heriot-watt
University Dubai
heriot-watt
uNIVERSITY dubai
dubai, united arab emirates
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus is a satellite campus of Heriot-Watt University based in Scotland, United Kingdom. Established in 2005, it was the first campus of an overseas university to open in Dubai International Academic City. After 180 years’ provision of world-renowned education in the UK, Heriot-Watt was invited to Dubai to provide specialised programmes in the fields of management, engineering, built environment, food science and fashion. With a history dating back to 1821, we have a long tradition of excellence and a proven track record in educating, inspiring and challenging the professionals of tomorrow. We are one of the top UK universities for business and industry and have an established reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research. We have been consistently ranked as a top provider of higher education across a number of key university ratings and rankings. From our research performance to student satisfaction, graduate employability and the quality of our teaching, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus’ status as a world-class university has been confirmed by several independent bodies. |

- Heriot-Watt University, Dubai
- Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD & Research
- Established 2005
- 3,500 Total Enrolment
- January, April, June, September 2021

departments of study
- Accounting and Finance
- Architecture
- Brewing and Distilling
- Building, Planning and Urban Design
- Business Administration and Management
- Construction Management and Surveying
- Energy and Renewables
- Engineering
- Fashion and Textiles
- Human Resource Management and Law
- Logistics and Operations Management
- Management and Languages
- Marine, Environment and Climate Change
- Mathematical and Computer Science
- Psychology
- Real Estate
Awards & Recognition
- Heriot-Watt is valued for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 35th in the UK and 8th in Scotland for Overall Satisfaction (2019 UK National Student Survey) and in the top 10 in the UK and first in Scotland for research impact (REF 2014). We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real-world challenges for the benefit of society.
- Since its establishment, Heriot-Watt University Dubai has won several laurels. In 2019, it was named one of Dubai's top universities and awarded five stars in the first ever quality rankings undertaken by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the supreme educational quality assurance and regulatory authority of the Government of Dubai. The rating system, developed in conjunction with QS, evaluates universities on eight quality indicators: Teaching, Employability, Research, Internationalisation, Facilities, Overall Programme Strength, Well-being, Social Responsibility and Inclusiveness. Heriot-Watt University was one of just three Universities to be awarded five stars.
- In 2019, the campus was crowned the 'Best University' at the first ever Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards. Held in Dubai, the awards recognise and celebrate the region's finest higher education institutes based on votes from students, teachers and the businesses that work with them.
University highlights
- Specialising in built environment, computer science, engineering, fashion, and management, Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers degree programmes that are relevant to the UAE employment market, as well as the wider economies of the Middle East. Our programmes are taught by almost one hundred permanent Heriot-Watt academic staff and most are accredited by the same professional bodies as the degrees we offer in the UK.
- Dubai attracts top internationally accredited universities and it is an exciting gateway for students who are looking for breakthrough opportunities. The region boasts a thriving economy with specialisms needed for several industry sectors. Higher education in Dubai fully equips students to specialise in their chosen industry. The University offers a comprehensive environment in which you can study effectively, make lasting friendships, and enjoy everything that one of the world’s greatest cities has to offer.
- Belong to a diverse, inclusive and international community working together across boundaries and cultures. As a pioneer in education and innovative research for nearly 200 years, a Heriot-Watt education is informed by the needs of international business and industry. Our research has had a profound impact on the global challenges faced by society.
- From addressing water resource management and its impact on climate change, and pioneering advances in cell biology with the potential to tackle diabetes, to ground-breaking work in conversational artificial intelligence, our research makes a real difference in the real world. It informs our teaching and gives our students the opportunity to be at the forefront of their chosen field for the benefit of industry, wider society and, of course, their own professional progression.
- In joining us you will become an integral part of that community, where we inspire curiosity to learn and find solutions that transform lives. You will be part of a truly global university, with around 27,000 students, five campuses and over 100 learning partners worldwide. You will join scholars who are leaders in ideas and solutions, delivering innovation, educational excellence and ground-breaking research.
Course highlights
- Heriot-Watt Dubai offers an extensive range of programmes and disciplines, spanning from postgraduate to undergraduate courses. The disciplines are challenging and diverse, such as Petroleum Engineering, Construction Project Management, Management, Energy, Information Technology, and the world-renowned Edinburgh Business School MBA, to undergraduate degrees in Management, Construction, Quantity Surveying and Engineering. At the Dubai campus, the degree will be taught and examined at the same standard as our UK campuses and most of our programmes are professionally accredited.
- With strong links to industry and business, we pride ourselves in our top-quality British education. Our degrees are also accredited and approved by Royal Charter in the UK.
- Our programmes include the option to transfer and undertake part of your degree at our home campus in Scotland. Heriot-Watt graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide, and our 77,000 alumni working in key positions around the globe are testament to our success.
- We also offer students a supportive campus environment where they can lead their student life to the full, make lasting friendships and enjoy everything that one of the world’s greatest cities has to offer. We have a range of support services with friendly, approachable staff that are there to listen and provide you with the advice, support and information you need. Guaranteed tuition fee packages and opportunities for scholarships are also available to ensure you can make the most of your time with us.
- Over 96% of Queen’s graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation; our graduates are dominating senior leadership positions in 80 of Northern Ireland's top 100 companies, and making a difference in over 120 countries.


Location & campus
- In 2019, Heriot-Watt signed a 10-year lease for a brand-new 218,000 sq. ft campus in Dubai Knowledge Park, thereby building on its commitment to deliver high quality education and research in Dubai. Staff and students will move to the new campus in January 2021 – the same year Heriot-Watt celebrates its founding bicentenary.
- This move marks a historic milestone for the University and ensures students will enjoy the benefits of an enriched learning experience and outstanding graduate outcomes for many years to come. The move is a key part of delivering Heriot-Watt’s ambitious six-year strategy for the University and demonstrates our commitment to the region and growth plans for the future.
- The modern campus is set to enhance further the student experience with a digitally enabled learning environment supporting the delivery of the University’s portfolio of programmes including in Data Science, Computing and AI, business, accounting and finance, psychology, architecture and design, construction and engineering. It will include a dedicated student hub, a central student services centre, enhanced library and social learning spaces, as well as the wide range of digitally enhanced classrooms, seminar rooms, studios, and laboratories.
- The University’s in-house recording studios will also allow the creation of digital materials for a more engaging and interactive learning experience.
- Dubai Knowledge Park is adjacent to Dubai Media City as well as Dubai Internet City and holds more than 500 businesses and has established itself as a centre of excellence for higher education and professional development. The new business and enterprise locale will generate increased opportunities for students to engage directly with business and industry, providing graduates with unique learning experiences.
location and campus
- Dubai is one of the most sophisticated, futuristic, connected and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Its residents come from more than 180 different countries and 105 different nationalities study with us at our Dubai campus.
- Dubai is a booming tourist destination with an array of options for shopping, eating, socialising and entertainment. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, swimming, desert safaris, jet skiing, skydiving or theme parks, there will be something for you.
- Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world and the UAE is ranked the world’s 2nd safest country. Dubai is virtually crime-free as the Dubai police ensure maximum safety.
- Dubai is the modern art and design capital of the Middle East. It is home to the Dubai Opera, Dubai Design District and Burj Khalifa to name a few of the city’s most iconic infrastructures.
- Dubai is a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East and the wider world corporations, and holds many global business events.
- Dubai will soon host Expo 2020 with a large number of job openings. As a student in Dubai, opportunities exist for internships, and part-time work, as well as for full-time careers in a variety of professions.
- Dubai is an international knowledge hub giving students from around the world the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications. As the first British university to open in Dubai International Academic City, Heriot-Watt is at the heart of this mission.
- Dubai is a world transport hub connecting the east and west. Within the city it is easy to get around using the integrated public buses, water buses, trams, and metro system. Taxis are also plentiful and good value.
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