The number of students going to UK universities from the UAE has been rising since 2002, despite tightened visa regulations and reached a total of 3,145 in 2011, marking an increase of 126 per cent, a report said.

These figures were released by British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, on the sidelines of the 13th edition of the Education UK Exhibition Edukex 2012.

The event is organised by British Council, and will run from November 11 to 13. It will be opened by the British Ambassador to the UAE, Dominic Jermey CVO, OBE in Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi, while the Dubai event will be inaugurated by British Consul General in Dubai, Edward Hobart, on November 12 in Al Murooj Rotana Hotel.

Lara Khouri, Education UK marketing manager, British Council UAE said: “The remarkable 126 percent rise in the number of students compared with 2002 figures demonstrates that the UK education system enjoys a high reputation among UAE students as a gateway to acquiring skills that would enable them to compete effectively in the global market.”

Edukex 2012 offers an ideal opportunity for visitors to learn about English language courses, vocational courses and higher education courses offered by a large number of UK universities. The show is part of the British Council's initiative to enhance cultural and educational relations between the UAE and UK by helping create a knowledge-based economy.

Khouri added that the main objective of Edukex was to raise awareness of the quality of UK education and the extensive choice of courses on offer at every academic level by world-renowned universities.

At this year's event, more than 50 UK universities and specialist colleges will showcase a wide range of bachelors and masters courses, as well as foundation-year courses.

This show is a one-of-a-kind platform for UK’s distinguished educational providers to open their doors and direct students to the best educational programmes as per their capabilities and preferences. The show gathers representatives from UK institutions who will be on hand to talk about courses and degree options, entry requirements and studying in the UK.

"Besides encouraging a positive perception of the UK as a place to study, this event aims to provide UK institutions with a targeted market-driven audience to whom they may promote their courses,” Khouri said.

“The exhibition will also raise the quality of enquires by guiding students on what issues they need to consider when visiting Edukex. It gives information on UK qualifications, entry requirements and modes of study.”

She added: "This annual event provides students in the UAE with the opportunity to meet representatives from a number universities and colleges in the UK with a view to further developing their education. In addition to universities and colleges, the UK Border Agency and British Council colleagues will also be present to answer visa-related and IELTS queries.”

"We expect over 1,500 visitors to attend the show and interact with exhibitors, some of whom will also be making presentations on various pathways to entry to a UK programme on November 11 in Abu Dhabi and on November 12 and 13 in Dubai," Khouri concluded. – TradeArabia News Service