Emirates has signed separate Memoranda of Understanding with Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and international education network ICEF, positioning the airline as a formal partner in efforts to grow Dubai’s international student population.
Both agreements were signed on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026. The KHDA deal was formalised by Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim and Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of Strategic Development Sector at KHDA.
Under the KHDA agreement, Emirates will develop student travel packages for those enrolled at KHDA-regulated private higher education institutions, covering tailored fares, additional baggage allowances and greater booking flexibility for travel to and from Dubai.
Faculty and teaching staff will access benefits through a separate Emirates Academic Programme, while students on the Hamdan bin Mohammed Scholarship Programme will receive dedicated travel support.
The airline will also join Study Dubai recruitment missions and international events alongside KHDA, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and TECOM Group, promoting Dubai as a study destination across its network. The two organisations will share data on international student travel flows and coordinate marketing efforts.
“Emirates is proud to support KHDA’s efforts in positioning Dubai as a top global destination for students to pursue higher education. Global connectivity, a compelling value proposition and promotional efforts will underpin that goal, and our network of close to 140 destinations puts us in a strong position to attract more students, bring them and their families to Dubai anytime of the year and on repeat journeys to support them throughout their studies. It will also help us build a loyal base of younger travellers and a connection that endures long after graduation. By keeping Dubai among the most connected cities in the world, Emirates supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) strategy across tourism, trade, logistics and now education,” Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said in a statement.
“Attracting and retaining global talent is central to the vision of E33 strategy. This partnership with Emirates supports that ambition by making Dubai more accessible and attractive to students worldwide. Through enhanced travel benefits, greater flexibility and improved connectivity, we are helping to create a seamless learning journey from enrolment through to graduation. At the same time, Emirates’ global network will strengthen the reach of our Study Dubai programme, enabling us to connect with prospective students in key international markets and showcase the opportunities available across Dubai’s higher education sector. Together, we are creating a more connected and rewarding student experience,” Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA added.
The agreements tie into Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, which targets 50 per cent international student enrolment in Dubai’s higher education institutions by 2033, a top-10 global student city ranking, and a tenfold increase in education tourism.
On the ICEF side, Emirates becomes the preferred airline for the B2B education network, which operates across more than 100 countries and connects accredited education agencies with institutions through events, training and market intelligence platforms.
The two will develop travel propositions for ICEF-accredited agencies and their student customers, run co-branded campaigns, and explore booking support and account management for ICEF members. Emirates will also appear at major ICEF events in Berlin, Dubai and the US, and participate in ICEF Academy training programmes for education agents.
