Dubai unveils Dhs4.5bn national university to boost higher education

Dubai launched the Dubai National University with an investment of Dhs4.5bn ($1.23bn).

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch on September 9.

In a statement on social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed said, “Dubai National University will rank among the top 50 young universities within the next decade, offering specialised academic programmes and contributing significantly to research.” He added that the institution aims to be among the top 200 universities worldwide in the next 20 years.

The university forms a central part of Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, aimed at enhancing Dubai’s status as a global hub for higher education and scientific research while preparing highly skilled Emirati leaders and professionals.

.@HHShkMohd launches Dubai National University with AED4.5 billion investment. The university will help Dubai become one of the world’s top 10 destinations for education. @HamdanMohammed appointed President of the new university and @MaktoumMohammed named Vice President. pic.twitter.com/CbhmhgmJd6

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 9, 2024

Dubai National University to raise emirate’s profile as an education hub

The university’s establishment is seen as a key driver in Dubai’s broader strategy to elevate its global standing in education, with plans to become one of the top 10 cities globally for education over the next decade.

A global advisory board featuring international experts will also guide the institution’s development.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council and President of Dubai National University, noted that the institution would be pivotal in cultivating academic talent and leadership skills needed for future sectors. “Dubai National University will support our knowledge community and contribute to shaping Dubai’s future,” he said.

The new educational institution is expected to enhance Dubai’s educational ecosystem by offering high-quality programmes and fostering academic collaborations with global institutions and research centres.

The institution will focus on attracting top talent globally, offering competitive admission standards and scholarship opportunities.

It will also establish partnerships with businesses and government entities, ensuring students access to advanced research facilities and internships.

In other news, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently presided over the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi (IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi).

The new facility marks the first international campus of IIT Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions for STEM education and research.

Read: IIT Delhi’s first international campus opens in Abu Dhabi