By Keziah Mariam Suresh
International partnerships are becoming central to how UAE universities create globally relevant, industry-aligned learning
Dubai, Jan 30, 2026: In an era defined by global mobility, digital connectivity and rapidly evolving industry demands, higher education institutions are recognising that knowledge cannot thrive in isolation. Instead, it grows through collaboration across borders, disciplines and cultures. Across the UAE, universities are responding to this reality by forging purposeful global alliances that strengthen teaching quality, deepen research capacity and ensure graduates are prepared for a world that is both competitive and interconnected.
Global partnership initiatives
At Middlesex University Dubai, global partnerships are shaped by the city’s identity as a crossroads for international business, innovation and talent, and by a clear institutional commitment to professional relevance. Professor Mohammad Meraj, Deputy Director of Academic Professional Services and Quality explains that the university has built “a robust network of strategic partnerships with global and regional universities; professional, statutory and regulatory bodies; research organisations; centres of excellence; and industry leaders.”
Many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Middlesex University Dubai are accredited or recognised by leading professional bodies, ensuring that academic learning is aligned with international professional standards. Beyond formal accreditation, these partnerships translate into co-developed curricula, industry-led training, applied research projects and professional certifications offered alongside academic degrees. The result is an education model that balances academic rigour with workplace relevance, enabling students to move confidently across international labour markets. As Prof Meraj notes, embedding global standards into the student experience ensures programmes remain “academically rigorous, industry-aligned and relevant to the needs of a globally connected workforce.”
