During the last decade, Dubai has emerged as one of the most popular study destinations for international students. According to an unofficial source, the international student enrolment rose by 29% in the 2024-25 academic year.
The Capital of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the most populous city of the UAE offering high class research facilities, diverse & multicultural environment, and a booming economy with abundance of career opportunities. The strategic location of Dubai is advantageous for international students as it is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa aiding in great connectivity with international job markets. The economy of Dubai centres of trade, tourism, aviation, financial services, and real estate.
Students are drawn to this vibrant city of the UAE due to the following reasons:
· High Quality Education: Dubai houses some of the best universities in the world such as the University of Birmingham, University of Wollongong, and Curtin University, Herriot Watt Dubai, BITS Pilani University, and many more, which contribute to a positive students' application.
· High Quality of Life: The UAE is known to offer a high standard of living which significantly improves the overall experience and well-being of a student. Students also this city of Sheikhs due to the safety and modern-infrastructure it offers.
· Tax-free Earnings and Part-time work opportunities: International students in Dubai can work for up to 20 hours per week during academic session and for up to 40 hours per week during their university breaks. However, students will require a work permit for the same. Dubai is tax-free so students can keep all the earnings with themselves.
· Easy Visa Policies: Compared to the USA, UK, and Canada, Dubai offers students student visas with minimal documentations and students receive approvals in 15 to 20 working days. Many Universities also offer Visa services making this process easier and streamlined fr international students.
· Strong Post-Study Work Prospects: Dubai economy is booming, so international students are able to find jobs easily after their studies.
The table below sheds light on the key facts about Dubai:
Category | Details |
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Population | 3.65 million (Dubai Statistics Center, 2024) |
Official Language | Arabic (English widely spoken in education, business, and daily life) |
Currency | UAE Dirham (AED) |
Main Religion | Islam (with religious freedom for Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, etc.) |
Size | 4,114 km² (Dubai Municipality) |
Time Zone | Gulf Standard Time (GST) – UTC +4 |
Climate | Desert climate: hot summers (up to 45°C), mild winters (20–25°C) |
Safety | Ranked among the safest cities globally (Numbeo Safety Index, 2024) |
Public Transport | Metro, Bus, Tram, Water Taxi – NOL Card system (RTA Dubai) |
Education Hub | Home to 30+ international branch campuses (KHDA – Knowledge & Human Development Authority) |
Visa for Students | Easily accessible with university sponsorships; processing in 15–20 days (UAE Government Portal) |
Popular Study Areas | Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), Knowledge Park, Al Barsha |
Job Market | Strong in Tech, Tourism, Finance, Logistics, Aviation, Real Estate |
Known For | Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall, Tax-Free Income, Diverse expat population, High-end lifestyle, Innovation & Smart City infrastructure |
Popular Places to Explore | Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Museum of the Future, Global Village, Desert Safari, Gold Souk |