Middle East gains popularity as international students eye UAE, Saudi Arabia

The Middle East is emerging as a major destination for international students, with the UAE leading regional interest, according to recent data on student search trends.

Between March and June 2025, searches for Middle Eastern study destinations jumped nearly 90%, with the UAE accounting for two-thirds of that increase.

Indian students appear to be driving much of this surge.

Separate analysis shows the UAE captured 59% of all MENA study-destination searches on key platforms this year, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.

The study also confirmed the significant regional growth compared with the previous year.

Policy changes in the UAE are helping to accelerate interest. On Aug 8, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research set an Aug 11 deadline for students to accept or decline offers for the Fall 2025-2026 term through its electronic portal.

The ministry highlighted that its digital system reduces application time to roughly 90 seconds, lowers required paperwork by 86%, and allows registration at 59 higher education institutions.

Local reports confirm that streamlined processes are making it easier for both domestic and international students.

Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Unify, said the Middle East is gaining traction as a global study hub because the region addresses modern student priorities.

“Trust, clarity of information, and demonstrable value now weigh heavily in decisions,” he explained.

Students and parents increasingly seek transparent costs, predictable timelines, and stronger links to employability outcomes.

The UAE’s offering aligns with these expectations. Its proximity to South Asia and broader Asia reduces travel time and costs.

A wide array of English-taught programs helps international students adapt quickly, and the emphasis on safety and student services appeals to families considering both undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Analysts cite these factors as key drivers of the UAE’s lead in the MENA region.

Capacity in the region is also expanding. Governments and education zones are attracting foreign universities, promoting transnational education, and creating new pathways.

ICEF Monitor reports a steady rise in branch campuses and international partnerships, with Dubai moving swiftly under its Education 33 strategy to increase international student enrollment and boost its profile as a top student city.

Saudi Arabia is likewise opening doors to more foreign institutions and targeted scholarships as part of its human-capital goals.

Yet the UAE has moved faster in developing international campuses, offering students options in fields linked to regional priorities such as energy, logistics, fintech, AI, and sustainability.

Experts say the Middle East could become the fastest-growing study region through 2026 if interest converts into actual enrollments, reshaping traditional student destinations and setting new standards for digital admissions and employability.

Families increasingly ask practical questions: how quickly they will receive offers, costs, and internship opportunities. The region is providing clear answers.

Recruiters and policy teams will monitor three areas in the coming months: whether the summer search spike converts to enrollments for spring and fall 2026, how digital admissions reforms expand across institutions, and the pace of new partnerships that enhance academic quality and career pathways.

Early signals suggest the momentum will continue, with rising interest from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.

If trends hold, the Middle East could capture a growing share of international students through 2026.