Survey reveals more research will enhance UAE's economic development

Students receiving research-based education are given an in-depth approach to learning involving critical inquiry and expert analysis, enabling them to gain key skills needed for the current and future work environment.

The survey, conducted in key institutions and events including Getex 2009, Ministry of Education, Zayed University, and Knowledge Village, received over 2,000 respondents - 50% in mid-career job levels and 35% holding higher-level degrees.

"Research-based higher education is an effective way to get an in-depth understanding of a certain sector, and also utilize skills that are crucial for economic and social development. At BUiD, we are an accredited local university that puts a strong emphasis on research. Through our expert faculty and international affiliations, our aim is to make leaders out of our students and offer them the highest standards in higher education,"

said Martin Prince, Registrar, The British University in Dubai.

The majority of respondents believe that research-based education is critical in Education and Business sectors (19 and 16% respectively), followed by Medicine & Health and the Social Sciences (15% and 13% respectively).

"The survey results show that students and professionals alike are looking to further develop key research skills that can be applied to all business sectors. Individuals who carry such research-related skills and practices will benefit not only in their future career paths, but also in their contribution to Dubai's knowledge economy and the nation's wider society." Prince added.

BUiD's programmes encourage students to act as researchers by undertaking original and credible investigations as the basis of their final dissertation or thesis under the supervision of a personal tutor. This may be scientific, documentary, ethnographic or action-research always involving critical analysis of data, strong theoretical foundations and evidence-based conclusions.

While taught modules of BUiD's programmes give students a strong theoretical understanding, assignments and dissertations help them to apply and deploy different research skills and methodologies to the real world. This produces a genuine transfer of knowledge and expertise under the guidance of faculty members who combine deep learning and experience in their discipline.

The survey reinforces the importance of academic research as a crucial driver for innovation and progress. National and regional development requires a foundation of theoretical understanding and the testing of basic knowledge so that it can be constructively applied to the problems of the present and the challenges of the future.

Staff and students from all universities but particularly from The British University in Dubai are well placed to disseminate best practice in higher education research, thereby providing a sound evidence base for the advancement of Dubai, the UAE and the wider Gulf region.