BRAIN TRAINING

he ongoing shift toward a knowledge-based economy has placed a palpable emphasis on generating top talent with an entrepreneurial mindset. The entry of University of Birmingham has heralded a new era for the higher education space, which considers increased competition and caliber a stimulus to advance Dubai’s reputation and offering as an education hub. Previously, many from the region were to keen to send students to traditional locations for a Western-style education, such as North America, Europe, and Australia; however, the breadth and depth of options offered in Dubai have shifted perceptions and created increased demand from the region. In addition, Dubai is seeing growing interest from students in India and China as visa regulations are increasingly catered to these populations.

The increasing internationalization of education has led to more digital offerings through blended and online learning. These new models reach all levels of education, with the Dwight School’s blended learning program being integrated into the Dubai Future Foundation’s 10X initiative. Such trends and innovation in education models must be complemented with updated regulations, which are always slower to change than technology. Despite this lag, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) nevertheless is committed to pushing boundaries in education, often pushing educational institutions themselves. Aligned with this, 2019 marked the launch of the first phase of KHDA’s quality ranking system, evaluating 17 out of 25 international universities.

Part and parcel to augmenting learning are education clusters, such as Dubai International Academic City, charged with building international universities’ presence in Dubai, and Dubai Knowledge Park, tasked with responding to the

Tneeds of the workforce through technical and vocational education and human resource development. These clusters offer increased incentives for linkages between students and industry through regulatory frameworks that allow students to work while and immediately after completing their studies.

What’s more, in March 2019 Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, approved the Dubai Free University Zone Strategy, which allows students at both public and private universities to contribute their skills, creativity, and knowledge to Dubai’s economy. This is complemented by a drive from education institutions—at all levels—to increase experiential learning opportunities. For example, Heriot Watts University stands out for its connections to the construction industry and its emphasis on smart construction.

Regulators, clusters, and education institutions recognize the need to generate research and innovation from Dubai and not merely import researchers and technology. This is absolutely critical for Dubai to become a creator and knowledge-based economy, and several universities are looking to stand out amongst the crowd by distinguishing their research connections and capabilities.

Echoed by Dr. David A. Schmidt, president of the American University of Dubai, the very core of the development of Dubai’s education landscape is the desire to create life-long learners. It is such people who will succeed in a world where the jobs of the future do not yet exist. Helping organizations keep their human talent—their biggest investment—up to par is Meirc Training & Consulting. And as Managing Director of Meirc Training & Consulting Chaouki M. Eid notes, in Dubai the standard keeps on going up. ✖

Abdulla Al Karam

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & DIRECTOR GENERAL, KNOWLEDGE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (KHDA)

How does the integration of DKP and DIAC respond to labor market needs?

DKP and DIAC were established with an effort by Dubai to create knowledge-based economic clusters. TECOM Group turned this vision into action by taking charge of different industries and sectors. The group started with Dubai Internet City in 1999, followed by Dubai Media City a year later. These sector-focused cities were created to address local challenges, such as a lack of regional talent and human resources. The initial reason behind establishing DKP was to respond and cater to the requirements of the workforce. When local, regional, and international companies set up in Dubai, their human resources requirements must be met. Companies used to bring staff from other countries. Attracting companies in HR development was important, which is how DKP was created; we are the only HR zone in the world. In total, there are more than 95,000 people working across TECOM Group’s 10 sector-focused communities. This would not have been possible without the creation of specialized parks with business-friendly regulations and interconnected infrastructure. When DKP was created in 2003, it was not just for HR and training, but also for higher education. After DKP started to attract universities, with the interest from institutions came the idea of a higher education zone. DIAC was thus created in 2007 and currently has 27 institutions from at least nine countries offering more than 500 programs. We have more than 27,000 students of 150 nationalities studying at these academic institutions, and we are still attracting new institutions, students and investment.

What are DKP and DIAC’s expansion and partnership plans?

We need to understand size and demand. The market can accommodate expansion even though we focus on quality, not quantity. We are always working hard to forge partnerships with global institutions and convey the advantages of being here. With other countries putting in restrictions rather than easing movement, there is an opportunity for us to seize. Education is an important component in attracting tourism. Our market research study showed that there major upcoming destinations, such as Indonesia, Nigeria, and Chile, want to build on these trends and utilize them. We work equally as hard to attract institutions as we do students. One important consideration for international students studying abroad is student accommodation, which was a challenge for many years. We identified this gap and opened the first student accommodation in DIAC in October 2019. In Dubai and the UAE, the value chain begins with regulations. We continuously work to ease our regulations for institutions coming here. For example, Dubai Development Authority launched Earn While You Learn, which allows those on a student visa to work in TECOM Group companies. Next to DIAC is Dubai Outsource City, and companies there want students who can work a few hours a day or week. It is all about building something that will work and is sustainable. All these aspects are important; it is not just a matter of building buildings and telling institutions to come.

What are the priorities moving forward for DKP and DIAC?

One priority is to attract more students to Dubai and contribute to the UAE’s knowledge economy by creating a firstrate education system. In line with this commitment, we established the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation in Dubai Design District to develop a new generation of students that merge visual literacy with digital fluency and strategic acumen. We also want to discuss solar energy with universities and contribute to Dubai’s vision to become a hub for clean energy and green technology. Moreover, we want to attract universities to develop new programs and students. One of the most important aspects we are developing relates to vocational education. We have been speaking with vocational institutes from around the world to advance our offering and enable the UAE to set new benchmarks in learning and knowledge. ✖