The MENA region is witnessing a prominent rise in international student mobility, fueled by overseas collaborations and branch campuses. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Dubai, is at the forefront, aiming to double the count of international students by 2033.
A recent report indicates that the count of international students in Dubai has risen by 25% since the 2022-23 academic year, with more than 5,000 foreign students now registered in the nation. The Ministry of Higher Education in the UAE is striving to connect policy formulation concerning international students with the internationalization initiatives of UAE universities and the government’s broader objectives to globalize its higher education framework.
Dubai’s Knowledge Village (DKV) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) lead this initiative, currently hosting more than 30 active branch campuses. As many as 15 extra branch campuses are expected to address demand, with entities like Arizona State University, University of Wollongong, and University of Strathclyde setting up operations in the area.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is lagging behind Dubai in terms of international student expansion. Although there has been a decrease in outbound student mobility, the Saudi government is making major investments to attract international students, aiming to establish itself as a regional education center and a leading tourism hotspot. The government has granted foreign investor licenses to five global universities, such as Arizona State University and the University of Wollongong, to set up branch campuses in the kingdom.
The increasing appeal of the MENA region for international students can be linked to various factors, such as its distinct cultural and lifestyle experiences. Dubai, specifically, is gaining a reputation as a vibrant student city, known for its moderate Muslim values and plentiful entertainment options.
International students are attracted to the area’s branch campuses, which provide a distinctive mix of Western and regional education. Indian students, specifically, represent a notable share of the international student body in Dubai, with more than 40% of the overall population of the UAE being of Indian descent.
The increase in international student mobility within the MENA region is expected to persist, fueled by global partnerships and satellite campuses. As the area grows more appealing to global students, it is expected to create competition for conventional locations like the US, UK, and Australia.
Trends and Predictions:
- Increase in International Student Enrollment: The UAE seeks to double its international student population by 2033, with Dubai at the forefront.
- Expansion of Branch Campuses: Up to 15 more branch campuses are expected to address demand in Dubai, with universities like Arizona State University and the University of Wollongong setting up operations in the area.
- Saudi Arabia’s Educational Aspirations: The Saudi government is making substantial investments to draw in international students, aiming to establish itself as a leading educational center and premier tourism spot.
- Heightened Rivalry for Established Destinations: The rise in international student movement in the MENA region is expected to create difficulties for traditional destinations like the US, UK, and Australia.
As the MENA area becomes more appealing to global students, it is expected to have an ever-greater impact on the worldwide higher education scene. Due to its distinctive cultural and lifestyle features, satellite campuses, and government funding for education, the area is set to emerge as a significant contributor to global student mobility.
