Dubai, located on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and one of the most populous, and popular cities of the UAE is lined with a coastline, sandy terrain, and a constellation of modern structures. Dubai, known for Burj Khalifa, artificial islands, and sand safaris is also known for yet another specialty: the quality of education.
In recent times, the trend of pursuing higher studies in Dubai has become quite promising. In this blog let us skim over the reasons why Dubai is a suitable option for Indian students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs, and which courses make it into the top 5 list.
Here are five reasons why you should consider studying in Dubai:
- The multicultural environment in Dubai makes adjustment easy for students from various backgrounds and nationalities and helps them blend in naturally.
- The job market of Dubai is booming, and it is a business hub, that makes way for internships, placements, and first-hand training experience easily accessible.
- The mode of teaching and communication in multiple universities uses the English language. This makes it suitable for international or Indian students to express themselves and learn better.
- About 7 universities from Dubai rank in the top 5000 universities of the world, and around 10 universities make it into the top 50 institutes in the UAE. The quality of education and its standing in the global ranking determines the excellence and impact that the organisations have on students’ lives.
- The lifestyle of Dubai is coloured with modern amenities, and it also claims to have a safe and secure, stable environment, making it a good choice for international students.
Now that we have understood the factors that make Dubai a great destination for higher studies, let us determine how the top 5 courses to study in Dubai are chosen.
Selection Parameters
- Personal Preferences: Choose a program that aligns with your interests, values, and aims. For the same, you can select a university that will help you achieve your goals. Start by shortlisting things that interest you, find the possible courses for the same, and then narrow down to your choice.
- Demand in the Job Market: After selecting a program, also make sure to check its demand in the job market. Be well-informed about it’s scope, the requirements, and the importance it holds in the current working sector. Payment is also another factor that holds priority and preference.
- Structure of the Course: Before finalizing, enquire about the curriculum of the course. In this sense, know about what subjects will be taught, the electives available, internships, placements, and in a generic sense what exactly the course covers.
- Ranking: Next, search and compile a list of universities that provide the desired or related course. Check the standing of the university and the educational quality before arriving at a final decision. For more information, read one of our other blogs on the top 8 universities in Dubai.
- Research and Opportunities: Although this is an optional feature to consider, get information, and understand the nature of research happening in the field, and opportunities for the same if you are interested. Investing your time and skills in a research-oriented field and its application increases your business worth.
Top Programs to Study in Dubai
This compilation of the best courses to study in Dubai lists the top programs. The above parameters will be taken into consideration while providing the top courses that Indian students can take in Dubai.
The most popular courses to study in Dubai according to the latest market trends are:
- Business Administration
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- IT and Computer Science
- Media and Communication
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Education
- Engineering
Below is a specifically curated list of the top 5 courses that are best in Dubai, and have a better scope in the present times.
- Business and Commerce
Leading all surveys, at the top of the list is the course of Business Administration. Business Administration refers to the study of principles and practices involved in the functioning of businesses and organisations. Business Administration and commerce go hand in hand and have specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Big Data, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship and many others. Dubai is a rapidly progressing Business Hub making it one of the choicest destinations to study Business Administration
The following table lists the best programs under Business Administration, the level of education, and the suitable universities for them.
| Level of Education | Name of the Program | Universities Providing the Course |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business | Canadian University Dubai |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Business in Accounting | Zayed University, University of Dubai, British University in Dubai |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Business in Finance | Wollongong University in Dubai, British University in Dubai |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Entrepreneurship | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management | Canadian University Dubai |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Business in Business Analytics | Wollongong University in Dubai |
The universities in the above-mentioned table, are all ranking within the top 100 universities in the UAE, and also hold the high ranks in the QS world ranking of universities.
| Level of Education | Name of the Program | Universities Providing the Course |
| Graduate Program | Global Executive Master of Luxury Management | University of Wollongong in Dubai |
| Graduate Program | Master of Applied Finance | University of Wollongong in Dubai |
| Graduate Program | Master of Business Administration | University of Dubai |
| Graduate Program | Master in Strategic Human Resource Management | University of Dubai |
| Graduate Program | Executive MBA | London Business School |
| Graduate Program | Master of Science in Investment Management | Middlesex University Dubai |
Based on the specialization and education level, the job market is open to business graduates in the fields of Finance and Banking, Human resource management at corporate companies, and entry-level managerial roles, for the Undergraduates. For MBA and related graduates, Senior managerial posts, Venture capital, Marketing management, and international business management are the job openings.
- Arts and Creative Industries
A lesser-known but significant field thriving in Dubai is the sector of Fine Arts and Creative Industries. Partly due to the widespread tourism and partly due to the booming modern businesses, Arts is a much pursued and suitable option for all seeking to make a career in a field they are skilled in. Here are the best universities to study arts in Dubai.
| Level of Education | Name of the Program | Universities Providing the Course |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation Design | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Arts in Creative Industries | University of Canada in Dubai |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Arts in Fashion | Middlesex University Dubai |
| Graduate Program | Master of Arts in Painting | National Institute of Fine Arts Dubai Campus |
| Graduate Program | Master of Arts in Fashion Management | Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Campus |
- Architecture and Design
Dubai is most prominently known for its many many architectural wonders. The marvelous Burj Khalifa, the boat sail structure of the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only 7-star hotel, and the Palm Jumeirah are on top of the list. Because of its ambitious design and architectural pursuits, Dubai is a great choice for studying architecture and design.
| Level of Education | Name of the Program | Universities Providing the Course |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Architecture | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies | Canada University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Science in Interior Design | Canada University |
| Graduate Program | M.Des Interior Design | Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai |
| Graduate Program | M.Des Sustainable Design | Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai |
- IT and Computer Science, and Innovative Technology
After Architecture and Hospitality, the technological innovations of Dubai are widely known. An example of their robust and ingenious technology is the Museum of the Future which, is still under construction. The artificial islands simply prove the technological prowess of Dubai. Alongside technology is the industry of IT and Computer Science gaining rapid momentum. Here are the top courses and the corresponding universities for the same.
| Level of Education | Name of the Program | Universities Providing the Course |
| Undergraduate Program | BSc in IT in Security and Network Technologies | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | BSc in Information Systems and Technological Management | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | BSc in Information systems and technology management with a Concentration in Business Intelligence | Zayed University |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Computer Science in Big Data/ Cyber Security/ Game and Mobile development | University of Wollongong |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Computer Science in Artificial Intelligence | University of Dubai |
| Undergraduate Program | Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information systems | University of Dubai |
| Postgraduate Program | MTech Computer Science and Information Technology | Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai |
| Postgraduate Program | MTech Energy Systems and management | Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai |
Although not the regular purses, the following two institutes provide excellent research opportunities related to Innovation. One is the Technological Innovation Institute, one of the leading centres running the research facility on topics such as Directed Energy, Quantum science, Cryptography, Biotechnology, Autonomous Robotics and other high-profile divisions. The other is the Middlesex University’s Department of Sustainable Development which, through research, outreach and training, aims to create a sustainable world.
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
Tourism is one of the chief sources of income in Dubai. The multitude and variations of Hotels, Museums, Islands, and sports activities on the different terrains of Dubai call in for a good host. Hence, Hospitality Management is one of the top courses you can study in Dubai.
| Level of Education | Name of the Program | Universities Providing the Course |
| 1-year Certificate Course | Hospitality Operations/ Tourism Operations | Dubai College of Tourism |
| 2-year Diploma | Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management/ Tourism Management | Dubai College of Tourism |
| Undergraduate Program | BBA in International Hospitality Management | The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management |
| Graduate Program | Master of International Hospitality Management | The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management |
| Undergraduate | BSc Hons in International Tourism Management | Middlesex University Dubai |
Before selecting and applying to a course make sure to update yourself with the latest available information regarding the course and college by contacting their college website. Happy Studying!