- ASIA EDUCATION REVIEW - AUGUST 20239Welcoming Policy ChangesOver the years, UAE and Dubai in specific has developed into a higher education hub in the GCC region. And this growth is shown in the value of the UAE education market which stood at USD 5.2 billion in 2019. The segment is estimated to grow 8.3 percent annually as well. As of now, Dubai has 34 international HEIs offering 600 programs to their students. The impressive stat here is that, one in four students in these institutions is from outside the country. There are plethora of facets making Dubai and UAE as a whole an appealing study destination for international students. Last year, the UAE government did say that they are aiming to give longer term residence visas to foreign students doing their studies in the country. After this, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai also said that foreign students can bring their relatives into the country. This has the potential to be a game changer as it makes UAE not only an appealing higher education destination for international students but it also motivates them to settle down in the country. Importance of English Taught ProgramsEnglish is the universal language and knowing it will open a new world of opportunities for students. And as GCC countries were reforming their education structure to a western one, a key component of this transformation was the change from Arabic to English as a medium of instruction (EMI). This was one of the primary facets educators as well as policy makers focused on to not only increase the scope of higher education but to also internationalize it. And by offering more programs in English, students from GCC countries will be able to improve their mastery over the language which can increase their stock in the global labor market. Many HEIs in the region are now hiring foreign English language training (ELT) experts to formulate ELT education policies including writing and designing new textbooks as well as other study materials. That said, while prioritizing on English as a medium of instruction, many GCC countries have faced challenges to successfully implement this in their HEIs without adversely impacting the importance given to the Arabic language. Saudi Arabia through their vision 2030 aims to strengthen and preserve national identity in order to guide the lives of future generations. At the same time, a major emphasis is also given to social development and upholding the Arabic language. And it is important that GCC counties find the right balance between improving the Arabic language while at the same time introducing new English taught programs in their HEIs.Even though, internationalization has been embraced in GCC higher education reforms, there are still some rough edges that need polishing before it can reach its true potential. But as countries in the region take further steps to develop into international higher education hubs, policy makers in the region sees internationalization of higher education as a great opportunity to propel GCC countries into one the leading economies and knowledge power houses of the twenty-first century. And not only will internationalization help GCC countries to nurture skilled talent but it will also open new alleyways for development and innovation opportunities in the region. EREven though, internationalization has been embraced in GCC higher education reforms, there are still some rough edges that need polishing before it can reach its true potentialER
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