British Council report highlights Middlesex University Dubai as a model for successful transnational education
- Wednesday, 1 January 2025
Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai have been highlighted in a report by the British Council for its high educational standards, excellent student services, alignment of programmes with Dubai's emerging needs, and focus on enhancing the student experience.
The report, which was delivered by Times Higher Education, was officially launched on 15 January 2025 at MDX Dubai’s campus in Dubai Knowledge Park.
The report, titled "Examining Sustainability of Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE” focuses on the UAE’s evolving role in the global higher education landscape and emphasises the importance of international partnerships in shaping the future of education.
The session gathered distinguished speakers from universities across the UAE, professors, and key educational institutions to explore the findings and discuss the future of sustainable TNE collaborations.
The event consisted of a series of panel discussions on relevant topics addressing TNE sustainability frameworks, alumni stories of UK TNE alumni in the UAE, and a session on the UAE’s vision for higher education partnerships and strategic opportunities.
Attended by prominent names from the sector including Martin Daltry OBE, UAE Country Director, British Council; Vicki Stott, CEO, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education; Dr Nitesh Sughnani, Director of Higher Education, KHDA; and Hussein Al Shamaa, Director of Compliance and Licensing, RAK Department of Knowledge.
Key insights were shared on the operationalisation of sustainable TNE frameworks, alumni experiences, and the UAE’s strategic vision for international partnerships. The discussion focused on building equitable partnerships, co-created by all parties involved, and the need for increased knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Report Insights and Findings
The report highlights the UAE’s significant role in transnational education, with 21,825 students enrolled in UK TNE programmes in 2022-23. The UAE continues to serve as a prominent destination for international education, driven by its thriving economy, strategic economic diversification, and its focus on Emirati employability. With a growing demand for postgraduate education, the country saw 10,380 postgraduate students in 2022-23. Notably, 38% of postgraduate students in the UAE opted for flexible learning formats, reflecting the increasing demand for accessible education options.
Insights from the report also highlight that over the past two decades, particularly in Dubai, the UAE has become a key regional and global hub for transnational education (TNE), hosting over 237,000 international students in 2023. Dubai alone hosts nine UK IBCs, spanning both comprehensive and single-discipline offerings.
Commenting on the launch of the report, Martin Daltry, British Council Country Director UAE said: “The findings from this report underscore the UAE's growing role as a regional leader in education and its expanding TNE enrolments. The British Council is committed to fostering sustainable TNE partnerships, ensuring that UAE continues to thrive as a hub for global education. The UAE’s strategic investment in education and its focus on diversifying its economy through education plays a crucial role in attracting international talent, driving innovation, and boosting student employability.
MDX Dubai is categorised as TNE, as its home campus is based in Hendon, London. In the report, MDX Dubai has been recognised as one of the largest international branch campuses in the UAE, with a focus on student experience, effective international recruitment practices, and a broad range of programme offerings aligned with Dubai’s economic needs.
The report also underscores the University’s effective international recruitment practices and broad range of academic offerings, which contribute to the success and sustainability of the campus.
The report acknowledged MDX Dubai for its viability, driven by strong student enrolment, excellent student services, and alignment with the local market. The success of the campus is further supported by a focus on student experience, which includes a balance of academics, extra-curricular activities, and comprehensive student support. The emphasis placed on both academics and sports, along with an effective careers and employability service, also garnered positive feedback.
MDX Dubai serves as a positive example for other international branch campuses, showcasing sustainable practices that ensure financial viability while maintaining high educational standards and meeting the needs of the student community.
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University and Director, Middlesex University Dubai, added: "Middlesex University Dubai is proud to play a significant role in advancing transnational education within the UAE, supporting high-quality TNE partnerships that address both local and global needs. As one of the first and largest international branch campuses in the country, we have consistently focused on financial sustainability, strong student enrolment, and offering diverse programmes aligned with Dubai’s economic priorities. This report reaffirms the importance of international collaboration in enhancing student experiences, bridging cultures, and contributing to a knowledge-driven economy.”
The full report, "Examining Sustainability of Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE", is available to download.
