Dubai College of Tourism opens global pathways in UK for its students

Dubai: Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has signed a landmark academic partnership with the UK’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), enabling DCT graduates to progress directly into the third year of select ENU bachelor’s degree programmes.

The collaboration offers an accelerated path to internationally recognised qualifications in hospitality, tourism, events, and business management either on campus in Scotland or online. It marks a major step forward in advancing the goals of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 to build a future-ready, multicultural workforce.

Under the agreement, graduates of DCT’s Advanced Diploma programmes can apply for Year 3 entry into degrees such as:

BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management

BA (Hons) International Tourism Management

BA (Hons) International Festival & Event Management

BA Business Management (Online Top-Up) – with a pathway to Year 4 on-campus study in the UK

Tuition discount

To support accessibility, the partnership includes a 10% tuition discount for DCT graduates pursuing further study with ENU.

Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of DCT and CEO of the Economic Strategy Sector at DET, said: “This partnership with Edinburgh Napier University reflects our strategic commitment to building lasting international academic collaborations that provide our students with a world-class, globally aligned education. Advancing the ambitious goals of the D33 Agenda to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure, this alliance directly supports the city’s vision of cultivating a workforce of exceptional talent, driving innovation and service excellence across the industry.” 

Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland’s top modern university and accredited by AACSB, is globally recognised for its industry-focused programmes. With 98% of postgraduates employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation, ENU offers strong career outcomes for international students.

Pauline Gordon, Deputy Head of International (Partnerships), The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University, said: "This exciting partnership with DCT allows us to combine our expertise and expand access to world-class degree programmes delivered in Edinburgh, online, and internationally. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of students from Dubai to our international hospitality, tourism, event, and business management programmes.”