UOWD poised to leverage A-UAE CEPA for growth

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) started out as the Institute of Australian Studies in 1993 with 8 students.

In the 3 decades since, UOWD has evolved into the University of Wollongong’s largest international campus and a cornerstone of Dubai’s higher education landscape. More than 5,000 students from over 135 nationalities study at its purpose-built campus in Dubai Knowledge Park. UOW’s alumni community—now exceeding 15,500—extends across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

The upcoming Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) promises to open more opportunities for Australian institutions like UOWD to broaden their presence and contribution to the region.

‘CEPA is a welcome framework for enhancing the education sector’s contribution to bilateral relations,’ says Professor Mohamed-Vall M. Salem Zein, UOWD’s President. ‘It is expected to foster greater collaboration in areas such as research, innovation and academic exchange.

‘CEPA creates a more integrated, less fragmented environment for institutions like UOWD to continue growing and contributing meaningfully to both countries’ priorities.’

Opening access to world-class education in the Emirates

When UOW’s governing council was considering an international campus in the early 1990s, no foreign university had established a presence in the Emirates.

Dubai’s leadership, however, had articulated an ambitious vision to create a knowledge-based economy. Leaders were keen to broaden access to world-class education for residents who could not easily travel abroad, especially working professionals and women with family responsibilities.

‘UOW recognised an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Dubai’s nation-building agenda while exercising the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our institution,’ says Prof. Zein.

‘By offering Australian degrees locally, we could help equip the UAE’s emerging workforce with globally portable qualifications, support social mobility and participate directly in the Gulf’s wider transformation.’

Dual-recognition courses with employability in mind

UOWD offers 45 undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs, including Business, Engineering and Information Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Health. The programs are guided by Australian academic standards and fully licensed by the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

‘A significant proportion of our students relocate to Dubai specifically to enrol with UOWD,’ says Prof. Zein. ‘This underscores both the city’s appeal as a global study destination and the confidence placed in Australian-accredited education delivered locally.’

UOWD places students and their future employability at the centre of program development. A prime example is the Master of Quality Management. The program was launched in response to the UAE’s drive for excellence in public-sector performance. To date, it has graduated more than 1,200 professionals, many of whom now hold senior government posts.

‘Across the portfolio, 85% of our graduates secure employment within 6 months,’ says Prof. Zein. ‘This is testament to our industry-aligned curricula, robust career services and dual recognition by both Australia’s TEQSA and the UAE’s CAA.’

CEPA has the potential to encourage closer alignment between Australia’s AQF and TEQSA frameworks and the UAE’s CAA and EQF systems. Stakeholders from UAE and Australia work on recognition of the Australian qualifications, both tertiary and vocational education and training, in the UAE.

More than 5,000 students from over 135 nationalities study at the University of Wollongong Dubai’s campus in Dubai Knowledge Park.

Opportunities for transnational education

CEPA has come at an opportune moment. Dubai’s D33 economic agenda aims to double GDP and cement the city’s role as a global hub for the digital and green economies. This creates fertile ground for further growth in transnational education.

The UAE’s geographic position – within an 8-hour flight of nearly 5 billion people – makes it an accessible study destination for learners from Africa, South Asia and the wider Middle East.

At the same time, evolving visa policies in certain study destinations are prompting students and their sponsors to consider high-quality options closer to home.

‘Institutions able to deliver flexible, credit-bearing micro-credentials that can be assembled into full degrees, embed meaningful industry experience and undertake research in areas such as AI, sustainability and health will find substantial opportunity,’ says Prof. Zein.

Advice for new entrants: think local, bring specialised expertise

The higher education landscape in the Middle East is mature and increasingly competitive. Prof. Zein advises new entrants to avoid generic offerings. Instead, they should focus on designing programs that are locally relevant and clearly aligned with the strengths of the Australian system.

‘Bringing a specialised expertise – whether in sustainability, digital transformation, health, or another key area – can set institutions apart,’ he says. ‘Engaging early with regulators, investing in student services tailored to this diverse region, and building partnerships with industry and government will also be essential for long-term success.’

Student and staff mobility between Australia and the UAE and/or its wider region play an important role in building a distinctive presence. CEPA may support this by enabling greater mobility for students, academics and researchers between the 2 countries.

Future plans

Prof. Zein. says UOWD will deepen its role in advancing the UAE’s knowledge economy. He says the institution will broaden its degree offerings, pursue research agendas that align with national priorities, and forge new partnerships that spark innovation and accelerate knowledge exchange across the region.

‘By remaining responsive to evolving workforce needs and policy directions, we aim to ensure that Dubai continues to benefit from—and contribute to—the best of Australian higher education and research,’ says Prof. Zein.

Austrade’s longstanding, collaborative support

Austrade has been a valued partner in UOWD’s journey from the beginning.

‘Their support has been instrumental in strengthening our profile within the UAE and helping us build relationships with government bodies, industry stakeholders, and academic networks,’ says Prof. Zein. ‘This has been a longstanding, collaborative relationship – one that has evolved alongside the growth of our university and the maturing of the transnational education sector in the region.’

Prof. Zein adds that Austrade’s ongoing efforts to promote Australian education has enhanced UOWD’s visibility, reinforced the reputation of the broader sector, and created opportunities for knowledge-sharing and partnerships.

‘We believe our success has also contributed to this shared narrative, supporting Australia’s broader engagement goals in the Gulf,’ he says.