Record Crowds Mark the 10th Edition of Gulf News Edufair Dubai

The 10th edition of Gulf News Edufair Dubai drew massive crowds from May 9 to 10 at The H Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, solidifying its status as the UAE's premier higher education event. Families, high school students, and parents flocked to interact with representatives from over 35 universities and career providers, both local and international. Free entry and valet parking made it accessible, fostering direct conversations about academic pathways, scholarships, and job prospects. Inaugurated with dignitaries from UAE education sectors, the fair highlighted the nation's commitment to preparing youth for a dynamic global economy.

Interactive stalls buzzed with energy as attendees explored more than 1,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programs spanning engineering, business, healthcare, AI, sustainability, and more. Seminars and workshops addressed pressing topics like digital transformation in higher education, employability strategies, and admission tips for top global universities. This year's focus on future-ready curricula resonated deeply, reflecting UAE universities' shift toward industry-aligned learning.

UAE Education Leaders Champion the Event for Career-Focused Insights

Prominent UAE education leaders voiced unanimous support for the fair, praising its role in bridging students with opportunities. Mohamed Abdelhady from Ajman University noted how it revealed students' aspirations for careers and skills development, strengthening institutional ties. Redwan Qadan of American University in the Emirates (AUE) highlighted showcasing innovative majors amid evolving higher education landscapes.

Rajesh Prema from American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) emphasized global partnerships preparing graduates for emerging markets. Dr. Priyadarshini Baguant, Dean at Amity University Dubai's School of Business, stressed collaborations positioning the UAE as a higher education hub. Ahmed Mahdy from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) called it a dynamic space for advising on academic paths and the changing world of work.

Other voices, including Curtin University Dubai's Nella Basco on new AI and cybersecurity programs, and Gulf Medical University's Prof. Manda Venkatramana on healthcare futures, underscored the event's value in direct engagement. These endorsements reflect UAE higher education's emphasis on practical, outcome-driven education.

Panel Spotlights Graduate Employability and Long-Term Career Progression

A key panel on graduate outcomes featured experts from De Montfort University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai, and Amity University Dubai. Moderated amid high interest, discussants agreed UAE universities now prioritize tracking alumni beyond initial jobs, focusing on role transitions and sustained growth.

Dr. Roma Raina from MAHE Dubai stressed monitoring at six months post-graduation via alumni networks and LinkedIn, asking: Are graduates advancing in their fields? Amanda Fernandes from Middlesex highlighted non-linear careers, urging early pathway exposure. Dr. Priyadarshini Baguant advocated creating opportunities through depth in chosen areas, preparing for unborn roles via adaptability and soft skills like creativity and resilience.

Dr. Gisela Lohlein from De Montfort detailed their "teaching to practice" model, with industry-involved curricula and strategic internships at top firms boosting CVs and clarity. The consensus: Internships bridge academia-industry gaps, alumni networks fuel lifelong support, and continuous learning defines success in UAE's competitive job market.

Future-Ready Programs Steal the Spotlight

UAE universities showcased programs blending advanced tech with real-world applications. BITS Pilani Dubai Campus highlighted BE in Robotics and Industrial Automation, Chemical Engineering with Energy, Environment & Sustainability, and Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace. Heriot-Watt University Dubai emphasized textiles, design, and future-ready offerings.

Curtin Dubai introduced AI, Cyber Security, and Architecture tracks. ATP STEM Education focused on AI, Biotechnology, and Robotics amid growing demand. Gulf Medical University drew crowds for healthcare pathways beyond medicine. These align with UAE's vision for innovation-driven growth, integrating sustainability and renewables.

Vocational options like DeMont Institute's KHDA-approved UK Pearson BTEC HNDs in cybersecurity, computing, and fashion offered practical alternatives, emphasizing employability over traditional degrees.

Photo by Mithu Rana on Unsplash

Students Share Aspirations: From Robotics to Psychology

Dubai students voiced clear ambitions at the fair. Hakimuddin Rassiwala eyes robotics engineering to innovate solutions. Saesha Trivedi pursues aviation science for tech-driven careers. Arfa Sakib favors math and physics streams.

Kanza Mariyam is drawn to psychology for mental health impact. Aidh Tamboli targets finance, banking, or marketing, eyeing entrepreneurship. Ayisha Izzah aims big in commerce, while Zia Fathima explores options. The fair empowered informed choices through university reps and guidance.

UAE Higher Education Landscape: High Employability, Outcomes Focus

UAE boasts robust graduate employability, with unemployment around 3% versus regional 25-40%. The 2026 Outcomes-Based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) assigns 25-50% weight to employment rates, graduate success, and future readiness, shifting from inputs to impacts. Khalifa University and UAEU lead rankings.

Workforce growth hit 101.76% from 2021-2025, skilled labor 49.92%. Universities like Abu Dhabi University (ADU) top UAE employability charts. This framework ensures alignment with UAE Centennial 2071 goals for knowledge economy.

In-Demand Skills for UAE Careers in 2026 and Beyond

• AI and Data Science: Core for job market transformation; programs at CUD, Curtin.
• Cybersecurity: Rising threats demand experts; Middlesex, Curtin offerings.
• Sustainability and Renewables: UAE energy transition; BITS Pilani specializations.
• Soft Skills: Adaptability, resilience, creativity via internships, projects.
• Leadership and Digital Literacy: For executive roles; Amity, SP Jain focus.

Employers seek these per 2026 surveys, with AI roles surging 15-20% annually. UAE Skills Platform, AI-powered, links unis to jobs.

Career Pathways Thriving in UAE's Booming Sectors

Engineering (robotics, aerospace), business (finance, marketing), healthcare, and tech lead. EdTech, SEN teaching, curriculum design emerge. Renewable energy specialists needed for net-zero goals.

Universities offer internships, global partnerships for exposure. MAHE Dubai's alumni tracking shows strong progression; Middlesex's employability services aid networking.

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International Branches Bolster UAE's Global Appeal

UAE hosts branches like Middlesex, Heriot-Watt, BITS Pilani, Curtin, Manipal, SP Jain, offering UK/US-accredited degrees locally. This attracts 57k new students yearly, per MoE. TNE growth projected 15-20% to 2026.

Looking Ahead: Abu Dhabi Edufair and UAE HE Momentum

Abu Dhabi edition May 16-17 at Radisson Blu previews more insights. UAE's HE investments, industry links (e.g., energy-water workforce), position it as MENA leader. Students urged strategic internships, skill-building for 2030 jobs.

Gulf News Edufair exemplifies UAE's proactive education ecosystem, empowering futures amid rapid change.