UAE: AED 4.5 billion investment announced to boost Dubai's global academic standing
The university will offer specialised academic programmes that focus on emerging fields and future technologies
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially announced the creation of Dubai National University, supported by a substantial investment of AED 4.5 billion.
This initiative, a cornerstone of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, is set to bolster Dubai’s standing as a global leader in higher education and research. Dubai National University is dedicated to cultivating a new generation of skilled Emirati professionals while enhancing the emirate's educational and research capabilities on an international scale.
Dubai National University will draw top students from around the world with its rigorous admission criteria and will build strong partnerships with the community, government, and businesses. The university will offer scholarships, access to advanced research facilities, and a well-rounded academic experience to support students' growth and success, strengthening Dubai's role as a leader in global education.
Sheikh Mohammed envisions the university as more than just a new educational institution. The initiative aims to create a future-oriented knowledge centre that will serve as a beacon for science, a hub for youth, and a valuable resource for the future. He also noted that the university will be guided by a global advisory council made up of experts from various fields to ensure its international impact.
The university's aims
In a statement posted on his official X account, Sheikh Mohammed outlined ambitious goals for Dubai National University. He stated, "Brothers and sisters, today we are launching a new project, Dubai National University, with an initial investment of AED 4.5 billion. Within the next decade, we aspire for Dubai National University to rank among the top 50 young universities, offering specialised and future-oriented academic programmes, and become a leading institution in research contributions. The university's identity will be Emirati, its programmes global, and its outcomes will serve our development journey."
الإخوة والأخوات … نطلق اليوم مشروعاً جديداً ضمن مشاريعنا لتطوير التعليم في بلادنا …
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 9, 2024
نطلق جامعة دبي الوطنية .. باستثمارات مبدئية 4.5 مليار درهم .. هدفها أن تكون ضمن أفضل 50 جامعة شابة خلال العقد القادم .. وتوفير برامج أكاديمية تخصصية ومستقبلية .. وأن تكون ضمن أفضل الجامعات في… pic.twitter.com/KKpDqHGdW0
Strategic vision for research and development
Sheikh Mohammed further emphasised the university's role in fostering academic excellence and innovation. "Within the next 20 years, we want it to rank within the top 200 universities worldwide. Locally, the university aims to become one of the top three for contributions in research within the next ten years. Dubai National University will provide high-quality programmes that enhance Dubai’s educational ecosystem and support the emirate’s ambitions, cementing Dubai’s position among the top ten cities worldwide in quality of education over the next decade."
He added, “Human development has always characterised Dubai's success story. Institutions like Dubai National University nurture minds, build capacities, refine skills, empower talents, stimulate innovations, and prepare future leaders who are capable of creating opportunities, anticipating change, and shaping future sectors. We look forward to the university playing a central role in preparing a highly capable generation, attracting exceptional minds and outstanding students from the UAE and around the world.”
Leadership and governance
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of Dubai National University, noted, “Dubai continues, under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to proactively drive human development and enhance its world-class infrastructure for higher education and scientific research.” He added that the university would attract global expertise and foster academic collaboration, supporting Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s top 10 cities for education.
Economic and academic impact
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of Dubai National University, stressed the critical role of universities in economic development. “Universities, as research centres, play a fundamental role in economic development. They enhance competitiveness, support growth, and create new paths for diversification.”
Global advisory board and academic excellence
The university will also feature a Global Advisory Board, including international experts such as Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Saeb Eigner, Professor Fadel Adib, and Fadi Ghandour. This board will guide the university in fostering global academic collaboration and innovation.