Families gather at Gulf News Edufair Dubai to explore university options for their children

Families turned out in strong numbers at the Gulf News Edufair over the weekend, using the opportunity to explore university options and courses for their children. While many were focused on finalising admissions for the upcoming September intake, others attended to gather information early and plan ahead for future enrolment.

Sisters Rehna and Ramya Divakaran were at Edufair with their children, who will be starting university in 2026 and 2027, to find out about courses in psychology.

“Our children are into arts and psychology, so we’re just trying to understand what’s out there – what the UAE campuses offer, if there are transfer programmes to international institutions, scholarships, or services that guide students to university admissions,” said Rehna.

“It’s a whole new world now compared to when we studied. We’ve got a year or two before our children start college, so this is the right time to plan, not just for our children, but for us as parents too,” added Ramya.

For many parents, the Edufair proved to be a real eye-opener, showcasing the wide range of degree and university options available in the UAE. Several were surprised to learn that local institutions offer programmes across diverse fields, from medicine and engineering to finance, business, and emerging tech. Many expressed relief at the possibility of their children staying and studying in a secure, familiar environment of the UAE without needing to travel abroad.

Kirti Vaidya brought her sister and nephew, who live in India, to Gulf News Edufair.

“My sister and her son, who is in Grade 11, are visiting us in Dubai. Instead of taking them to usual tourist attractions, I brought them at Edufair to explore some universities and courses, as my nephew is also looking at higher education options in the UAE after he graduates from school,” said Vaidya.

“It’s really impressive – the range of universities Edufair has gathered, and for us, it’s been a very helpful visit as we’ve collected plenty of information on universities here."

Maryann Saldanha was at Edufair with her mother, exploring master’s programmes in psychology.

“I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Middlesex University Dubai, and it was an incredible experience,” she told Gulf News.

“Now, I’m exploring options for a master’s degree that aligns more with my interests, particularly in clinical and abnormal psychology. At the moment, I’m mainly looking at universities in Dubai because staying here would be much more convenient, especially since we are based in the city.”

Meanwhile, Dini Avidiantey, who attended Edufair this morning with her family and friends, was exploring engineering programmes for her son, a Grade 10 student.

“My son wants to study mechanical engineering at a university in the UAE. That’s why we’re here to explore the kind of universities the UAE has for engineering courses,” she said.

With a strong presence of study abroad and immigration consultants, the Edufair also catered to families and students exploring international education options. In addition to traditional destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, visitors gathered details about emerging study hubs across Europe and Asia, broadening the scope of possibilities for students planning to study overseas.

Job Mathew and Mohammed Ridhwaan visited Edufair with their friends, all of them eagerly awaiting their CBSE Grade 12 results. While Job was exploring engineering programmes, particularly in mechatronics, Ridhwan was focused on medical courses.

“I am considering medical degree options both within the UAE and abroad, including Europe and the UK,” said Ridhwan.

Gulf News Edufair Dubai is happening this weekend, May 9–11, at The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road — just steps from the World Trade Center Metro Station.

Enjoy free valet parking and exclusive gift bags for all attendees. Explore 1,000+ programmes from over 40 top universities and educational institutions, discover global study opportunities, meet career experts, attend seminars by 30+ thought leaders, and unlock exclusive offers and spot admissions — only at Edufair.

Register now: https://events.gulfnews.com/GulfNewsEdufair