Top 5 Universities in Dubai and its Ranking, Scholarships, Programs

Dubai is home to some of the best universities in the region, offering world-class education and a diverse learning environment. In this article, we’ll provide key higher education information to help students — especially Pakistanis —make smarter decisions about their future, specifically the top 5 universities in Dubai.

This includes various aspects, including their locations, programs, rankings, leadership, scholarships, and contact information. Whether interested in business, engineering, IT, or media, this guide consolidates all the information you need in one easy-to-access place. With proper research, we have made it feasible for you to go through the institutions’ admission offices and official websites to explore the most suitable educational options in Dubai.

1. American University in Dubai (AUD)

• Location: Dubai, UAE (urban campus near Sheikh Zayed Road).
• Established: 1995.
• Programs: AUD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Media Studies, and Liberal Arts. It additionally has specialized programs in Media Production and Journalism.
• Specialized Areas: Focusing on American-style education, AUD promotes experiential learning through internships, cooperative courses, and strong industry connectivity. According to QS World University Rankings5, it ranks #15 in the UAE and #601 globally.
• International Students: AUD has a rich diversity, with students from over 100 different nationalities, including Pakistani students. It has scholarships, including the International Students Merit Scholarship for academically excellent students, covering up to 50% of the student’s tuition fees.
• Leadership: AUD is presided over by Dr. Lance E. de Masi, who has been a driving figure in AUD’s academic excellence and international standing.
• Contact:

• • Website: https://www.aud.edu/
  • Email: info@aud.edu
  • Phone: +971 4 318 3000

2. University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)

• Location: Dubai Knowledge Park.
• Established: 1993.
• Courses Offered: UOWD offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, engineering, IT, humanities, and health sciences. It has an industry-aligned curriculum and produces high-quality research.
• UniRank Ranked—UOWD also aims to advance the country’s academic quality. It is ranked 10th and 101st in UAE and worldwide, respectively. It is known for its education system based on the Australian curriculum, innovation, and employability.
• International Students: UOWD accepts international students (including those from Pakistan) and provides the Academic Excellence Scholarship (15–50% tuition fee reduction) and the Sports Scholarship (25% tuition fee reduction).
• Leadership: Professor Mohamed Salem leads the university, prioritizing increasing student success and forging global partnerships.
• Contact:

• • Website: https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/
  • Email: enquiries@uowdubai.ac.ae
  • Phone: +971 4 278 1800

3. Zayed University

• Location: Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses.
• Established: 1998.
• Programs Offered: Business, Education, Arts, Social Sciences, and Technological Innovation Zayed University. It is especially known for its concentration on women’s leadership and empowerment.
• Specialization: QS World University Rankings place Zayed University at No. 19 in the UAE and No. 701 globally, highlighting an institution committed to cultural diversity, sustainability, and the community.
• Students with International Background: The university accepts international students of all nations, including Pak, and presents the Zayed University Scholarship to a greater extent of 50 percent tuition expense, depending on academic performance and leadership potential.
• Management: The institution is under the leadership of Professor Riyadh AlMehaideb, who has played a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence and innovation.
• Contact:

• • Website: https://www.zu.ac.ae/
  • Email: admission@zu.ac.ae
  • Phone: +971 2 599 3600

4. Middlesex University Dubai

• Location: Dubai Knowledge Park.
• Established: 2005.
• Programs Offered: Middlesex University Dubai offers programs in Business, Law, IT, Psychology, and Media. It is known for its British education system and international accreditation.
• The QS World University Rankings placed Middlesex University Dubai at #21 in the UAE and #801 in the world. Its specialization is practical learning and global employability.
• International Students: The university also provides an International Merit Scholarship (which waives tuition fees between 25% and 50%) and a Sports Excellence Scholarship for international students, including Pakistanis.
• Leadership: Professor Cedwyn Fernandes leads the campus, with student success and industry partnerships as key focuses.
• Contact:

• • Website: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/
  • Email: enquiries@mdx.ac.ae
  • Phone: +971 4 367 8100

5. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

• Location: Dubai Knowledge Park.
• Established: 2005.
• Programs Offered: Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers programs in Business, Engineering, Energy, and Construction. It is known for its UK-based education system and strong research and innovation focus.
• Specialization: According to QS World University Rankings, the university is ranked #12 in the UAE and #61 in the Arab region. It is recognized for its industry-focused curriculum and global partnerships.
• International Students: Heriot-Watt Dubai offers scholarships for international students, including Pakistanis, such as the High Flyer Scholarship (25–50% tuition fee waiver) and the Family Scholarship (10% tuition fee waiver).
• Leadership: The campus is led by Professor Ammar Kaka, who focuses on academic excellence and student employability.
• Contact:

• • Website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/dubai/
  • Email: dubai@hw.ac.uk
  • Phone: +971 4 435 8700

Summary

Dubai’s top universities offer diverse programs, scholarships for international students, and a multicultural learning environment. These institutions are well-regarded globally and provide excellent opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue higher education in fields like Business, Engineering, IT, and Media. For more details, visit their official websites or contact their admissions offices directly.

Read more: 10 Best Universities in Sharjah