The Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) expects many universities to set up campuses after the new visa policy goes into effect later this year, according to an article in The Khaleej Times.

Mohammad Abdullah, managing director of DIAC and the Dubai Knowledge Park, said that the new policy would allow UAE industry--specifically Dubai--to accommodate an influx of students and universities, in addition to an increased capacity to retain top students. 

Currently, there's only a one-year visa status for students. The new visa policy will allow a five-year residency visa for all students, a 10-year visa for academically exceptional students, and a post-graduation extension for those who live as their parents' dependents in the UAE.

The goal? Helping students get jobs after graduating. 

Abdullah said, "I know there are other centers in the UAE, but today, with the volume we have in terms of universities and students numbers (26,000) at DIAC, it has become a destination and a hub for higher education. With that sort of pace and with the support of this new visa policy, it will attract a lot of foreign investments in higher education. Without these policies, we managed to attract a high volume of students, but with it, it will only increase." 

He added, "The most important thing for us is not just the volume, but, also the quality - so we're being selective in picking the type of universities and the type of study they offer. The number will increase, as there will be more interest from universities that want to set up here."

The policy is set to take effect by the end of the year.

Learn more about studying in the UAE.