Why We Chose to Let Our Kids Study in the UAE (and How It’s Working Out) – When I posted on LinkedIn about never having to do school runs again, I didn’t expect my inbox to explode with messages from parents. The post got the highest number of views ever on my LinkedIn profile. Clearly, many people are curious about education in the UAE, and why we made the choices we did.
So instead of replying one by one, here’s the full story.
1. The Quality of Universities
Our son is now in his 3rd year of Computer Science at Zayed University, studying in a classroom that’s 95% Emirati. Interestingly, he’s pursuing the same degree I once did, so I can compare our experiences directly. Let’s just say: the level of innovation in the UAE is refreshing and his understanding of Arabic is improving.
Our daughter just started at SKEMA Business School in DIFC, ranked among the top in the world. Her class? Just 25 students — meaning she’s not a number, but a name.
And our oldest? She finished her studies in Leuven (“My Alma Mater and one of the oldest in Europe”) last year and experienced “the Covid years”. That experience was rough — marked by isolation, limited support, and minimal joy. What saved her were the international internships she managed to secure. They gave her perspective, grit, and a global mindset to become successful in the UAE.
2. The “Social Student Life”
Many Belgian parents asked: But what about student bars and kot life?
Honestly? We’ve never been big believers in spending months in bars, only to study like mad before exams. That cycle doesn’t reflect real life.
We believe in continuous evaluation and balancing study with real projects. Because that’s what life (and work) actually looks like.
3. Cost
Another big question: isn’t it crazy expensive?
Here’s the breakdown:
- It’s less expensive than sending them to other A-list international universities abroad.
- It’s more expensive than Belgium.
And yes, after paying a ridiculous amount of Belgian taxes for years with little to no return, that still stings. But we see it as an investment in our kids’ future — and the ROI is already visible.
4. Family Connection
For us, this was one of the biggest wins.
All three kids are now combining studies and/or their first jobs with working in our family business. They’re learning what it means to build something real while still getting the structure of their studies and first work experiences. I look forward to every Sunday morning breakfast we have together.
We believe it’s an ideal head start. And more importantly, they want to be part of it.
5. Name & Fame of the Schools
We don’t care much about prestige for prestige’s sake. In the age of AI, diplomas are only as valuable as the skills and networks behind them.
That said, both schools bring credibility:
- Zayed University uses the Minerva system, earning the title of #1 Most Innovative University in the World for the fourth year in a row
- SKEMA is consistently top-ranked among the world’s institutions.
So while we don’t chase rankings, it doesn’t hurt that they’re respected institutions.
6. Safety & Environment
The UAE consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. For young adults, that sense of safety paired with extreme cultural diversity is priceless. It’s not just about protection, it’s about building confidence in a global context.
7. Networks & Internships
Studying in the UAE = proximity to global HQs, regional hubs, and Fortune 500 companies. Paid internships, projects, and first jobs are literally just down the road.
In Belgium, it’s more theory first, practice later. Here, students apply their learning much earlier.
8. Mindset Shift
In Belgium (and much of Europe), the system often emphasises what’s not possible.
In the UAE, the narrative is: “Nothing is impossible.”
That mindset rubs off on students. It shapes how they see themselves and their future.
9. Language & Global Citizenship
English is the operating language of universities and business life here. Blended with Arabic culture. That means our kids graduate not just with a degree, but with the ability to negotiate, collaborate, and network across cultures.
That’s global citizenship in practice.
10. Lifestyle Balance
Yes, the UAE is ambitious, hot during the Summer, and highly competitive. But life here isn’t only about work. Sports, arts, social life, nature… it’s all here.
11. A Note on Perspective
Both Inge and I were traditionally educated, holding multiple degrees and pursuing professional careers in Belgium and abroad. So trust me when I say: we don’t take decisions like this lightly.
And no, we’re not blindly biased or endlessly positive about everything in Dubai. Being positive is a choice.
Are there issues here? Of course. However, what we’ve noticed is that when problems arise, leaders take action. There’s momentum, adaptability, and a culture that rewards solutions over endless debate. That context matters, especially for the next generation.
Final Thoughts: Context Is Everything
Five years ago, we couldn’t have imagined this path. However, moving to the UAE provided our kids with opportunities, networks, and confidence that they would not have had otherwise.
We don’t believe there’s one perfect path for every family. But this is the one that works for us. And judging by the energy, growth, and excitement we see in our kids, we’d choose it again in a heartbeat.