Emirates and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on a number of strategic initiatives aimed at supporting Dubai’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a global destination for higher education, attract more international students, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning.
The new partnership reflects growing integration between the education and aviation sectors in Dubai by making it easier for international students to reach the emirate and by using Emirates’ global network to connect Dubai with key international markets from which educational institutions attract students.
Supporting the Dubai Education Strategy 2033
The memorandum of understanding supports the objectives of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 through a range of initiatives focused on making access to Dubai easier for students, strengthening the emirate’s international connections, and promoting the “Student City” initiative, which forms part of Dubai’s education strategy.
The areas of cooperation also include supporting the “Study in Dubai” program and promoting it across key global markets, helping more students learn about the wide range of educational opportunities available in the emirate and across its higher education institutions.
The memorandum was signed on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, and Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
Dedicated Travel Benefits for Students in Dubai
Under the memorandum of understanding, Emirates will develop travel programs offering a range of benefits and facilities for students enrolled at private higher education institutions overseen by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
These benefits will include student-specific fares, additional baggage allowances, and greater flexibility when booking flights to and from Dubai across the Emirates network, helping make travel more convenient throughout students’ academic journeys.
The benefits will also extend to academic and teaching staff, who will be able to take advantage of travel privileges offered through the Emirates Academic Program.
The airline will also provide dedicated travel support for students participating in the Hamdan bin Mohammed Academic Scholarship Program, helping facilitate their educational journeys and study-related travel.
Promoting Dubai as a Global Study Destination
The partnership will also see Emirates participate in international student recruitment tours and global events organized by the “Study in Dubai” program.
The airline will join these efforts alongside the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and TECOM Group, helping promote Dubai across key markets served by the Emirates network.
These efforts are focused on highlighting the educational opportunities and diverse academic options available in Dubai while strengthening the emirate’s international profile as an attractive, future-focused global education destination.
Emirates’ Network Connects Students with Dubai
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said: “Our network of nearly 140 destinations gives us extensive reach to connect with more students around the world, link them and their families with Dubai throughout the year, and make their frequent journeys easier throughout their academic journey.”
Emirates’ extensive network provides an important advantage in improving access to Dubai for international students, particularly as it spans nearly 140 destinations, supporting the movement of students and their families between the emirate and cities around the world.
This broad network also strengthens Dubai’s ability to reach new markets and connect international students with educational institutions in the emirate in a more convenient and consistent way.
Attracting Global Talent to Dubai
Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, said: “Attracting and retaining global talent is one of the key pillars of the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 and a central element in strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness and consolidating its position as a global destination for higher education. Our partnership with Emirates supports this direction by expanding access to Dubai and connecting it more effectively with key markets that are major sources of international students.”
The partnership is aligned with Dubai’s efforts to attract more talent and students from around the world and to support its higher education ecosystem through partnerships that help create a more integrated student experience, beginning with easier access to the emirate and continuing throughout the academic journey.
The move also strengthens Dubai’s position in the international education sector as the emirate continues to develop an educational environment capable of attracting students, academic institutions, and talent from a wide range of global markets.
Additional Partnership to Support Global Education Travel
As part of its wider efforts to support the global education travel ecosystem, Emirates has also signed a memorandum of understanding with ICEF, the international organization specializing in improving quality and standards in international student recruitment.
Under the agreement, Emirates will become a preferred global partner for education travel, reflecting the airline’s expanding role in serving students and educational institutions while strengthening connections between international markets.
