Partnership will offer travel benefits to international students and support Study Dubai recruitment efforts.

Dubai, UAE: Emirates and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global destination for higher education, international students and lifelong learning.

The partnership aligns with Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy, with a focus on improving student accessibility, strengthening international connectivity and promoting the City of Students initiative and Study Dubai programme in international markets.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA.

Under the agreement, Emirates will develop travel programmes offering students at KHDA-regulated private higher education institutions specially tailored fares, additional baggage and greater flexibility when travelling to and from Dubai and across the Emirates network. Faculty and teaching staff will also have access to travel benefits through the Emirates Academic Programme.

Emirates will provide dedicated travel support for students enrolled in the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme.

The airline will also participate in Study Dubai student recruitment missions and international activation events alongside KHDA, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and TECOM Group. The initiatives will promote Dubai as a study destination in key markets served by Emirates. The two organisations will also share insights on international student travel flows and collaborate on marketing Dubai’s higher education opportunities.

Adnan Kazim said the partnership would support Dubai’s efforts to attract students through its global connectivity and education offering. Emirates currently connects Dubai with close to 140 destinations, providing access for students and their families throughout their studies.

Dr Wafi Dawood said attracting and retaining global talent is central to the E33 strategy. He said the partnership would improve accessibility and connectivity for students while extending the reach of Study Dubai into international markets.

Dubai targets 50% international higher education enrolment

Education is a key component of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), delivered through the Education 33 strategy. Under the City of Students initiative, E33 aims to raise the proportion of international students in Dubai’s higher education institutions to 50% by 2033.

The strategy also aims to position Dubai among the world’s top 10 student cities and increase education tourism tenfold.

Emirates signs separate partnership with ICEF

Emirates has also signed an MoU with the International Consultants for Exhibitions and Fairs (ICEF), making the airline its preferred carrier for education travel.

ICEF operates across more than 100 countries, connecting accredited education agencies with institutions through events, training programmes and market intelligence platforms.

Under the partnership, Emirates and ICEF will develop travel propositions for ICEF-accredited agencies and their student customers. They will also explore booking support and account management for ICEF member organisations.

The partnership includes co-branded campaigns aimed at international students and education professionals, as well as Emirates’ participation at ICEF events in Berlin, Dubai and the US.

Emirates will also participate in ICEF Academy programmes for education agents, share insights on student travel and destination trends, and contribute to ICEF conferences through speaking and industry partnership opportunities.

Together, the two partnerships are intended to strengthen Dubai’s role as an international education hub and a connecting point for students travelling between their home countries and campuses.