New phase begins in Dubai

With cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the new University of Birmingham Dubai campus will deliver a truly world-class physical and digital experience for students.

With innovative teaching and research spaces and the latest in digital technology, students at the University of Birmingham Dubai will enjoy a 21st century experience when the new campus opens.

Birmingham is the first of the top 100 universities in the world to establish a campus in this rapidly developing international education hub. The Dubai campus was built to extend educational excellence and equal opportunities to students in the Middle East and neighbouring countries.

The new building will provide an academic home for up to 2,900 students, a community for Birmingham alumni in the region and a hub for community outreach and engagement activities.

Designed in the shape of a crescent moon to recall the Aston Webb buildings in Birmingham, the bespoke facility visually fuses the history and stature of the Edgbaston campus with the heritage, tradition and beauty of Arabic culture and architecture.

Artist's impression of interior of new University of Birmingham Dubai campus

Inside, students will enjoy a learning environment with flexible study spaces ranging from large lecture theatres and laboratories through to smaller seminar and tutorial rooms, all with a 'digital first' approach to learning.

New programmes from across all five Colleges at the University have been introduced for the new academic year, including Masters degrees in Bioinformatics, Urban and Regional Planning and Financial Management.

Provost Professor David Sadler says: 'At a personal level, I am looking forward to seeing the architectural design of Aston Webb being echoed on the rear of the building, and the internal courtyard spaces in the atrium.

'It is a statement building in the region and it will be a special day when we welcome students there for the first time.'

The campus will be officially opened in 2022.

Do you live in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates? Stay in touch with the latest news from campus by emailing your contact details to the alumni office team.