Dubai is set to enhance its reputation as a center for academic excellence with the opening of three new branches of international universities in the upcoming academic year 2025-2026. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai announced that these institutions will attract distinguished students from around the globe.

The new branches will include the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, which offers a Master of Business Administration program and ranks 27th globally according to the QS World University Rankings for 2026 by subject. Additionally, the American University of Beirut, ranked 237th globally, and the Fakih Medical Sciences University will also establish campuses in Dubai.

As interest in Dubai continues to grow among prestigious international universities, several applications for new branches are currently under review, with others awaiting final approval.

Dr. Wafi Dawood, Executive Director of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, stated that the Dubai project to attract the world’s best universities reflects the emirate’s international standing, supported by the unwavering backing of the leadership. This initiative aims to position Dubai as a leading global destination for students and renowned higher education institutions.

Furthermore, attracting top global universities aligns with Dubai’s ambitious 2033 plan and educational strategy, which seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai graduates regionally and internationally. The goal is to increase educational tourism to Dubai tenfold by 2033 and integrate the emerging Emirati generation into the labor market, contributing to the doubling of Dubai’s economy over the next decade.

The KHDA reported an unprecedented 20% increase in enrollment rates for higher education institutions licensed in Dubai during the 2024-2025 academic year. There are currently 41 licensed higher education institutions, including 37 branches of international universities, which collectively attract 42 026 students across approximately 706 diverse academic programs. All these initiatives aim to equip learners with the skills needed for the future, aligning with Dubai’s educational strategy for 2033.

Among these universities, two of the parent institutions for branches in Dubai are ranked among the top 100 universities globally according to the QS World University Rankings for 2026. The University of Manchester – Dubai ranks 35th, while the University of Birmingham – Dubai ranks 76th. Additionally, the parent universities for Curtin University – Dubai and the University of Wollongong in Dubai are positioned within the top 200 globally, ranked 183rd and 184th respectively.

Moreover, Dubai hosts three branches of international universities ranked among the top 300 worldwide according to the same ranking.

According to the QS World University Rankings for 2026 by subject, many higher education institutions that have opened branches in Dubai are recognized globally for their business programs. These include the London Business School, ranked 7th globally, HEC Paris at 54th, and LUISS University at 67th. The Istituto Marangoni, known for its design education programs, is ranked between 51 and 100 in the arts and design category.

The Dubai initiative to attract the world’s best universities will provide a progressive educational environment that combines cross-border education with national programs, investing in education, scientific research, and international collaboration across various economic sectors. The goal is for international students to comprise 50% of the total student population in higher education institutions in Dubai by 2033, with a projected contribution of AED 5.6 billion to the GDP from the higher education sector, positioning Dubai among the top 10 global cities for university studies.