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Foreign varsities have edge over others

Emiratis aged between 18 and 30 are split down the middle when choosing to pursue higher education in a private or a federal university, according to a survey.

The survey asked 200 UAE local high school leaving students and undergraduates whether they were seeking higher education honours in government universities or private and global universities with campuses in the UAE and the results showed that 51.5 per cent preferred internationally accredited institutions.

The results of the study, which was answered by 92 male and 108 female students, have been released by Informa Exhibitions, organisers of Al Ain Education and Career Fair, which takes place from April 30 to May 2. Supported by the Emirates National Development Programme, and strategically located in Al Ain due to its large population of Emirati school leaving students and university graduates, the exhibition focuses on career, training and education opportunities in the UAE for young Emiratis contemplating their future educational aspirations and career direction.

There are currently 37 international universities with campuses in the UAE, making the country a leading global education hub.

This combined with an estimated Emirati student population in Al Ain of more than 18,000 secondary school students, according to the Abu Dhabi Education Council, presents an enormous opportunity for private universities and educational institutions to reach out to prospective students at the fair.

Providing a dual platform for education providers and employers in the UAE, the exhibition is Al Ain’s annual showcase event for universities and training institutes seeking students, and for leading employers searching for talented UAE nationals in an effort to boost and fulfil their Emiratisation quotas.

Looking to meet the thousands of school-leaving students expected to walk through the exhibition doors in Al Ain next month include the Australian based University of Wollongong in Dubai, and the American technical training institute RIT Dubai, along with local private universities like University of Jazeera, Al Hosn University, University of Sharjah, and Al Ghurair University. Khurram Saeed, Exhibition Director of Al Ain Education and Career Fair, said: “The private education sector continues to play an important role in UAE higher education by diversifying their educational offerings and providing new programmes that fit a broad number of students with different cultural backgrounds and career aspirations.

“Their programmes, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, are both more diverse and adaptable, offering multiple study options that cater to full and part-time students, enabling them to pursue their higher education aspirations while at the same time working.

“What is interesting in these survey results, however, is that Emirati school leaving students are divided while choosing to study in public or private higher education institutions. It is reassuring, therefore, that the UAE is able to offer them excellent choices in both.”

Now in its fourth edition, Al Ain Education and Career Fair returns hot off the heels of its partner event Tawdheef Recruitment Show, which took place in Abu Dhabi in January, attracting more than 30,000 UAE and expatriate professionals looking to meet more than 100 companies to discover new career opportunities.

In addition to supporting the event on an official basis, diamond sponsor The UAE Presidential Guard, along with gold sponsors Etihad Airways, Etihad Rail, and Etisalat, are among the exhibitors who will be offering a number of job openings, as well as future career opportunities to young Emiratis.

Other major employers include the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), Mubadala Aerospace, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi Farmers Services Centre, and the industrial conglomerate General Holding Corporation (GHC), which among its holdings include Ducab, Emirates Steel, Arkan, Agthia and the National Petroleum Construction Company

—news@khaleejtimes.com