Enrollment in entrepreneurship courses in the UAE has seen a significant increase, with universities reporting a 25-30 percent rise over the past five years. Academicians attribute this surge to a shift in focus from creating job seekers to job creators. Several universities now require students to complete a minimum number of entrepreneurship courses as part of their general education curriculum.
Dr. Dima Jamali, VP of Academic Affairs at Canadian University Dubai, noted an unprecedented interest in entrepreneurship among students, leading to the development of a new, advanced entrepreneurship program. This program, launching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizes collaboration with industry leaders and focuses on sustainable business practices and innovation.
Amity University Dubai has also witnessed a similar trend, with a 25-30 percent rise in entrepreneurship-related programs. The university supports students from various disciplines to incubate their ideas and offers specialized courses like 'incubation and entrepreneurship'. They also provide legal support to help students establish companies.
Gulf Medical University fosters entrepreneurship across its six colleges, offering comprehensive support for students and alumni looking to start or reform businesses in the pharmacy sector. Similarly, Daffodil International University Ras Al Khaimah, set to open in 2024, will focus on entrepreneurship and real estate management to foster innovation and academic excellence.
The rise in courses like real estate and tourism reflects the UAE's economic needs, aiming to address the shortage of qualified talent in these areas. Educational leaders emphasize the importance of developing local talent to contribute to the UAE and GCC economies. The UAE government supports this initiative through programs like the Entrepreneurship Challenge, which awards innovative ideas with substantial funding.
