The showpiece city of the Middle East, Dubai needs no introduction. Dubai has emerged as a global city and business hub of the Middle East. Dubai is one of the emirates in UAE( United Arab Emirates). It is also a major transport hub for passengers and cargo. The Emirate has become one the favourite shopping destination for the world with its swanky malls and lifestyle. It is also known for its mind boggling architecture. Some of the most ambitious projects like Burj Khalifa, The Dubai World, The Palm Jumeirah and more. Fast cars and nightlife are some other attractions which bring the world to Dubai. Dubai is to host the World Expo in 2020 and the city is gearing up for it. The Metro has been extended and infrastructure is getting a facelift.

Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world and certainly the most expensive in the Middle East. Unlike other Gulf cities, Dubai’s economy is not based on the oil industry. It has very less production of oil. Only 5% of its revenue comes from oil. Shopping, tourism and other industries make up for the rest. Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet city are just two major places where thousands of companies have offices in catering to a world audience. Dubai is also more modern and open than other cities in the Middle East. It also has most skyscrapers in the region. The city remains alive and has a good nightlife. Restaurants and eateries offering a wide variety of cuisines dot the city. Desert safari and oasis tourism are other big draws to the city.

Dubai, situated on the East coast of the Arabian Peninsula and south-west of the Arabian Gulf. It is one of the seven Emirates which make up UAE. Did you know that Dubai is the most populated city in the UAE? Today, it is one of the world’s fastest and growing economies. Who hasn’t heard of the many innovative construction projects like the skyscrapers and the high rise buildings, Dubai Shopping festival and the renowned sports events? The world’s tallest building: Burj Khalifa is located in Dubai. Life for international students in UAE turns out to be a value addition, exciting and vibrant because of the warm hospitality, safety and economic drive. You have many reasons to choose Dubai as a study abroad destination.

Dubai has unleashed several waves of development. The economy diversified from a trade-based but oil-reliant economy to one that is service cum tourism oriented. 2004–2006 saw the real estate zooming with a record number of constructions and some of the most eye-popping projects like the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai World. Dubai also has the world’s tallest tower (Burj Khalifa), the world’s largest shopping mall (Dubai Mall), the world’s largest fountain (The Dubai Fountain) and the world’s tallest hotel. Then there was a small slump as the global slowdown mirrored here too. But Dubai soon picked up and added more useful infrastructure like prime office space with great facilities.

Dubai has become a sort of rendezvous for different types of people. It is one city that attracts business magnates, the rich and the famous, the scientists, the creative people and the shoppers. Specific parks and villages for an industry or service or art make Dubai a great attraction. Dubai Knowledge city, Dubai Biotech city, Dubai culture village… the list is endless. Dubailand which will be about three times the size of Disneyland is going to become the ultimate family vacation destination.

6 UAE universities are listed in the QS World Rankings, and 7 UAE Universities are listed in the Arab region rankings. United Arab Emirates University ranks 6th in the Arab region, and 385th in World ranking while American University in Dubai is also ranked in QS World ranking. The American University of Sharjah-AUS ranks 7th in the Arab region and ranks 390th in the world. International students choose AUS because the universities offer courses based on the US education model. Ever wondered why Dubai is an ideal study abroad destination? There are 25 International Branch campuses –IBCs in Dubai education hub offering 13 national curriculum UG and PG courses focused on preparing students for their overall development in the field which they opt for.

One of the largest higher educational institutions with 17 campuses spread across the country is the Higher Colleges of Technology. Other universities win Dubai which may interest international students are the American University of Dubai, al Ghurair University, The American College of Dubai, the University of Wollongong in Dubai, British University in Dubai. These universities offer quality education with a range of courses in the areas of engineering, architecture, interior design, business administration etc. The programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the degrees are recognized globally. The universities have state of the art infrastructure and facilities with competent faculty and avenues for research, multicultural experience. The campus life is vibrant and safe.

Education options in Dubai are expensive but Universities offer their own scholarships. The cost of living can become economical if your shop wisely. As a country, Dubai is known for its warm hospitality, rich culture, and the Emirati people welcome international students with open arms. Apart from studies, you will have ample opportunities to visit the deserts, beaches, shopping malls and the tourist attractions. The culture is rooted in Islam and you will find strength and inspiration touching all aspects of everyday life. While in Dubai you cannot miss visiting Jumeirah mosque, one of the largest mosques and a remarkable example of modern Islamic architecture.

In recent years there has been an incredible growth in all sectors of the country’s economy. The UAE job market has a dearth of talent and skilled manpower. After completing your studies you can look out for jobs in science, technology, energy sector, mathematics- STEM, accountancy, banking, property and finance domains. If you end up choosing Dubai as a study abroad destination, then you are assured of quality education, recognition of the degree in any part of the world and a wonderful study abroad experience.

The Dubai International Academic City is the centerpiece of attraction for foreign students who wish to pursue the education in a global campus. The highlight of the Academic city is that as a student you get to meet students from other universities too. Several world famous Universities have their campuses inside the Academic city. Apart from the Academic, Dubai also has a Knowledge city which is set up for higher learning.

Job opportunities abound in Dubai and the greater MENA( the Middle East And North Africa) region. Earlier the Gulf was known only for petrochemical or port based jobs but with wider diversification in the region, more options have come up. There are opportunities for highly skilled, semiskilled and unskilled workers. Over the years, the number of openings in the highly skilled sector has steadily climbed. With Dubai becoming the business hub of the world, there is a widespread need for professional expertise in administration, marketing and service oriented jobs.

Work experience from Dubai also adds to the value of your resume. Employers around the world prefer to have people with global experience and what better place to gain it from than Dubai.

One of the most vivacious economies in the world, Dubai has transformed itself from a small village to an ultra modern city in just 50 years. Oil was discovered in the 60s and its production waned in the late 90s. During this period, Dubai grew on oil money but continued to a trading port. Now only 2% of GDP comes from Oil. Dubai has reinvented itself to attract more and more investments. The visionary leadership has led the country into a solid present and a rosy future. Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Healthcare city and several other developments have brought in skilled labour and investors to this welcoming emirate.

Dubai has a cosmopolitan culture. Over 85% of Dubai’s population is non emiratis and as much as 50% of that is from the Indian subcontinent. The government has been open to non-Islamic beliefs and has allowed the construction of temples and churches. The traditional wear of Emiratis is long flowing robes for both men and women. For women, it is called abaya while for men it is traditional dishdasha or khandura (a long white shirt-dress), with a ghutra (a white headdress) and agal (a rope is worn to keep the ghutra in place).

For the world, Dubai is the ultimate party destination especially for the rich and famous. There are many high end hotels, clubs and bars where the rich can indulge. But the Islamic nationals are not allowed in any of these. They have strict restrictions.

Dubai residents are free to drink alcohol if they have a licence issued by the municipality. Public consumption is illegal.

Dubai is a favourite with tourists of all kinds. People come here to shop, party and have a good leisure time. While the city holds that attraction of glitz and glam of shopping malls, dream hotels and condos; the desert attracts with a desert safari. The Palm Jumeirah and the world have some of the most opulent luxury spaces as condos and rooms. Ride a camel or a new age desert buggy with powerful engines to ride the dunes. Spend a day in the oasis relishing life the Arab way. The mesmerising belly dancers and campfire with some of the most delectable is just like a page out of the Arabian Nights.

The Deira creekside is a different world altogether. It presents the old quarter of Dubai with its quaint shops and streets. It has the spice souk where you can see the most aromatic of spices in the traditional souks. And you can take a Dhow(traditional boat) across the creek. Dubai is also known for its traditional oud and perfumes. Dubai also hosts several popular festivals like Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival and numerous trade fairs. Dubai Marina has a plethora of luxury yachts.

Dubai has many options for sports and adventure. Skydiving is gaining popularity as the main way to enjoy the city sights. Paintball, squash, golf and several other options are available.

Dubai weather is generally hot and humid with a high daily average of sun hours. The period between December and March is when the Dubai weather conditions are considered to be the best as the temperature cools down to a more comfortable level. July is really hot and the educational institutions have a break during this period.