The University of Wollongong in Dubai, abbreviated as UOWD, is a private university located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The University is one of the UAE's oldest universities, having been founded in 1993. The Campus has over 3,500 students from more than 108 countries. Unlike other foreign universities having a presence in the UAE, the University of Wollongong in Dubai is an autonomous and separate entity. While affiliated to the University of Wollongong in Australia, it remains a distinct university that is independent from the mother institution. Whilst retaining the name, the Dubai campus has obvious differences from the main university regarding student ability, academic rigor, and quality of teaching.
History
In 1993, the University of Wollongong in Australia opened what was to become the University of Wollongong in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Initially called the Institute of Australian Studies, this centre made UOW the first foreign university to open a campus in the UAE, and the first Australian tertiary institution represented in the GCC. IAS initially offered English language programs, before becoming a 'feeder college' by 1995, where students completed part of a degree in Business or IT in Dubai before coming to Australia to complete their studies. In 1999, it was the first foreign-owned institution in the world to be issued a licence from the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates, and was formally opened as University of Wollongong, Dubai Campus in October 2000. It was officially incorporated as University of Wollongong in Dubai in 2004.
Campus
The UOW Dubai Campus is located in Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates and the Largest city in United Arab Emirates. The Campus is situated at the UOWD building in , an educational free-trade zones campus in the city of Dubai that provides facilities for training and learning institutions. In addition to the administrative building, the library, the university campus includes the faculties, student lounge, Multipurpose Room and the Food Court that houses many different restaurants. The Campus offers Residential Services to students, allowing them to live together in a unique multi-cultural environment conducive to academic success, personal growth, and social development. The Residences are located in Jebel Ali Gardens.
