According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Dubai Media Office, Dubai is all poised to announce three high-end international universities for the 2025-26 academic year which further strengthens the stand of Dubai as a global education hub. The announcements underpin the Education 33 strategy of Dubai and the larger ambition to bring the world’s best institutions to its shores.
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM–A)
Global Ranking: 27ᵗʰ in QS World University Rankings for Business & Management.
- Focus: The first overseas campus of IIM Ahmedabad will be located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), offering its signature one-year full-time MBA starting September 2025.
- Strategic Fit: Supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 by fostering leadership, innovation, and enhancing regional business education.
American University of Beirut (AUB)
- Legacy and Ranking: Founded in 1866, AUB holds the 237ᵗʰ spot in the QS World University Rankings overall.
- Academic Reach: Known for its humanities, sciences, and engineering programs with a strong regional alumni network.
- Cultural Exchange: The Dubai campus will strengthen ties between the UAE and the Levant, enriching cultural, academic, and research collaboration.
Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences
- Specialist Institution: A leading Saudi Arabian institution focused on training healthcare professionals.
- Regional Relevance: The new medical sciences campus supports Dubai’s evolving healthcare ecosystem, catering to rising demand for skilled medical personnel.
Strategic Significance for Dubai
- Education 33 Strategy: The initiative aims to double Dubai’s higher education GDP and raise international student numbers to 50% by 2033.
- Academic Tourism: There are already 41 international institutions in the city, and that number is going up every year-with enrollment climbing (a 20% increase in 2024-25). With these numbers, international campuses add to the higher education experience in Dubai as a study destination.
- Global Pipeline: KHDA confirms discussions held between many other leading universities with an indication of sustained growth in Dubai academic landscape.
The expected arrival of IIM Ahmedabad, AUB, and Fakeeh College is a benchmark for Dubai’s journey in becoming the education capital of the world. This would create an ecosystem for higher education that is future-ready for Dubai, with academic excellence contributing into regional partnerships and into policy alignment through D33 and Education 33.
Benefits in terms of world-class degrees on offer to students locally, an attraction for global talent, and enhancement of Dubai’s competitiveness globally in the education and research arena will be some of the aspects related to such new campuses.