Dubai education districts see 15 per cent student growth as enrolment passes 38,500

The Dubai reputation as a global hub for higher education has been reinforced after student numbers across Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park exceeded 38,500 at the end of the 2024–25 academic year, marking 15 per cent growth compared with the previous academic year.

The two districts, which together form the Education Cluster of TECOM Group, now attract students from more than 170 countries and offer access to over 600 academic programmes spanning bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and doctorates.

Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park are playing a growing role in supporting Dubai’s knowledge- and innovation-based economy, hosting world-class universities, vocational institutes, and training academies.

Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, part of TECOM Group, said: “The diverse skillsets of our student body demonstrate Dubai’s appeal to the world’s brightest talent. Home to internationally renowned universities, vocational institutes, and training academies, our districts foster innovation and empower learners of all ages with future-focused skills.

“Our ecosystems are well-placed to continue uniting world-class educators and talent, contributing directly towards the goals of Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and Education 33 Strategy ‘E33’.”

International Academic City and Knowledge Park host a wide range of international higher education institutions offering future-focused undergraduate and postgraduate programmes aligned with evolving job market dynamics.

These include:

• Amity University
• Curtin University
• Heriot-Watt University
• Middlesex University
• Murdoch University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Wollongong

The ecosystem is further strengthened by postgraduate-focused institutions such as Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, The University of Manchester, University of Bradford, and University of Strathclyde Business School UAE.

Training and vocational education is also represented through organisations including ACCA Middle East, Alliance Française, City & Guilds, and International Centre for Culinary Arts.

Education facilities

Dubai International Academic City provides sector-specific infrastructure, including built-to-suit campuses and laboratories, while Dubai Knowledge Park serves as the region’s hub for lifelong learning, offering Grade-A offices, food courts, retail spaces, and an auditorium.

Both districts host annual initiatives such as Campus Talks, which connects students with founders, innovators, and industry leaders, and UNCOVERED, where students compete for cash prizes by showcasing their talents.

The Knowledge Assembly brings together senior leaders from academia, industry, and government to advance initiatives such as the Higher Education Leadership Network.

Educators and students also benefit from integration with TECOM Group’s wider ecosystem, including streamlined set-up and visa processes via axs, and collaboration opportunities through in5, TECOM Group’s entrepreneurship incubator. Among the start-ups supported by in5 is Relphacare Technologies, founded by a student at Amity University and based at International Academic City.

International Academic City and Knowledge Park are part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of specialised business districts, which includes:

• Internet City
• Media City
• Production City
• Studio City
• Science Park
• Dubai Design District
• Industrial City