Academic City

Dubai Academic City: Dubai’s Premier Education and Innovation Hub

Introduction

Dubai Academic City (DAC) is a purpose-built destination dedicated to education, research, and innovation. Established by TECOM Group in 2007, it hosts the largest concentration of international and regional universities in the UAE, positioning itself as a center of academic excellence. Strategically located along Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66), DAC is a sought-after district for students, faculty, investors, and developers seeking to benefit from its education-driven ecosystem.

Key Features & Attractions

• Home to over 30 international universities including Heriot-Watt University, Amity University, and University of Birmingham Dubai

• Hosts more than 27,000 students from over 100 nationalities

• Surrounded by research centers, libraries, training institutes, and start-up incubators

• Frequent academic events, conferences, and career fairs

• Close to Dubai Silicon Oasis and the upcoming Dubai Future District

• Home to the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) Free Zone

Real Estate & Investment Opportunities

Dubai Academic City offers a limited but strategic set of real estate investment opportunities:

• Purpose-built student housing

• Faculty and staff residential developments

• Education and training facility plots

• Mixed-use developments combining education, commercial, and hospitality sectors

Freehold and long-term leasehold plots are available, with many tailored for institutional investors, developers, and education operators.

Amenities & Lifestyle

• On-campus student accommodation and staff housing

• Cafes, gyms, bookshops, and medical clinics within walking distance

• Proximity to Dubai Silicon Oasis' shopping and entertainment centers

• Safe, walkable community designed around academic life

• Planned green zones and community parks

Connectivity & Accessibility

• 15 minutes to Dubai International Airport

• 20 minutes to Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall

• 15 minutes to Global Village

• 10 minutes to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic Road

• 30 minutes to Expo City and Al Maktoum International Airport

• Easily accessible via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66)

Zoning & Masterplan

• Zoned primarily for education, residential, and research purposes

• Governed by Dubai Development Authority (DDA)

• Flexible design standards for education-related development

• Masterplan includes student dorms, faculty housing, innovation parks, and green zones

• Smart city infrastructure with a focus on sustainability and digital integration