UAE Nationals flock to UK for higher education

According to the latest figures from the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency, over 3,000 students from the UAE studied in the UK at the undergraduate or graduate level during the 2006/7 academic year, of which 40% were UAE Nationals.

The UK's high teaching standards and rich cultural life attract youth from around the world, with UAE students gaining an international perspective and diverse overseas travel experience from Britain's vibrant culture, bustling urban life, and thriving arts scene.

To continue to build bridges and promote cultural awareness among youth around the globe, VisitBritain has partnered with the British Council for the launch of 'Brit-Uncovered', an online resource centre aimed at promoting British education and culture.

"The 'Brit-Uncovered' portal has been developed to help young people get a clearer insight of the UK and creates an exciting and familiar platform from which they can learn more about the country and its unique culture,"

says Tim Carnley, Education UK Promotion Manager UAE.

As the GCC boasts one of the youngest populations in the world, the youth market is a key demographic in VisitBritain's Middle East tourism strategy, with many young students becoming loyal visitors, according to the tourism agency.

"We have found that the majority of UAE nationals who have studied in the UK end up becoming lifelong visitors and ambassadors, returning frequently and sharing British culture with their family and friends,"

says Carol Maddison, Marketing Manager of Visit Britain UAE.

VisitBritain recently commissioned research in the Middle East on British culture, which revealed that young people in the UAE have relatively limited perceptions of the UK. As a result, the agency has been active in promoting cultural awareness and exchange among youth in the country.