Dubai Ranks Fifth Globally for Student Voice in QS Index

QS, the higher education analytics firm, has named four UAE cities among the world's best student destinations in its Best Student Cities 2027 index, with Dubai ranking fifth globally for Student Voice and Abu Dhabi recording the country's biggest overall rise.

Dubai placed 79th overall, ranking fifth worldwide for Student Voice and 23rd for Desirability, reflecting strong student feedback on the city's quality of life, safety and study experience.

Abu Dhabi climbed eight places to 72nd overall, marking the largest improvement among UAE cities. The capital also ranked 21st for Student Voice and 43rd for Desirability, rising more than 30 places in the latter category.

Elsewhere, Sharjah ranked 80th overall and placed 60th globally for its international student mix, while Al Ain came in 109th.

The results come as Dubai continues to pursue its Education 33 strategy, which aims to increase the proportion of international students in higher education from around 35% to 50% by 2033, while expanding the number of international university campuses in the emirate from 37 to more than 70.

The country's higher education sector has also continued to climb globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, Khalifa University became the first Emirati institution to enter the world's top 150, while the UAE now has six universities ranked among the global top 500—double the number recorded five years ago.