Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has launched the Elite Education Gateway 2025 exhibition, bringing together leading local and international universities under one roof to help students explore diverse academic pathways.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), in the presence of Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai. Senior officials attending included Brigadier Dr. Sultan Abdulhamid Al Jamal, Director of the Dubai Police Academy; Brigadier Dr. Bassem Hassan Al Naqbi, Deputy Director of the Officers College at the Sharjah Police Science Academy; Butti Al Kindi, President of the Canadian University Dubai; and Isobel Abulhoul, Founder and Board Member of the Emirates Literature Foundation, along with assistant directors general and education experts.
This year’s edition features 20 local and 8 international universities, including several ranked among the world’s top 200, offering more than 200 global academic programmes. A special International Admissions Corner has been set up to assist students with counseling and registration for universities abroad.

Lieutenant General Al Marri said the exhibition reflects GDRFA Dubai’s commitment to supporting education and innovation as key pillars of a sustainable, knowledge-based society.
“We take pride in being part of initiatives that enable Emirati youth to shape their academic and professional paths with awareness and ambition. Investing in minds is the most valuable investment in the future of Dubai and the UAE,” he said.
Aisha Miran highlighted that the initiative underscores the collaborative efforts of Dubai’s government entities in advancing education, in line with the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 and the Dubai 2033 Plan.
“We are pleased to collaborate with GDRFA Dubai on this distinguished initiative, which enhances students’ awareness and opens doors to global learning opportunities. Building a creative generation begins with empowering youth through knowledge, quality education, and proper guidance,” she added.

The Elite Education Gateway 2025 offers an interactive platform featuring academic and career guidance sessions, one-on-one counseling, and language and assessment workshops. Students can also access on-the-spot IELTS registration, preparatory courses, part-time job opportunities, and tuition discounts from participating universities.
The event also includes the second edition of the Scientific Research Award and the Inspiring Teacher initiative, recognizing outstanding educators for their contributions.
Held at GDRFA Dubai headquarters from 9am to 3pm, the exhibition serves as a unified platform connecting students with universities from across the UAE and beyond, supporting their journey toward higher education and a promising future.

GDRFA Dubai said the initiative reinforces its vision of building a knowledge-driven society rooted in innovation and excellence, and highlights Dubai’s role as a global hub that nurtures ambition and shapes the future through education.