The European student population at Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City has experienced a significant increase of 43% by the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year, reinforcing Dubai’s stature as a leading global education hub. This notable growth underscores Dubai’s expanding appeal to international students and its dedication to creating a high-quality educational landscape.
Introduction to the Education Cluster
As part of the TECOM Group’s Education Cluster, the two districts host universities from across the globe, cultivating a lively community where learners can engage through various activities, workshops, and events. This announcement was made during the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition, which took place from 17-20 September in Toulouse, France. The conference served as a platform to highlight Dubai’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for global education.
A Broad Spectrum of Educational Offerings
Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City provide an extensive array of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as specialised upskilling, training, and development courses. This comprehensive educational framework supports both higher education and lifelong learning. Additionally, the French student community in these areas has expanded by over 30% during this academic year, reflecting the districts’ strong attraction for European students.
Leadership Insights
“European talent seeks out new opportunities to make an impact, and increasingly, that search is leading them to innovative hubs like Dubai,” stated Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City at TECOM Group. He highlighted the importance of providing an environment conducive to innovation and creativity.
Dubai’s distinctive combination of opportunities and networks establishes the global avenues essential for fostering innovation. Our vibrant educational communities capitalise on this forward-thinking framework, becoming the meeting point for the brightest minds in Europe—both institutions and students. We are committed to uniting talent to foster collaboration and contribute to the global conversation on knowledge and innovation, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.”
A Thriving Learning Environment
The Education Cluster boasts a vibrant community of more than 33,500 students hailing from 170 different countries. This rich cultural environment is further enhanced by the presence of prestigious French institutions, including ESMOD Fashion School at Dubai International Academic City, and EM Normandie Business School, Alliance Française, and Le Wagon Coding School at Dubai Knowledge Park. The array of institutions fosters an enriching atmosphere that promotes intercultural exchange and cooperation.
Enhancing the Educational Landscape
Key players from the broader European education sector also contribute to strengthening the local educational landscape, including Germany’s FrontLife Recruitment for Healthcare Professionals, Hungary’s John Von Neumann University hub at Dubai Knowledge Park, and Switzerland’s Ecole Hôtelière Helvétique, located at Dubai International Academic City. Their presence adds to a robust educational framework that continues to attract both students and faculty from around the world.
Supporting the Global Educational Community
Dubai International Academic City boasts a comprehensive ecosystem tailored to sector-specific needs, featuring purpose-built campuses, state-of-the-art collaborative workspaces, and diverse housing options to cater to its global community of higher education institutions, students, and professionals. The community is also dedicated to forging partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate internships, job placements, research collaborations, and support for emerging entrepreneurial talent. This integrated approach ensures that students gain valuable practical experience and networking opportunities essential for career advancement.
Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City are essential components of TECOM Group’s portfolio, which includes ten business districts such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Studio City, and Dubai Design District (d3). With ongoing investment and growth in the educational sector, Dubai is set to maintain its position at the forefront of global educational excellence.
