A version of this article was first published in May 2022
Young people are often told, “the world is your oyster”, and at no time is that more the case than when they are choosing a university.
Whether it is Canada, the Netherlands, India, the US or the UK, there are many countries where students raised in the Emirates may study.
But the UAE itself offers many options, in local branches of foreign universities and in institutions with their main campuses here.
Things to consider
According to David Hawkins, founder of The University Guys, which helps students to select and apply to institutions, a key thing to understand is that “a university experience is not the same in every country in the world”.
“A lot of students’ ideas are conditioned by their family [or] by experiences in high school. Different countries will have different styles of what’s valued and how the curriculum works,” he says.
“For students trying to find what they think might be the best option, but nothing fits, looking at global options, they might find something they’re better suited to.
“I think a very high number of students are intrigued by the idea of going to a university outside their home country.”
Stay home or go abroad?
Whether going abroad makes sense depends in part on how academically strong a student is, Mr Hawkins says. Someone able to secure a place at a top university in their home country might be best off doing ,that.
For people closer to the average, academically, he says going abroad may help them to stand out from the crowd.
“That person will have a much greater set of life experiences than someone who didn’t … travel,” he says.
Alan Bullock, who has a UK-based consultancy, Alan Bullock Careers, offering advice to students, says that going abroad is “a tough thing for anybody to do”, but that such students gain “resilience and maturity” and could benefit career-wise.
“It’s always been the case that it adds something quite significant to what you can offer future employers,” says Mr Bullock, who has previously given talks in UAE schools about career options.
“International higher education has so many advantages, [so] it’s good to look at it and consider it.”
Cultural experience versus home comforts
Similarly, Jeff Evans, principal of Global English School in Abu Dhabi and an education consultant, says that with workplaces often involving international collaboration, going abroad can help students to “integrate seamlessly”. An overseas education can also, he says, offer a more liberal and culturally diverse university experience. But there are benefits to staying in the UAE.
“Remaining here for students who grew up and studied in the UAE is more convenient, less turbulent or demanding than moving overseas, and may be financially more accessible,” he says.
“Such families also prefer their son or daughter to be close by, particularly after the recent Covid-19 travel restrictions.”
There may also be cost benefits staying in the UAE, although Soraya Beheshti, who oversees Menat (the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) for Crimson Education, a consultancy that assists students with securing university places, says institutions in the Emirates are not necessarily cheap, with annual fees often in the region of Dh100,000.
Ms Beheshti suggests that young people thinking of applying to a university in the UAE that is linked to an overseas institution consider how closely aligned the parent university is to the local campus. Will the degree be officially awarded by the main university or will it be from the UAE campus?
“That’s an important consideration,” she says.
Choosing the best for you
When deciding which institutions to apply to, she says looking at rankings is a good first step. The QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) league tables are among the most respected.
However, Ms Beheshti says students should note that some criteria that determine the rankings, such as a university’s research output, may be less relevant if they are applying for, say, a business degree.
“There’s also environment. The US is really good at its soft power and popular culture representation of university life. That may or may not be a factor,” she says.
Mr Bullock advises students to look beyond a university’s reputation and to find institutions that fit them “personally and academically”.
“That’s echoed by graduates who chose a university nobody else had thought of,” he says.
“That sense of ‘best for me’ is really, really important.”
Cost versus benefits
Cost may be a key factor influencing a student’s choice of foreign country. Some countries are much more expensive than others, but there are significant differences between institutions within a country.
India, the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand have long been popular with students from the UAE, but there are many other options that students may not have thought of.
The Netherlands has become a popular higher education destination and offers many courses in English, as do numerous other continental European nations.
“There are the private English-speaking universities across Europe,” Mr Hawkins says.
“They offer an international education, quite often on the US model, based in countries like Spain or Switzerland.
“A lot of families don’t know these options are out there. They might be a wonderful fit for their child.”
Ms Beheshti highlights two universities in China, Tsinghua University and Peking University, both in Beijing, that offer good value for money.
These are highly respected internationally, but the costs are just a fraction of those at universities in, say, the US or the UK.
While the US is often seen as one of the most expensive destinations for higher education, Ms Beheshti says it is “leagues ahead” when it comes to financial aid for students.
Thresholds for parental income below which support is offered can be high, to the extent that, she says, about 60 per cent of students at the prestigious Ivy League institutions receive some assistance.
“If you apply during the early round, you have a much higher chance of getting financial aid,” she says.
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
One-off T20 International: UAE v Australia
When: Monday, October 22, 2pm start
Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket, Oval 1
Tickets: Admission is free
Australia squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Peter Siddle
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE CARD
The line-up as it stands for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on April 27
50-man Royal Rumble
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Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns
Casket match
The Undertaker v Rusev
Intercontinental Championship
Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The Bludgeon Brothers v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship
Sheamus and Cesaro v Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy
United States Championship
Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
Singles match
Triple H v John Cena
To be confirmed
AJ Styles will defend his WWE World Heavyweight title and Cedric Alexander his Cruiserweight Championship, but matches have yet to be announced
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Rashid & Rajab
Director: Mohammed Saeed Harib
Stars: Shadi Alfons, Marwan Abdullah, Doaa Mostafa Ragab
Two stars out of five
Brief scores:
Barcelona 3
Pique 38', Messi 51 (pen), Suarez 82'
Rayo Vallecano 1
De Tomas Gomez 24'
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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UAE squad to face Ireland
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind
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Goodlands Riders: Jamshaid Butt, Ali Abid, JD Mahesh, Vibhor Shahi, Faizan Asif, Nadeem Rahim
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
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Available: Now
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
RIDE%20ON
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
