After the West, the Middle East has been carving a niche for itself when it comes to global education. One of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Dubai with its high literacy rates, rapid development, and multicultural outlook has been inviting students from across the globe.
So, in this article, we will be looking at the skill shortage situation in Dubai and how it opens up opportunities for international candidates.
The fast-paced development of the city and the changes in governmental policy meant an influx of foreign investments and new businesses. The government began foreigners to own 100% of businesses in the Emirates. So, as businesses boomed, a new problem emerged: the talent to handle the new opportunities.
Technological skills, language gaps, and soft skills appear to be the biggest contributors to the skills gap in the U.A.E. This is currently costing the U.S. $4.3 billion to the nation. If this gap is closed, they can generate over 50,000 jobs and boost the growth of the economy.
The government of the U.A.E. is doing all it can to invite international talent into its borders. It is a two-pronged approach: invest and build on the higher ed landscape that will invite students and make visa regulations even easier on skilled workers from across the globe.
The opportunities are endless. While upping the scientific rigour and research in their own universities such as the University of Sharjah, Khalifa University or the United Arab Emirates University, Dubai has also opened its doors to global universities to set up campuses in the region. In 2007, the DIAC (Dubai International Academic City) was established where global, regional, and local institutions work together to provide over 500 different higher ed courses, creating a culture of learning and diversity.
- The Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research
- European International College
- New York Institute of Technology
- Sorbonne University
- Strathclyde Business School
- New York University
- American University
- Amity
- BITS, Pilani
- British University of Dubai
- Canadian University
- University of London
- Curtin University, Australia
- Heriot-Watt University
- HULT International Business School
- London Business School
- Michigan State University
- Middlesex University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- University of Birmingham
- University of Exeter
- University of South Wales
- University of Wollongong
Civil Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Architecture, Aviation, Medical Science and Information Technology are some of the most poplar choice of disciplines for students who consider Dubai as their global ed destination. The advantages of a cosmopolitan culture and international standards of education is furthered by more affordable fees and ease of travel.
The latest policies allow for foreigners to be residents in the U.A.E. for three years. The Emirates are switching to permanent residency, similar to the one Singapore uses. It is a renewable permanent residence visa offered to entrepreneurs and investors. With these visas, non-citizens can easily move there, set up businesses, buy property, and even save money for healthcare or education. Once settled, they can also move their spouses, families under the same.
Dubai will also offer 10-year visas for expat specialists in medicine, science, research, and technical fields—and for their families, in a clear attempt to close the widening skill gaps.
Students in the U.A.E. will also be able to get five-year Golden visas, and “exceptional” graduates could remain in the country for 10 years. Students can also relocate their families to the U.A.E. as long as the families can show proof of sufficient salary.
With these measures, Dubai is one of those places with an extremely welcoming immigration policy. Cosmopolitan lifestyles, international standards and diversity are the defining features of the global ed-scape in Dubai.