Zayed University Marks Historic Growth as New Student Intake Surges by More Than 32% for 2026–2027

• 3,790 new students join Zayed University, marking a significant expansion of its student community across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Growing student community strengthens Zayed University’s contribution to the UAE’s future workforce and focus on career-ready education

Dubai – UAE, 6 September 2026: Zayed University welcomed 3,790 new students for the 2026–27 academic year, representing an increase of more than 32 per cent from the previous year, signalling significant growth in the University’s student community and expanding its contribution to the UAE’s future workforce.

The intake includes 2,358 students at the Abu Dhabi Campus and 1,432 students at the Dubai Campus, marking a significant expansion of the University’s position within the UAE’s higher education landscape and increases the scale of its contribution to the country’s future workforce. As its student community grows, the University is placing greater emphasis on the connection between academic study and professional readiness, preparing more graduates to build future-ready careers in an economy increasingly shaped by technology.

The incoming students will join the University’s seven colleges: the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, College of Business, College of Communication and Media Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Natural and Health Sciences, and College of Technological Innovation.

Prof. Kevin Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zayed University, said, “The scale of this year’s cohort reflects Zayed University’s growing reach and the responsibility we carry to provide each student with a clear path through university and towards professional life. From the outset, students should have access to the guidance that enables them to take ownership of their education and make informed decisions about their future.

“Our educational approach responds to a world in which technology is continually reshaping how people live and work. By helping students apply what they learn, Zayed University is contributing to the UAE Centennial 2071 ambition of developing a world-class education system that equips future generations to lead the country’s next stage of development.”

As part of welcoming the new cohort of students, Zayed University held Ya Hala, a structured orientation event across both campuses, where students were introduced to the University’s support network and met the First Year Student Ambassadors who will guide them throughout the first year.

As the new academic year begins, Zayed University enters its next phase of development with a clear focus on the quality of the student experience and the long-term contribution of its graduates to the UAE.