Dubai is home to a number of international higher education institutions, with one in four students coming from abroad. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), international student enrolment in higher education increased by nearly 12% in 2023, bringing the total number of students in the country to over 30,000.
Imagine waking up in Dubai, where the sky is filled with skyscrapers and the streets buzz with people from all over the world. Not to mention, where every day feels like a new adventure. If you have ever dreamed of making friends from different countries and exploring new cultures, studying in Dubai can make your dream come true. Dubai offers more than just good education; it offers the experience of a lifetime.
As one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, Dubai serves as a gateway to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, contributing to its rapid economic development. With a population that exceeds three million, it is the most populous of the seven emirates in the UAE. Approximately 85% of its residents are non-Emiratis, with Indians constituting the largest group of expatriates.
This blog covers the importance of building your network across the city and how it can boost your professional growth. You will discover how connecting with classmates, joining clubs and attending exciting events can help you grow personally and professionally. With endless opportunities to meet new people and learn something new, Dubai really is the perfect place to start building your future.
Dubai is a buzzing, cosmopolitan city with students from more than 120 countries. That means every day, you may meet new friends, learn about different cultures and experience international student life in a truly global community. Universities and higher education institutions here are filled with modern facilities and offer job-ready courses for students. In other words, these programmes are designed to make students career-ready, acquire skills highly demanded in the market and lead the professional world with confidence.
Some of the key reasons to study in Dubai include its strong focus on safety, the availability of scholarships for international students and easy access to post-study work visas. Most importantly, Dubai offers tax-free income, making it an attractive destination for students planning their careers.
Additionally, networking increases confidence and broadens knowledge through ideas. The following are some examples of how networking plays an important role in the lives of international students:
Networking is not just about finding jobs; it is also about building authentic relationships with like-minded individuals. These connections often lead to lasting friendships and a strong support system that enriches international student life both personally and professionally.
Building a strong network is key to unlocking exciting career opportunities for students in Dubai’s diverse and dynamic environment. The following are some fun and easy ways to build your global network while studying:
1. Build global network in Dubai: Attend industry events:
This is one of the great ways to meet professionals, learn about the latest trends and make connections that could lead to exciting opportunities like internships or mentorships. These events bring together experts and students, giving you a chance to ask questions, share ideas and discover new career opportunities for students.
Dubai hosts lots of events where you can meet professionals from different fields. The table below contains some event ideas:
Events | Importance |
Najah Expo | Largest higher education fair in the UAE; connects students with universities from 20+ countries for academic and networking opportunities. |
World Green Economy Summit | Premier international platform for the green economy; brings together global leaders, policymakers and innovators to discuss sustainability. |
Dubai Game Expo Summit | Major hub for gaming industry professionals, investors and enthusiasts; showcases the latest technology and gaming trends. |
Expand North Star | Largest global startup and investor event; connects startups with investors and tech leaders for growth and collaboration. |
GITEX Global | World’s most influential technology event; features innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital transformation; ideal for technology professionals and students. |
These events and business conferences lay the foundation for students to explore the business world and are highly beneficial for networking. In addition, GBS Dubai regularly organises its own student conferences, events and workshops, giving students extra chances to grow their skills and network.
2. Join a student club:
There are clubs for sports, the arts, business, and more. Joining one of these is a great way to make friends and learn new skills. Remember, only attending business conferences is not enough; to grow your personality and develop yourself, you should also focus on participating in cultural events, the arts and other activities. These experiences broaden your horizons; help you feel more connected and eliminate homesickness. Student clubs and cultural festivals are great ways to discover new interests and make lifelong memories.
3. Stay active on social media:
Staying active on social media, especially on platforms such as LinkedIn, is a powerful way to build your professional network from day one. By following business influencers and industry leaders, you can learn from their experiences and stay updated with the latest trends and find career opportunities for students. Some business leaders to follow are:
Business influencers | Who is it for? |
Sundar Pichai | Aspiring technology leaders and those interested in innovation and global business. |
Sheryl Sandberg | Future businesswomen, marketing professionals and leadership enthusiasts. |
Elon Musk | Entrepreneurs, technology innovators and those interested in space and clean energy. |
Richard Branson | Budding entrepreneurs, adventurers and those who value creativity in business. |
Satya Nadella | Aspiring technology CEOs, software professionals and those focused on digital growth. |
Building a trusted online community allows you to share ideas, ask for advice and discover new opportunities as you grow in your career.
4. Connect with alumni:
Connecting with alumni is a valuable part of international student life, as they can share real-world advice and help you navigate your journey in Dubai. Often, alumni return to share their experiences and provide guidance to students, thereby providing them with important job tips and exciting career opportunities. Building these relationships helps you feel supported and inspired as you grow into a new environment.
5. Volunteer at events on free weekends:
Whenever possible, consider attending volunteering events, especially on weekends. This way, you can meet new people and gain valuable experience. It is a great opportunity to try something new and step out of your comfort zone. It is also an opportunity to connect with locals and learn about the localities. Additionally, you gain skills and make connections that may help you in your studies and career.
6. Attend cultural festivals:
Attending cultural festivals in Dubai is an exciting way to celebrate diversity and learn about traditions from around the world. These events will help you understand and appreciate different perspectives, which is essential in today’s global community and enriches your international student life. Joining in will not only enable you to make new friends but also enhance your confidence and broaden your horizons.
Dubai hosts a variety of cultural events including:
Events | Importance |
Eid Al Fitr | Marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrated with prayers, feasts, family gatherings and charity. |
Hijri New Year | Islamic New Year. A time for reflection, renewal and setting goals for the year ahead. Encourages cultural awareness and family traditions. |
Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif | Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, includes prayers, community gatherings, charity and sharing meals. |
UAE National Day | Commemorates the formation of the UAE. Features parades, fireworks and cultural performances. |
Al Gaffal Dhow Race | Traditional dhow sailing race celebrating Emirati maritime heritage. Promotes teamwork, tradition and community participation. |
Attending cultural events helps you experience the world, understand different traditions and become more open-minded. For students, especially in a global city like Dubai, it is a chance to make friends and feel more at home while away from their own country.
Dubai offers many exciting jobs for fresh graduates and experienced professionals. Some of the most sought-after fields today include AI and information technology (IT), accounting and finance, risk and security management, human resources, legal services, engineering, administrative support/data entry and social media and marketing. Many students pursue internships or part-time jobs while studying as well. They can apply for full-time jobs in major companies worldwide.
Studying in Dubai is a fantastic way to build a global network, discover new cultures and set yourself up for an amazing career.
With courses like the HND International in Business and the International Extended Diploma in IT, flexible study options, dedicated support and globally recognised qualifications, GBS Dubai stands as a preferable choice for students. Here you may gain the skills and network you need to succeed anywhere in the world. Whether you dream of launching a business, working in technology or joining a global company, studying in Dubai is your first step towards a successful future.
To Know more about GBS Dubai please connect with student support team.
Dubai is an exciting city where you will meet students and professionals from all around the world. It is full of exciting events, top universities and lots of opportunities to learn and grow.
You can join student clubs, attend cultural festivals or volunteer at events. Dubai’s community is extremely friendly and is always eager to welcome new members.
You can attend industry events, join student communities, stay active on social media (like LinkedIn) and connect with alumni from your school.
Networking helps you meet mentors, learn about job opportunities and get advice from professionals. It is a great way to prepare for your future career and enhance your international student life experience.
GBS Dubai offers courses such as the HND International in Business, HND in Digital Technologies, the International Extended Diploma in IT, HND in Construction Management and more. These courses help you build skills for a global career.
GBS Dubai offers a wide range of industry-focused education courses, designed to fit around your busy schedule.