The education landscape in the UAE is evolving at an unprecedented pace. As we continue to witness global shifts in higher education, technological advancements, and new opportunities for student engagement, understanding the future direction of this transformation is essential for institutions aiming to stay ahead of the curve.
In the latest edition of #illuminateByMeritto, we brought together two thought leaders—Dr. Dima Jamali, Vice President of University Advancement at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), and Shahbaz Siddiqui, Country Head of UAE at Meritto—to discuss the future for higher education in the UAE. Their combined expertise provided invaluable insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the region’s educational ecosystem.
The role of technology in shaping higher education
One of the most striking discussions revolved around the role of technology in shaping higher education in the UAE. Dr. Dima shared her thoughts on how Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has embraced innovative solutions within academic frameworks, administrative processes, and the entire student journey. Technology has allowed CUD to streamline operations, improve the student experience, and align itself with the fast-paced demands of the global job market.
Dr. Dima highlighted “Technology is the key transformational agent. It can truly help transform your organization if you capitalize on it properly, and it’s a game changer. At CUD, we have integrated various learning management systems and implemented a significant amount of blended learning, particularly in our professional training courses. We use various interactive tools, such as Mentimeter and Cohort, along with engaging case studies and simulations that make the learning process fun, interactive, and much more enjoyable. All of this is facilitated by technology, and CUD is leveraging this technology to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.”
Shahbaz, on the other hand, discussed how institutions in the UAE can harness data-driven technologies to enhance student recruitment processes, from the first inquiry to enrollment, and beyond. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology to deliver personalized communication and engagement with prospective students and streamline internal workflows, making them more efficient and aligned with the needs of students.
Addressing challenges in attracting a diverse student body
Both Dr. Dima and Shahbaz pointed out the increasing diversity in the student body of UAE universities. Dr. Dima discussed the unique challenges that institutions face in attracting and retaining students from varied cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. She also spoke about the importance of creating an inclusive environment that fosters student success and global readiness.
Dr. Dima shared that the key challenge in attracting a diverse student body lies in tailoring offerings to meet the different needs of students from all walks of life. Universities must not only consider academic excellence but also offer a holistic experience that nurtures student growth in a globalized context.
Shahbaz expanded on this by offering practical insights into how UAE universities can leverage technology to enhance student engagement and retention. He explained that the use of personalized communications, and automated tools can significantly improve student experience and, ultimately, retention rates.
The path to global partnerships and sustainability in education
Another compelling part of the discussion focused on the importance of sustainability and global partnerships in higher education. Dr. Dima, known for her work in sustainability and CSR, emphasized the growing need for educational institutions to align themselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She shared her experience founding the UN Global Compact Network Lebanon, and how CUD is integrating these principles into its educational offerings.
Preparing students for a globalized economy
As the world becomes more interconnected, universities must equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in a globalized economy. Both speakers stressed the importance of developing global partnerships, fostering cross-cultural experiences, and embracing technological advancements to prepare students for future leadership roles.
Dr. Dima believes, “The more students are exposed to global curricula and diverse fields within these curricula, the better prepared they are. More importantly, it is the skills nurtured within the curricula that truly matter. The skills of the future that students need to succeed in the job market include critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, and mastering technology.”
Shahbaz shared how Meritto’s technology-driven solutions are empowering universities in the UAE to prepare students for the interconnected world by enhancing global engagement and improving student recruitment processes.
Final thoughts and future directions
As the webinar came to a close, both Dr. Dima and Shahbaz shared their final thoughts on the future of higher education in the UAE. Dr. Dima emphasized that sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships will be the defining factors shaping the future of education in the UAE. She encouraged institutions to invest in these areas to ensure they remain relevant in an ever-changing world.
Shahbaz, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of staying ahead with technology and data-driven solutions to optimize student recruitment and engagement. He encouraged UAE institutions to embrace new technologies that provide a seamless, personalized experience for students, from inquiry to enrollment.
Conclusion
This webinar provided an enriching discussion on the future of higher education in the UAE, offering critical insights into how institutions can adapt to the rapid changes in the sector. From embracing technology to attracting a diverse student body and establishing global partnerships, the key takeaways are clear: innovation, sustainability, and global readiness will define the future of higher education in the UAE. The discussion shared by Dr. Dima and Shahbaz serves as a roadmap for universities striving to stay ahead and continue to drive excellence in education.
But all this requires a technology partner by your side. And that partner is Meritto. Discover how a centralized, purpose-built Meritto’s education CRM can empower your organization to build meaningful student connections, maximize conversions, and drive sustainable growth. Contact us today to learn more.
