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The higher education sector has been receiving serious attention from both the public and private sectors ever since the diversified economy of the country started offering good job
opportunities. |
All sectors of the economy have been relying on professionals imported from other countries to spearhead the development drive happening in the
country. |
It has been felt that a pro-active higher education sector could prepare youth from this part of the region to take up responsible positions in government
establishments, local companies and foreign firms in the country. |
In this regard, education has been given top priority in the UAE budget for the fiscal year 2009. The sector has been allocated 23 per cent of the total spending of Dhs. 42.2 billion. |
Moreover, there has been a great demand for higher education programmes from an increasing number of students. This has been due to better awareness about the benefits of higher education, rise in student in-take in public and private schools, the Emiratisation drive and the country's growing expatriate population. |
Of late, this surge in demand has resulted in existing higher education institutions increasing and upgrading their programmes and tying up with more foreign institutions. |
More and more foreign institutions are also setting up branches or campus extensions in the country to cater to this increase in demand. |
Students who are wishing to gain foreign exposure see this as an opportunity to take up courses abroad. In fact, summer placements and on-the-job training offered in foreign countries are also an added attraction for them. |
