 is a long-term development framework aimed to make the emirate an international hub of learning, research and technology.”
Dubai’s vision for the future: A knowledge-based economy
As Dubai continues to grow, the vision created by its leaders goes beyond just simply creating new cities. With identification of long-term prosperity through strategic planning and implementation, the city now aims at a knowledge-driven economy based on innovation and technology which requires introducing various education programmes.
The Dubai Vision 2030 is a long-term development framework aimed to make the emirate an international hub of learning, research and technology while also generating sustainable economic reforms. The roadmap aims to create a low-carbon city with a vibrant lifestyle and resilient economy by investing in human capital, innovation and high-end industries.
The main goal of the Vision is to make Dubai a smart city. With initiatives like Smart Dubai, the city has begun integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain and digital transformation into public service administrations and governmental organisations. From AI driven transportation system to paperless transactions, Dubai is using technology to shape the future its residents and businesses.
To further drive growth in Dubai, the D33 (Dubai Economic Agenda 2033) was officially announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in January 2023, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033. D33 includes key economic targets, including positioning Dubai among the top global cities in terms of economic power and innovation
The role of the National University of Dubai: Realising the vision
Sheikh Mohammed announced the launch of the National University of Dubai in September 2023 with an investment of $1.2 billion (AED 4.5 billion) and is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the Dubai Vision 2030 and D33. The investment is one of the largest financial commitments to education in the region to reshape the higher education landscape of the country. The university’s direction centres on multidisciplinary research and to engage with international collaboration.
Dubai National University has been designed to cater to Dubai’s economic diversification and technology leading goals. The university’s focus will be in areas like AI, sustainability, and biotechnology. Moreover, its curriculum will be mainly multidisciplinary learning focusing on research based learning and practical application, playing a key role in training future innovators to take Dubai’s economy to new heights.
Dubai National University does not plan to only provide education but also nurture new ways of thinking that could lead to significant innovations in society. This includes encouraging students and faculty to collaborate and work together in tackling real-world problems in critical sectors like IT and high-tech industries. Additionally, the university will also collaborate with other international universities to create an atmosphere of mutual learning where students from around the globe can come together and study.
How Dubai National University will shape the future of education in the country
The university will have a major impact on both international and local students. In respect to international students, the courses on AI and sustainable technology will make Dubai an attractive destination for education. In the latest QS International Student Survey, 29 percent of prospective students said AI is affecting their career choices – by focusing on these growth industries, the University is attempting to meet the demands of the next generation.
Currently, Dubai is a home for several prestigious universities, but with the launch of Dubai National University, it will be a step forward in offering specialised and more research-focused curriculum.
For local students on the other hand, the university will be an access point to world-class education at home, resulting in Emiratis seeking education in Dubai without the need of going abroad. At present, over 15,000 Emiratis study abroad every year. But with the launch of the new university, this number may decrease.
The objective is not only to enhance the skills of students but to also preserve the talent in the UAE. Graduates of the university will themselves be in a position to drive development in the technology-driven industries that will help in creating a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. The university will also function as a link between academics and industry which will prepare its students for the job market.
Education: The next big thing in the UAE
The development of the education sector has always been an important part of the UAE’s strategy. Starting with a vision to be the global leader in creativity and knowledge creation, UAE has always paid attention to the establishment of world-class higher education system. Institutions like Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, and American University of Sharjah have risen upwards in the QS World University rankings over the past few years.
One of the main focuses has been partnership with top universities on a global level. The UAE has invited some of the world’s prestigious universities such as New York University Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to set up their campuses in the country. This also resulted in students and faculties seeking these universities, further improving the academic environment.