International Opportunities

The Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) is shaping out to be the essential crown jewel in the international educational arena. With globalization at its peak, yet with absolutely no sign of the trend waning, organizations, institutions, governments and people are looking overseas for profitable collaboration, key competency development and outsourcing opportunities. The DKV boasts a breathtaking one kilometer picturesque campus that provides a dynamic environment prepared for a variety of knowledge-based entities including training centers and learning support entities.

The Hult International Business School is just one example of the dozens of international organizations making move to Dubai. Hult currently operates three other branches in Boston, Shanghai and London. With four branches fully established by September 2008, students will be given the freedom of rotating to each location, gaining insight into the world's major economies in the process. This will also allow the Hult brand to gain international recognition.

One key idea that Hult has adopted and which is fundamental to the success of the educational free zone philosophy is, that regardless of which of the four locations students choose to study, they will receive a fully accredited education which is completely identical to that offered at the main site (Boston). They now offer a one-year MBA course which gives graduate students the valuable opportunity to study in all locations within one accelerated year. I know that I will personally be researching this opportunity, as I would like to study at all of these locations.

This path is not just being pursued by top international universities, but corporations as well. Corporations seeking international growth are beginning to look at Dubai as their first, if not largest investment abroad.

While Dubai is, of course, seeking expansion within practically every industry, local government is attempting to attract certain companies and institutions that target specific industries. The Dubai media industry and proposed Dubai Media City will bring dozens of corporations which will base their Middle East broadcasting in the booming city. CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters, BBC World, APTN, Middle East Broadcasting Center, Geo TV, CNBC, Showtime Arabia, Ten Sports among others will feature state of the art campuses within the next two years. Of course, visa and operational procedures are relaxed for firms operating within the Media City, as with every other tax-free industry-focused development area.

Of course, Abu Dhabi will not be overdone by its seemingly rival neighbor. The Abu Dhabi education council announced plans for a similar Knowledge Vilage in 2005. NYU will finish construction of the first American liberal arts branch campus abroad in 2010.