GDRFA Dubai Launches ‘Elite Education Gateway 2025’ with Leading Global and Local Universities
Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has launched the Elite Education Gateway 2025 exhibition, bringing together top local and international universities to help students explore diverse academic opportunities and career paths.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), in the presence of Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, along with several senior officials and education leaders.
Among those attending were Brigadier Dr. Sultan Abdulhamid Al Jamal, Director of the Dubai Police Academy; Brigadier Dr. Bassem Hassan Al Naqbi, Deputy Director of the Officers College at Sharjah Police Science Academy; Butti Al Kindi, President of the Canadian University Dubai; and Isobel Abulhoul, Founder and Board Member of the Emirates Literature Foundation.
Held at GDRFA Dubai’s headquarters, the exhibition runs from 9am to 3pm, serving as a platform for students to meet representatives from 20 local and 8 international universities ranked among the world’s top 200. More than 200 global academic programmes are being showcased this year.
Empowering Youth Through Education
Lieutenant General Al Marri said the event reflects GDRFA Dubai’s ongoing commitment to education and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development.
“We take pride in being part of initiatives that enable Emirati youth to shape their academic and professional paths with awareness and ambition,” he said. “Investing in minds is the most valuable investment in the future of Dubai and the UAE.”
The exhibition includes an International Admissions Corner offering advisory services for students planning to study abroad, alongside academic and career guidance sessions, language and assessment workshops, and one-on-one counselling.
Students can also benefit from tuition discounts, part-time job opportunities, on-the-spot IELTS registration, and preparatory training courses.
Building a Knowledge-Based Future
Aisha Miran highlighted the importance of collaboration among Dubai’s government entities in empowering future generations.
“We are pleased to collaborate with GDRFA Dubai on this distinguished initiative, which enhances students’ awareness and opens doors to global learning opportunities,” she said. “Building a creative human being begins with empowering them through knowledge, access to quality education, and academic and career guidance.”
She added that the initiative aligns with the Dubai 2033 Plan and the Dubai Education Strategy 2033, which focus on preparing a generation capable of contributing to the emirate’s economic and social development.
Celebrating Excellence in Education
This year’s event also features the second edition of the Scientific Research Award and the “Inspiring Teacher” initiative, which recognises outstanding educators with certificates of appreciation.
The Elite Education Gateway 2025 is part of GDRFA Dubai’s broader efforts to support the education ecosystem and empower youth, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a city that values knowledge, innovation, and excellence.