UAE Universities Experience Surge in Student Enrollment, Announce Expansions

Leading universities in the United Arab Emirates are strategically investing in their future to meet the escalating demand for higher education. At a prominent education fair in Abu Dhabi on Monday, institutions unveiled ambitious expansion plans, introduced new academic programs, and outlined strategies to attract a greater number of students from across the Emirates and internationally.

The number of students enrolled in UAE universities reached 218,000 in the 2025/26 academic year, marking a significant 15 percent increase year-on-year. This growth underscores the dynamic expansion of the UAE's higher education sector.

Hundreds of high school students attended the 20th annual Najah event at Adnec on Monday, exploring their options for the next stage of their academic careers. Abu Dhabi University is set to launch eight new undergraduate programs at its Dubai campus starting next year, aiming to strengthen its national presence. Bassam Murra, executive director of marketing, enrolment, and registration at Abu Dhabi University, stated, "Dubai has become a hub for international education and we would like to be part of that market." He added, "There is a plan to expand and to offer more programs and to grow our population in Dubai. Even in our planning, if it's required that we expand our facility itself, this is something we want to consider." The new programs at the Dubai campus will cover fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, international relations, law, and psychology.

This sustained growth in the UAE's higher education landscape coincides with a decline in the number of students from the Gulf region choosing to study in the UK. Experts attribute this trend to the UK's migration clampdown, which has restricted visas, alongside concerns regarding social issues, safety, and the quality of education in Britain. This presents a prime opportunity for UAE universities aiming to enhance their international academic standing and attract more students.

The University of Sharjah has been recognized for its excellence, ranking as the best in the UAE for medicine in the US News Best Global Universities Rankings and improving its position in the QS World University Rankings. May Bin Hadda, admissions officer at the University of Sharjah, commented, "Our goal is to be always in the top and to bring students from both outside the country and inside the country." The university welcomed over 5,000 new students at the beginning of the current academic year.

Emirates Aviation University also reported a successful intake, particularly from international students, with admissions being described as "busier than ever." A representative noted, "Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub continues to be a major attraction for international applicants." Liwa University has also experienced substantial growth, with both its Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses reporting full enrollment across all specializations. Adam Al Bahti, integrated marketing manager at Liwa University, observed, "We feel there's a big demand in the market, especially for programs in AI and in medical and health sciences." While primarily serving domestic students, Liwa University aims to attract more international students in the future.

In July, the UAE launched a new higher education award to recognize the achievements of its top universities and promote a culture of excellence. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the UAE Higher Award for Education would support initiatives that "create a sustainable impact" and enhance the nation's "readiness for the future." The UAE has made significant strides in elevating its higher education standards, reflected in strong performances in global rankings.

In June, Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi became the first UAE institution to be ranked among the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, climbing 30 places to 147th and maintaining its position as the country's leading university for the ninth consecutive year. The university was also ranked 12th globally for the international diversity of its faculty.

Earlier in the year, Abu Dhabi University was recognized among the top 100 for business and economic studies in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, placing 81st out of over 1,000 institutions worldwide.