Gulf News Edufair at 10: How it helps UAE students make the right career move

Choosing the right degree or career path has become increasingly complex. As industry demands change and new fields continue to emerge across technology, business and sustainability, students today face more options, and greater uncertainty, than ever before.

This is where the 10th edition of Gulf News Edufair steps in. Featuring over 35 universities and higher-education service providers, the event brings together more than 1,500 degree options from the UAE and abroad, alongside career guidance, counselling sessions, expert seminars and interactive experiences, helping students assess choices with greater clarity.

Taking place from May 8 to 10 at The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, Edufair offers a platform to explore undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, professional certifications and upskilling pathways. Whether the focus is science and engineering, business studies, liberal arts or specialised qualifications, the event is designed to align academic choices with long-term career goals.

As interest in interdisciplinary learning grows, institutions are placing greater emphasis on programmes that reflect current industry needs.

Degrees in demand

At SP Jain School of Global Management, visitors can explore a range of globally focused undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Data Science, Master of Global Business, Global MBA, Master of Management, and specialised offerings such as the Master of Artificial Intelligence in Business.

Highlighting current student preferences, Dr Arindam Banerjee, Professor (Finance) and Programme Director, Master of Applied Finance & Wealth Management at SP Jain, says, “We are seeing strong student interest in programmes that combine business, technology, and analytics, particularly as AI and digital transformation reshape industries worldwide,”

Similarly, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) will present programmes aligned with market demand, with a focus on both innovation and employability. Alongside core disciplines, the university is also introducing new approaches to skill development.

Prof. Khalid Hussain, Provost, AURAK, says, “This year, we are showcasing key programmes in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Engineering, Biotechnology, Business Administration, and more, areas of strong and growing student demand. We will also highlight our micro-credentials initiative, integrating industry certifications to our programmes to ensure graduates are career ready,”

Professional qualifications form another key component of Edufair. ACCA, a globally recognised accountancy organisation, will present flexible pathways that prepare learners for international careers in finance and business.

“It’s a particularly exciting time as we share our forthcoming qualification redesign, which has an increased focus on digital capability, sustainability, and strategic business leadership. These developments reflect strong student demand for qualifications that are locally relevant while maintaining international recognition and mobility,” says Tariro Masukume, Education Relationships Lead, ACCA Middle East & Eurasia.

Global study choices

Alongside local education options, Edufair also places a strong spotlight on studying abroad, an increasingly popular choice among UAE students. With international universities, study abroad consultants and immigration experts participating, the event offers guidance across each stage of the overseas education journey.

Y-Axis, a leading immigration and study abroad consultancy and Platinum Sponsor of Edufair, will highlight destinations that combine academic strength with post-study opportunities.

Sharing insights into global trends, Clint Khan, Director, Y-Axis, says, “We are directing our focus towards destinations that strike the ideal balance between academic prestige and strong post-graduation opportunities. Our top destinations this year are the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and the United States, and each of these markets has something distinct to offer,”

Explaining the appeal of these destinations, Khan says, “The UK’s Graduate Route visa gives students up to two years to work after completing their degree, which is a game-changer for career-focused students. Canada stands out because of its unmatched pathway from study permit to permanent residency. Australia has reinforced its post-study work rights, making it very attractive again. Germany is a hidden gem, with near-zero tuition fees at public universities combined with a skills-hungry job market making it one of the smartest choices a student can make today. At Y-Axis, we help students look beyond the degree and plan the full journey.”

For exhibitors, the event is not just about showcasing programmes; it is also a chance to engage directly with students and parents, understand their priorities and offer tailored guidance.

Masukume says, “With students exploring an expanding range of options, engaging directly with students and parents enables us to emphasise the importance of future-ready skills and demonstrate how ACCA equips learners for evolving roles across accounting, finance, business, and leadership,”

Prof. Hussain from AURAK adds that such interactions are equally valuable for institutions. “It’s an opportunity to build trust, understand aspirations, and highlight the strong career outcomes and industry relevance of our graduates. At the same time, it gives us valuable insight into evolving expectations, helping us better serve students seeking high-quality, globally recognised education in the UAE.”

Dr Banerjee from SP Jain also stresses the importance of direct engagement.

“Edufair provides an excellent opportunity for us to engage directly with students and parents, understand their aspirations, and highlight how SP Jain’s globally recognised programmes and industry-relevant curriculum prepare graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving, AI-driven global economy,”

Edufair is completely free to attend – all you need to do is to register in advance.

Partners & Exhibitors

Y-Axis is Platinum Sponsor of Edufair, ACCA is Knowledge Partner and Phoenix Financial Training is Financial Training Partner.

Some of our confirmed exhibitors are Amity University Dubai, AURAK, Canadian University Dubai, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, Demont Institute of Management & Technology, De Montfort University Dubai, Gulf Medical University, Heriot Watt Dubai, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, PWC Academy, SP Jain School of Global Mangement, Symbiosis International University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai, University of Dubai, and University of West London.