Latest news with #L.E.K.Consulting
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's higher education sector sees 20% enrolment growth
Dubai is rapidly solidifying its position as a premier global hub for higher education, underpinned by strong growth in student enrolment and a significant increase in the inflow of international students. These insights were highlighted during an exclusive, high-level briefing, hosted by L.E.K. Consulting's Global Education Practice in Dubai, which convened senior stakeholders, policymakers, and higher education leaders to discuss Dubai's accelerating transformation into a world-class higher education destination. The event featured key perspectives from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). According to L.E.K. Consulting's research and analysis, Dubai presents 'one of the most compelling growth markets globally for higher education,' driven by key factors, including a growing high school student base, increasing demand for transnational education, the presence of globally recognised university brands, student-friendly infrastructure, and strong post-study employment pathways. Latest figures from the KHDA highlight this strong growth momentum across the sector. More than 42,000 students are now enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions in the emirate that are licensed and regulated by the KHDA — with a 20 per cent increase in overall student enrolment in the 2024-25 academic year. International student enrolment has surged by 29 per cent compared to the previous year, now representing 35 per cent of total enrollments in Dubai's higher education institutions, which are licensed by the KHDA. Meanwhile, Emirati participation in international universities has also grown by 22 per cent, underscoring Dubai's dual appeal to both domestic and global learners. Four new international institutions opened in the current academic year alone. The strong growth supports KHDA's Education 33 strategy, and specifically its City of Students initiative, which aims to raise international student enrolment to 50 per cent by 2033, transforming Dubai into a world-leading destination for quality higher education. 'Dubai's continued growth as a global hub for higher education is testament to our leadership's vision and the ambitious goals of the Dubai Plan 33 and its social and economic agendas and driven by our Education 33 strategy,' said Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. 'We are creating new opportunities for transnational education, strengthening Dubai's position as a city where learners, educators, and institutions from around the world can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Through E33, we are building a future where Dubai is not only a destination for quality education, but a centre of knowledge, innovation, and opportunity.' As the demand for transnational education, upskilling, and reskilling intensifies, Dubai's blend of strategic policy, global connectivity, and education quality continues to position it as a top-tier alternative to traditional study destinations. 'With a growing pool of graduates from our wonderful array of international schools in the city, Dubai presents a significant opportunity for international universities to meet the evolving needs of both local and international students,' said Ashwin Assomull, partner and head of the Global Education Practice at L.E.K. Consulting. 'Amid increasing regulatory restrictions in traditional anglophone markets, Dubai's world-class higher education infrastructure, global connectivity, favourable cost structure, and reputation for safety present unparalleled opportunities for students, operators, and investors to capitalise on this transformative growth.' The latest KHDA data reveals that over 42,000 students are now enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions regulated by the authority. International students now make up 35 per cent of this population, and Emirati enrolments at international universities have also increased by 22 per cent. Four new international institutions opened during the current academic year, further strengthening the city's academic offering. The surge in enrollment has been attributed to several key factors: Dubai's expanding high school graduate population, increasing demand for transnational education, and the presence of top-ranked international universities offering academic excellence and strong post-study employment pathways. The city's reputation for safety, connectivity, and student-friendly infrastructure is also drawing students from the GCC, Asia, and Europe. Ashwin Assomull explained that Dubai's educational momentum is underpinned by a workforce-oriented model that sets it apart from other regional education hubs like Singapore or Qatar. 'Dubai's institutions not only deliver strong academics but also focus on employability, providing students with job-ready skills and professional networks. This gives Dubai a clear competitive edge', he said. He also emphasised that the current growth trajectory is prompting more global universities to enter the Dubai market. 'Institutions are responding to constraints in their home countries—such as demographic shifts and regulatory changes—by expanding into Dubai, which offers a supportive environment, strong demand, and a proven track record of success. The city presents unparalleled opportunities for students, operators, and investors.' L.E.K. Consulting plays a strategic role in this transformation, advising universities and investors on how to align with Dubai's fast-evolving education ecosystem and the goals of the Education 33 initiative. This includes supporting institutions in designing scalable models, entering the market, and aligning expansion with broader social and economic outcomes. Looking ahead, Dubai aims to achieve 50 per cent international enrolment by 2033. Achieving this target will require sustained investment in academic quality, physical and digital infrastructure, student accommodation, and faculty development. 'If this momentum is maintained, Dubai won't just meet its targets — it will serve as a global benchmark for the future of international higher education,' Assomull said. As the demand for transnational education, upskilling, and reskilling continues to rise globally, Dubai is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the next chapter in global education.
Gulf Business
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai's higher education sector sees nearly 20% rise in enrollment
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Dubai is emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing higher education hubs, with total student enrollment at private institutions rising by around 20 per cent in the 2024–25 academic year, and international student numbers jumping 29 per cent, according to figures released by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority ( More than 42,000 students are now enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions licensed by the KHDA, with international students making up 35 per cent of the total — a figure expected to rise under the emirate's Education 33 strategy. Four new international universities opened in the current academic year alone, signalling strong investor confidence in Dubai's education sector. The data was released at an exclusive high-level briefing hosted by L.E.K. Consulting's Global Education Practice recently in Dubai. The event brought together policymakers, investors, and higher education leaders to discuss Dubai's ambitions to become a world-class destination for transnational education. Dubai is a key regional hub for education 'Dubai's continued growth as a global hub for higher education is testament to our leadership's vision and the ambitious goals of the Dubai Plan 33,' said Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at The KHDA's City of Students initiative, part of its broader Education 33 strategy, aims to increase international student enrollment to 50 per cent by 2033, bolstering the emirate's reputation as a top-tier study destination. Ashwin Assomull, partner and head of the Global Education Practice at L.E.K. Consulting, said Dubai's higher education sector represents 'one of the most compelling growth markets globally,' citing its student-friendly infrastructure, global university presence, and favourable cost and regulatory environment. 'Dubai presents a significant opportunity for international universities to meet the evolving needs of both local and international students,' he said, noting that increasing regulatory restrictions in traditional anglophone markets are pushing institutions and students to seek new education hubs. The briefing also highlighted increasing participation from Emirati students, with enrollment in international universities up 22 per cent year-on-year — underlining Dubai's dual appeal to both domestic and overseas learners. Read:
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's Higher Education Sector sees ~20% enrolment growth, international student numbers surge by 29% at KHDA-Licensed Institutions
Dubai, UAE — Dubai is rapidly solidifying its position as a premier global hub for higher education, underpinned by strong growth in student enrolment and a significant increase in the inflow of international students. These insights were highlighted during an exclusive, high-level briefing, hosted by L.E.K. Consulting's Global Education Practice in Dubai, which convened senior stakeholders, policymakers, and higher education leaders to discuss Dubai's accelerating transformation into a world-class higher education destination. The event featured key perspectives from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). According to L.E.K. Consulting's research and analysis, Dubai presents 'one of the most compelling growth markets globally for higher education,' driven by key factors, including a growing high school student base, increasing demand for transnational education, the presence of globally recognised university brands, student-friendly infrastructure, and strong post-study employment pathways. Latest figures from the KHDA highlight this strong growth momentum across the sector. More than 42,000 students are now enrolled across 41 private higher education institutions in the emirate that are licensed and regulated by the KHDA — with a ~20% increase in overall student enrolment in the 2024-25 academic year. International student enrolment has surged by 29% compared to the previous year, now representing 35% of total enrolments in Dubai's higher education institutions, which are licensed by the KHDA. Meanwhile, Emirati participation in international universities has also grown by 22%, underscoring Dubai's dual appeal to both domestic and global learners. Four new international institutions opened in the current academic year alone. The strong growth supports KHDA's Education 33 strategy, and specifically its City of Students initiative, which aims to raise international student enrolment to 50% by 2033, transforming Dubai into a world-leading destination for quality higher education. 'Dubai's continued growth as a global hub for higher education is testament to our leadership's vision and the ambitious goals of the Dubai Plan 33 and its social and economic agendas and driven by our Education 33 strategy,' said Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. 'We are creating new opportunities for transnational education, strengthening Dubai's position as a city where learners, educators, and institutions from around the world can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Through E33, we are building a future where Dubai is not only a destination for quality education, but a centre of knowledge, innovation, and opportunity.' As the demand for transnational education, upskilling, and reskilling intensifies, Dubai's blend of strategic policy, global connectivity, and education quality continues to position it as a top-tier alternative to traditional study destinations. 'With a growing pool of graduates from our wonderful array of international schools in the city, Dubai presents a significant opportunity for international universities to meet the evolving needs of both local and international students,' said Ashwin Assomull, Partner and Head of the Global Education Practice at L.E.K. Consulting. 'Amid increasing regulatory restrictions in traditional anglophone markets, Dubai's world-class higher education infrastructure, global connectivity, favourable cost structure, and reputation for safety present unparalleled opportunities for students, operators, and investors to capitalise on this transformative growth.' About L.E.K. Consulting We're L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consultancy working with business leaders to seize competitive advantage and amplify growth. Our insights are catalysts that reshape the trajectory of our clients' businesses, uncovering opportunities and empowering them to master their moments of truth. Since 1983, our worldwide practice — spanning the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific — has guided leaders across all industries, from global corporations to emerging entrepreneurial businesses and private equity investors.
South China Morning Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Mainland Chinese market for weight loss and diabetes drugs to soon be more crowded: report
Competition in the mainland Chinese market for diabetes and weight loss drugs is set to intensify as more than 60 late-stage drug candidates are undergoing clinical trials, according to a recent report. Up to 20 biosimilar or generic copies will vie for market share and add pricing pressure after Denmark-based Novo Nordisk's semaglutide product loses patent protection in China next year, according to Boston-based global consultancy L.E.K. Consulting. Novo Nordisk's patent will expire in 2031 in Japan and Europe and 2032 in the US, according to its latest annual report. 'The landscape in China is expected to become even more competitive than in developed markets, where the GLP-1 category is primarily dominated by leading multinational pharmaceutical companies,' said Helen Chen, L.E.K.'s global healthcare and life sciences co-head, in a report on May 15. GLP-1 drugs mimic natural hormones, which signal the pancreas to release more insulin when blood-sugar levels are high, and also support weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. 04:12 One reporter's weight-loss journey and what a 'healthy body' means to him One reporter's weight-loss journey and what a 'healthy body' means to him Driven by sales growth of semaglutide, Novo Nordisk became the 10th largest drug company in the world in terms of revenue. London-based consultancy Evaluate said the firm's revenue rose 25 per cent to US$42.1 billion last year.
South China Morning Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Mainland Chinese market for weight loss and diabetes drugs to soon be more crowded: report
Competition in the mainland Chinese market for diabetes and weight loss drugs is set to intensify as more than 60 late-stage drug candidates are undergoing clinical trials, according to a recent report. Advertisement Up to 20 biosimilar or generic copies will vie for market share and add pricing pressure after Denmark-based Novo Nordisk's semaglutide product loses patent protection in China next year, according to Boston-based global consultancy L.E.K. Consulting. Novo Nordisk's patent will expire in 2031 in Japan and Europe and 2032 in the US, according to its latest annual report. 'The landscape in China is expected to become even more competitive than in developed markets, where the GLP-1 category is primarily dominated by leading multinational pharmaceutical companies,' said Helen Chen, L.E.K.'s global healthcare and life sciences co-head, in a report on May 15. GLP-1 drugs mimic natural hormones, which signal the pancreas to release more insulin when blood-sugar levels are high, and also support weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. 04:12 One reporter's weight-loss journey and what a 'healthy body' means to him One reporter's weight-loss journey and what a 'healthy body' means to him Driven by sales growth of semaglutide, Novo Nordisk became the 10th largest drug company in the world in terms of revenue. London-based consultancy Evaluate said the firm's revenue rose 25 per cent to US$42.1 billion last year.
