HIGHLIGHTS
Your Ultimate Guide to Living in An Academic City Dubai
Dubai International Academic City, also known as Academic City or DIAC, is situated on the southern outskirts of Dubai. It was formally introduced by TECOM Group in 2007. This outstanding project came to fruition in 2012 as a means of promoting intellectual development and meeting the demands of the diverse academic community. This started after Dubai Knowledge Park (formerly known as Knowledge Village) was successfully developed in the Al Sufouh neighbourhood. Similar in purpose and goals, Dubai Knowledge Park’s educational centre has been a venue for several professional learning and corporate training organisations. On the other hand, Academic City seeks to give colleges, universities, and schools a typical foundation. The largest free zone in the world devoted exclusively to educational institutions is DIAC.
Dubai Academic City has grown into a sizable, energetic community supporting several renowned academic partners worldwide. It is regarded as one of the most incredible places for students in Dubai and is conveniently situated along the Dubai-Al Ain Road.
In A Nutshell
- The best place to go for higher education in Dubai
- Home to about 28 international universities
- Accepts foreign investment
- Hosts several career fairs every year
- Living expenses are comparatively small in comparison to other regions
- One of the most common options for students looking to rent flats in Dubai
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Overview of The Community
By creating a community with all of the main universities in Dubai Academic City together and reasonably priced housing inside its boundaries, Dubai has made life easy for students. Students can now choose a pleasant location close to their enrolled university in DIAC, eliminating the need to drive from all over the city to their educational institutions. Along with reasonably priced housing, the hostels offer some community amenities that are easily accessible by foot, which helps residents save money. Additionally, Empower provides district cooling services to the International Academic City of Dubai.
Students can live a balanced existence in one of the world’s most popular cities with the DIAC community. This community offers academic students a peaceful haven with affordable apartments and a wealth of nearby facilities. Students can concentrate on their work and handle their money with ease. Additionally, individuals who work long hours might take advantage of the chance to save money by taking infrequent breaks and going all out on the weekends.
Of the 129 million square feet (about 12 square kilometres) of infrastructure in this construction, 20 million square feet are set aside exclusively for schools and universities. The northeastern portion of the larger Dubai Academic City is partially occupied by Dubai International Academic City, or DIAC, a free zone sector that has been given an additional 8 million square feet. Under the DCCA (Dubai Creative Clusters Authority), it is one of Dubai’s free zone regions.
Educational Free Trade Zone
The largest educational free trade zone in the world devoted to international higher education, DIAC serves over 27,000 students from around 150 different countries. This indicates that all of the schools and Dubai Academic City universities in this industry are owned and operated by foreigners. By 2010, it was home to over 23% of the Gulf region’s universities and nearly 53% of the UAE’s higher education institutions.
Dubai International Academy City, one of the top 10 global free zones in the Middle East, offers more than 500 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In addition to the academic campuses, Academic City features a 3 million square foot space set aside for research and development facilities. These include the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, a green government agency.
Properties in Academic City
Academic City, composed of commercial enterprises and a significant number of government-based educational institutions, claims the highest concentration of international campuses in the world. The property also features off-campus and on-campus housing to provide professionals and students with a well-rounded experience.
In Academic City, residences are usually constructed as compounds. The spacious open-roofed entrance hall features encircling corridors with wall-to-wall units. These apartments, which have high ceilings and wide living areas, resemble libraries and have a wonderfully light and airy vibe. Additionally, kitchens with marble countertops and granite flooring add stability to the design.
Additionally, some apartments have balconies where students can set up a study area while viewing the tranquilly-designed parks around these complexes.
Also, every student gets services such as security services and security parking for 24 hours a day. There are many facilities and services like restaurants, shops, café, mini parks, schools, colleges etc, inside the residential zones. These apartments also provide easy access to commercial buildings and public transportation.
Rental Trends in Academic City
AED 33,000 is the average rental price for a studio apartment in Academic City, according to rental trends.
Popular Academic City Complexes
Academic City is home to several well-known residential complexes that serve professionals and students, mainly because of its close proximity to educational institutions. These complexes frequently offer reasonably priced living options, such as shared apartments and studios, along with the necessities for comfortable living.
Academic City Parking Space and Transportation
There are four roads in Academic City Dubai: Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66), Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54), Manama Street (D67), and Emirates Road (E611). The aforementioned highways provide a reasonable distance from Academic City to most of the city.
Academic City offers both indoor and outdoor parking. Most campuses can accommodate more than 1,000 cars.
Academic City’s Public Transportation
Academic City has numerous public transportation connections. It’s convenient to hail a cab or take an RTA bus. Every campus has at least one bus stop close by. RTA Bus 365 travels the Academic City route, stopping at important locations such as International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Al Rashidiya Metro Station.
Schools, Healthcare, and Amenities
In addition to a variety of educational institutions, the facilities include food and beverage establishments, medical centres, and a nursery for daycare, as well as other services, including beauty parlours, vehicle rentals, a travel agency, and a driving school.
1. Academic City Supermarkets
Circle K, a well-known convenience shop, is located near the major road on the Zayed University campus. Other options along the roadways in Dubai and Al Ain, like Thomsun Supermarket and West Zone Supermarket, are also available. On the other hand, Academic City’s backside is home to a number of retail establishments that stock a wide range of products for both locals and visitors.
These supermarkets in Academic City include another Circle K store, All Day Minimart DIAC, and All Day Shopping. Greens Supermarket and All Day Minimart have additional locations in Dubai Outsource City.
Zoom, another well-known convenience store, is situated next to the ENOC gas station on Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street. For big purchases, Choitrams and Spinneys, located in the nearby town of Dubai Silicon Oasis, are the best options.
2. Mosques, Churches, and Temples in Academic City
Oud Mehta, which is close to Academic City, has several churches. It takes less than twenty minutes to get to Oud Mehta’s Coptic Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral.
Twenty minutes away are the Hindu temples and Sikh gurudwaras in Bur Dubai. Here, worshippers can discover the Sikh Gurudwara, the Sindhi Gurdarbar, the Shiva Temple, Shree Krishna Haveli, and the ShrinathJi Temple.
In Academic City, a mosque is located within the Dubai Men’s College complex. Apart from that, the closest facilities for Muslims are the Al Waha Masjid in the nearby Dubai Silicon Oasis complex and the EPPCO Petrol Station Masjid.
Schools in Academic City
Toddlers International, British Orchard Nursery, and Fantasy Town Nursery and Play Lounge in Dubai Silicon Oasis are preschool education centres near Academy City.
Prominent Schools, Nurseries, and Daycare Facilities in Academic City
The renowned Blossom Nurseries in Dubai is located in the area. It is easily found on Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, D54, in block 2. The institute also provides transportation for young children. Additionally, it takes six minutes to drive to Little Fingers Daycare Centre and Play Area.
There is a wide range of excellent international schools in Academic City consisting of:
- Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou
- German International School Dubai
The French National curriculum is taught at the non-profit Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou. This coeducational institution has relations with the French consulate and offers its pupils scholarships for higher education in France. Since its founding in 2013, the school has expanded significantly, beginning with a tiny elementary department on Oud Metha. It currently has an “Outstanding” KHDA rating.
German International School Dubai follows the German syllabus and is partnered with the German Ministry of Education. Established in 2008 in Dubai, this school was given an “Outstanding” status by the KHDA a little over nine years later, in the 2014 academic year. It accepts students at any point during the academic year, from foundation grades to grade 13.
Another school local to Dubai that also offers British syllabuses is the Dubai English Speaking College. There are a few other good schools in the surrounding areas, like Dubailand and Silicon Oasis. Some of the most recognised schools are the Aquila School, Repton School Dubai, GEMS Wellington Academy, and many more.
Leading Universities and Colleges
Here is a list of foreign institutions and colleges in Academic City that have put together:
- American University in the Emirates
- The British University in Dubai Academic City
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai
- Amity University
- Szabist University
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Dubai English Speaking College
University of Heriot Watt, University of Birmingham Dubai – two options in this educational heart for those seeking British universities in Dubai. When it comes to other Australian universities in Dubai, it would be rather to mention Curtin University and Murdoch University Dubai.
Regional or Government-Based Institutions
Higher education is available at several regional or government-based institutions in the United Arab Emirates, such as:
- Zayed University
- Al Ghurair University
- University of Dubai
- Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU)
- Emirates Aviation University
- Dubai Men’s College
- Emirates Institute of Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS)
- Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Islamic Institute
One of the top local colleges in the region is the University of Dubai, which offers recognised degrees in business management, IT, and law. It is regarded as one of Dubai’s best engineering colleges and universities. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs in Electrical Engineering, BBA, MBA, LLM, and PhD, all of which provide an international-standard education.
One of the biggest complexes in the construction is the Zayed University campus, which is next to one of Academic City’s entrances. It is built on 100,000 square meters of covered space and can accommodate 4,000 students. The administration building, conference centre, dining facility, library building, academic building, and gymnasium building are among the six interconnected structures that make up the award-winning Zayed University complex.
The institute is significant for students searching for the best interior design courses in Dubai. Applying to the undergraduate Fine Arts program and choosing interior design as your major is easy.
Birla University
Birla University of Technology and Science is one of the top universities in Dubai, giving international students a far better chance to succeed academically. It is a global division of the Indian Institute BITS, which specialises in engineering and technology education. Undergraduate programs for BBA, BE, and research are available to students, as are postgraduate programs for MBA, ME, and PhD. Every year, more than 1500 students from more than 20 different countries attend Birla University of Technology and Science.
Murdoch University
Murdoch University is among Academic City’s best universities. This international campus, a rising wing of the well-regarded Australian institution, gives students from different countries the opportunity to create a future in global society. Murdoch University is a large campus delivering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, journalism, computer sciences, and elementary mathematics, among others. Other facility services available on the campus are a computer laboratory, a library, a movie studio and an editing bay, respectively, for the student’s convenience.
4. Hospitals and Clinics Close to The Academic City
Every campus in Dubai International Academic City has a medical facility. Nonetheless, Dubai Silicon Oasis has several medical facilities that are only a short drive away. Magnum Gulf Medical Center, Aster Clinic, Farha Clinics Children Center, and Medicure Polyclinic are among the clinics and hospitals close to Academic City. The nearest medical facility to the Academic City neighbourhood is Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Nearby Areas
The free zone of Dubai Outsource City (DOC), which was established alongside Dubai International Academic City, is located on the northeastern edge of Academic City. Numerous outsourcing firms have set up their offices and call centres in the DOC cluster of mixed-use and commercial buildings.
Another free zone urban development that borders Academic City’s northwest is Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). It is home to several notable building complexes, including Axis Residence, Silicon Gates, Le Solarium, and The Apricot.
The lively mixed-use neighbourhood of International City is ten minutes away, a little further along Manama Street.
LIFESTYLE
Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
1. The Academic City’s Malls
The Souq Extra, which is close to the gate of Dubai Silicon Oasis, provides the closest mall-like experience for residents in Academic City. A quick bus journey and a 2-minute drive will get you there. Soon to come in the same neighbourhood, the three-story Avenue Mall will be the ideal shopping destination for residents of Academic City.
One of the shopping centres close to Academic City is Dubai Outlet Mall, which is only approximately 7 kilometres away or an 8-minute drive. Forbes lists it as one of Dubai’s best retail centres.
Giuseppe Zanetti, Galeries Lafayette L’outlet, Burberry, Mango, Vero Moda, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s Strauss, an Aldo store, Nike, Charles and Keith, Rivoli, Pandora, and many more well-known international brands can be found here.
Dragon Mart, situated in International City and accessible from Academic City in 15 minutes by car, is well-known for its extensive selection of Chinese goods and reasonable prices. If you’re looking for inexpensive electronics and hardware, this is one of the greatest malls to visit.
2. Restaurants in Academic City
The Academic City food court, tucked away in the DIAC complex, offers a variety of dining alternatives. Rivas Restaurant, Bombay Chowpatty, Kaake K Manousha, and Fuel Up are some of the eateries in Academic City. Additionally, there is a dessert shop named Chocoberries and a pastry shop called French Bakery in the DIAC food court.
Every campus has at least one coffee shop. Costa Coffee is located on the campuses of Emirates Aviation University and American University in the Emirates. Filli Café is located in the Academic City food court. The well-known Starbucks coffee chain is also in the Zayed University complex.
While Popeyes fans may satisfy their demands for fried chicken at the Heriot-Watt University-based chain, Subway fans can visit its location on the campus of Dubai Men’s College.
Residents of Academic City can also visit Dubai Silicon Oasis, which is next door and offers other options, including Oregano, Tomato and Basilico Restaurant, Sumo Sushi and Bento, and Copper Kettle Restaurant.
3. The Academic City’s Beaches
Commuting to coastal areas like Jumeirah Beach would take commuters 26 minutes because Academic City is an interior development of Dubai. It’s around 28 kilometres from this beach near Academic City. La Mer Beach, Marina Beach, Pine Beach, and Kite Beach are within a half-hour drive away, among many other possibilities.
Jumeirah 1, one of the most popular beachside locations for food and entertainment, is home to La Mer Beach. The expansive beach is home to numerous licensed dining establishments, waterparks, and public movie theatres.
In addition to the tropical atmosphere, La Mer offers creative elements like colourful boards and wooden barrels that are ideal for Instagram photos. Along with other amenities like spas and restaurants, guests are welcome to swim until sunset or soak up some vitamin D on the loungers. Adventure seekers will love the variety of water sports available here, including the ability to rent cabanas and loungers. Paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, and water biking are among the water sports available at La Mer Beach.
Notable Landmarks and Leisure Activities
Although Academic City is situated in a primarily desert area, Al Habtoor Polo and Resort Club, which is located off the Emirates Road to its west, and Al Warsan’s Desert Palm Polo Club are also in this area. Both of these locations are ideal for local sports enthusiasts.
Those who enjoy the outdoors can visit the Academic City bird-watching location, which is close to Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. Within a seven-minute driving radius, one may explore several parks in the surrounding areas, such as Central Park, Joury’s Park, Silicon Park, and Triangular Park.
Outside Activities, Beauty, and Fitness
Academic City offers a wide range of educational resources. Among the facilities are the Crystal Sports Tennis Academy, Dubai Water Polo Club, Elevation Fitness at Amity University, and Zayed University Gym.
Numerous off-site health and exercise facilities, including Fitt High-Performance Centre, DuGym Rhythmic Gymnastics, Body Time, Alfa Gravity, and Nitro Gym, are located near this property.
The number of salons in the area is astounding. Las Meninans Beauty, Lorita Beauty Lounge, 1981 Gents Salon, and Artista Men Salon in Dubailand are a few of these. Sheba Beauty Lounge, Stella Beauty Salon, Sakura Nail Spa, and Black and Brown Gents Salon are among the establishments in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Events in the Community
Academic City hosts several business or educational events every year, including workshops, competitions, career fairs, and creativity festivals. These events help students stay abreast of local and global demands while providing them with fascinating exposure to various sectors.
In 2018, an aviation career workshop was held in the Al Ghurair University Auditorium in Academic City. In 2017, a research seminar titled “Smart Thinking for Smart Learning: Learning and Knowledge Technologies to Support Research” was held on the campus of Heriot-Watt University.
The Zayed University Convention Centre is another well-liked location for community activities in Academic City. This convention centre hosts a variety of events and has many modern amenities, including an electronically controlled stage floor.
Things to Consider
There are many educational alternatives available in Academic City; however, there aren’t many housing possibilities. A potential tenant may have few options because many of the available accommodations will likely be taken during the busiest admission season.
Location
- It takes 15 minutes to go to the Dragon Mart in International City
- The distance to Dubai International Airport is about 18 minutes
- It takes 20 minutes to go straight to Downtown Dubai
FAQS
How many universities are in Academic City Dubai?
There are about 27 universities in the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). The universities are either registered with the free zone or are situated on the DIAC property.
Which metro station is closest to Academic City?
The nearest Dubai Academic City Metro Station is Rashidiya Metro Station.
How big is the Academic City of Dubai?
The Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is a free zone covering 18 million square feet, and the entire DIAC community spans 129 million square feet.
What bus number goes to Academic City?
Bus lines 365, 366, and X25 go to Dubai Academic City.