Dubai Partners With KHDA To Boost Global Learning Hub

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) and Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), part of TECOM Group PJSC, have signed a strategic partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The agreement aims to strengthen Dubai’s higher education sector and enhance its reputation as a global hub for learning and innovation.

Signing Ceremony At Knowledge Assembly

The partnership was formalised during ‘The Knowledge Assembly’ event, hosted by KHDA along with DIAC and DKP, part of TECOM Group’s Education Cluster. The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Aisha Miran, KHDA Director General, and Abdulla Belhoul, CEO of TECOM Group. The agreement was officially signed by Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at KHDA, and Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of DIAC and DKP.

Dubai’s Global Ambition

Dr Saeed Kharbash highlighted that Dubai’s goal to become a global hub for knowledge and innovation depends on strong collaboration within the higher education ecosystem. He added that the partnership with DIAC and DKP, and the launch of the Higher Education Leadership Network, are key steps toward achieving this vision.

Collaboration To Drive Progress

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi stressed that collaboration is essential to accelerate progress and enrich the higher education sector. He noted that the partnership with KHDA will foster initiatives such as the Higher Education Leadership Network, which ensures Dubai’s education offerings remain aligned with the evolving needs of industries and the global economy.

Key Focus Areas

Under the agreement, DIAC and DKP will work with KHDA to attract international universities and vocational institutions. They will also promote Dubai as a global student destination through programs like Study Dubai. In addition, the partnership will focus on policy coordination to support research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the higher education sector.

Improving Student Experiences

The collaboration will aim to enhance student experiences in Dubai’s universities and academic districts. By working closely with KHDA, DIAC and DKP will ensure students have access to high-quality education, modern facilities, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Launch Of Higher Education Leadership Network

A key initiative under this partnership is the Higher Education Leadership Network. The network will act as a sector-wide platform for senior leaders from academia, industry, and government. Its goal is to strategically align higher education with Dubai’s broader vision for sustainable development and economic growth, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Education 33 (E33) strategies.

Supporting Research And Innovation

The partnership will also emphasize research and innovation in higher education. By coordinating policies and fostering collaboration between universities and industries, Dubai aims to strengthen its role as a center for knowledge creation. Initiatives under this framework will encourage entrepreneurship and applied research to meet regional and global challenges.

Participation Of Leading Institutions

The launch event included speakers from Dubai Health, University of Birmingham Dubai, University of Wollongong, and in5, TECOM Group’s entrepreneurship incubator. DIAC and DKP host leading universities and institutions, promoting collaboration through workshops, events, and joint initiatives.

TECOM Group’s Education Cluster

DIAC and DKP are part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of 10 business districts, which also includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Design District (d3). The Education Cluster aims to attract global institutions, support innovation, and position Dubai as a leading destination for international students.

Through this partnership, Dubai aims to strengthen its higher education sector, enhance student experiences, and foster global collaboration. The focus on strategic alignment, research, and leadership networks ensures that Dubai’s education system continues to grow sustainably and meets the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy.