The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly developing into an international hub for state-of-the-art research and innovation in diverse sectors. Are you a postgraduate student, and would you like to continue your studies in a modern environment where technological innovations are commonplace and budgets are generous? Do you want to obtain research grants in crucial fields like petroleum engineering, aerospace, robotics and renewable energy solutions? In that case, an excellent idea would be to look for a research-intensive university in the MENA region.
The Middle East is home to some of the most esteemed universities and postgraduate learning institutions in the world. Therefore, investments in research and technological developments have accelerated dramatically in recent years, with cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi now boasting one of the largest concentrations of international students outside of Western Europe and North America. Why should you be interested in a research center in Abu Dhabi? First, there are the technological advantages. Abu Dhabi is one of the most developed cities in the MENA region, has invested significantly in scientific research and infrastructure in recent years, and offers some of the most advantageous international scholarships to study in Asia.
Countless Prospects for Long-Term Development
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has invested heavily in developing and maintaining the necessary infrastructure for state-of-the-art research facilities. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are now home to dozens of world-renowned research laboratories and offer advantageous study conditions for both international students and UAE nationals. Abu Dhabi has a long-term economic diversification strategy that is expected to yield its first tangible results after 2030. The United Arab Emirates’ R&D expenditure reached 1.5% of GDP in 2021, an increase of 0.8% compared to 2014.
In contrast, neighboring countries, such as Qatar, have an annual R&D expenditure of 0.68%. The UAE is investing significantly in international talent acquisition, forging partnerships with leading global universities, and developing the infrastructure necessary for down-the-road technological breakthroughs. Will the country succeed in surpassing its goals? Time will tell. However, the results so far look promising.
How Is Student Life in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is an international economic hub and a melting pot of diverse and vastly different cultures that congregate and interact with one scope in mind; To achieve a better financial outlook and further their personal goals. Students are no exception. From Western Europe and East Asia to UAE nationals or other Middle-Eastern citizens, Abu Dhabi is home to one of the most diverse academic participants in the world. These students come together to foster inter-personal relationships, interact with acclaimed academicians, and gain access to laboratories and technological development centers acknowledged globally. Do you want access to such a research center in the MENA region? Then, you are in the right place.
Being home to some of the most recognized universities in the world, Abu Dhabi is known for the professional opportunities it offers to postgraduates and the networking that educational institutions share with private international firms and industry professionals. With a growing economy and being one of the world’s safest cities, Abu Dhabi is more than just a Middle Eastern Metropolis. Universities here offer extensive support to students; transportation to and from the campuses is assured; PhD students have the possibility of continuing their research within the universities they studied at, which additionally offer recreational opportunities.
What International Scholarships Can You Obtain?
Are you an international student wanting to deepen your educational journey at a university in the UAE? In that case, your academic success could be correlated with access to international scholarships. Do you want to pursue a Master’s degree at an educational institution accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation? If that’s the case, the eligibility for a scholarship will be determined once you apply to the selected postgraduate program. In the UAE, unlike other countries, most universities do not require submitting a separate scholarship application. Plus, the scholarship tiers are similar among institutions.
Tier one and two Master’s scholarships cover the full extent of the tuition fees and provide students with the necessary textbooks. Moreover, full-time pupils can be eligible for free accommodation on the university campuses and will benefit from medical insurance and coverage of visa application fees. Tier three scholarships waive 50% of the tuition fees, while tier four only covers the textbooks. Things are a bit different, however, for PhD scholarships, which can follow either a research or study path.
Tier one study path scholarships usually provide complete coverage of tuition fees and offer a monthly stipend. For tier two, however, the tuition fees are generally reduced by 75%, and the monthly stipend is halved. Are you eligible for a research path scholarship with a work commitment? Then, your monthly stipend for tier 1 scholarships could be five times greater than is the case with study path ones. Moreover, you might be eligible for an extra monthly allowance. Conditions can vary between universities. However, research path scholarships require you to work at the university for a duration equal to your study period.
The Future Looks Bright
The Middle East and North Africa region still cannot compare in terms of technological development with Europe or North America. However, it’s getting there. Cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai are home to some of Asia’s most esteemed educational institutions, and their strategic location has brought with it ample strategic opportunities in both the industrial and academic sectors.
The educational institutions in the UAE benefit from collaborations with internationally renowned universities, the opportunities for professional development after the completion of postgraduate studies are plentiful, and the standard of living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is exceptional. Plus, these cities offer some of the most generous international scholarships to study in Asia. Do you want to gain access to a MENA research center? Would you like to continue your studies in a professional environment that is removed from outside influences? To work with international academicians with experience in their field? If so, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to be.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
