The British Council, based on information compiled from the UK Embassy in Abu Dhabi, estimates that over 2,369 visa applications were received from the UAE between June and August 2014, compared to 1,511 in the corresponding period in 2013.

Following a successful one-day run in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai edition of EDUKEX was opened by HE Edward Hobart, Her Majesty's Consul General to Dubai at the Multaqa Ballroom at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring 41 universities and was attended by Marc Jessel, Director of the British Council in the UAE.
The British Council says that the Gulf commands one of the highest percentage of students studying in the UK. In fact, according to the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency, the number of UAE-based students studying in the UK in 2013 was 3,500,second only to Saudi Arabia with 8,000 students."

Commenting on the overwhelming response from UAE students and parents to EDUKEX, Jessel said: "Waves of students turned up at EDUKEX in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from the early hours of the show. We are extremely delighted to be able to help UAE students choose their preferred courses and destination universities."
Several major universities showcased their range of courses for UAE students. Amartya Ray, Manager, Marketing and Recruitment at Middlesex University, which is ranked in the top 10 for graduate salaries in the UK, estimates that there are around 40 to 50 Emirati students studying at the mother university in London.

He said: "Although we have a local campus here in the UAE, we have always been keen to be part of EDUKEX as we believe it is a platform that gives visibility for major UK education providers. UAE students usually favour majors like Business and IT Computing, but we have also see high interest in HR, Marketing, Arts and Law this year."

Margaret Freymann, International Relations officer, Manchester Metropolitan University said: "EDUKEX in Abu Dhabi was very busy and the Dubai edition was equally successful. We have been in EDUKEX since 2009 and this year we received inquiries mainly from postgraduate students. Majors that students usually ask for are Business, Engineering and sometime Law. This year, we have seen higher interest in Hospitality. Our relation with the UAE education sector is deep-rooted as we have plenty of government sponsored students studying at Manchester Metropolitan University in majors like science and military for government entities like Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police and others."

Gary Clough, MA RCA, Course Leader, FE, University for the Creative Arts said: "This is our second participation in EDUKEX. It is a platform where we can speak directly to the students. We used the show to guide students on the courses they want to enroll in. For example, we have received inquiries for Journalism and English language programs; some wanted to enroll in a Fashion course, so we suggested Fashion Journalism for them."

Jessel said: "4 out of the best 6 universities in the world are in the UK, according to QS ranking in 2012, which makes it an ideal destination for students from the UAE. Our education system is very competitive and it fits in with the requirements of the UAE job market. We have received inquiries from several universities keen to join the 14th edition of EDUKEX next year in Abu Dhabi and Dubai."

He said: "We are pleased that the exhibition has achieved its goal of offering a platform for enlightening parents and students on the wide range of Foundation Year, Bachelors and Masters courses from representatives of leading UK universities and specialist colleges."

The British Council's education initiatives have long been a part of the UAE education landscape, and EDUKEX is an important part of this work. The main objectives of EDUKEX are to raise awareness of the quality of life and study options across the UK education sector as well as provide both students and university representatives with the opportunity to learn more about each other.