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Equality, diversity, and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are central to the University’s values and shape how we work, teach, and learn.

Over 90% of Dubai’s population is from overseas, with more than 200 nationalities living, working, and studying in the city. Our campus mirrors this vibrant mix of cultures and perspectives. We create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to succeed.

We cultivate a community that promotes a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students, staff, and visitors, while recognising and respecting local laws and customs. We know that a diverse and inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued, respected, and free from harassment or bullying, creates an open, productive, and intellectually challenging learning and working environment. This belief underpins our work in Dubai, just as it does in Birmingham.

Our ethos

As a truly global University, we attract, develop and retain talented people from all backgrounds. Everyone thrives when they are able to contribute fully and share their perspective. Our Dubai campus offers a unique opportunity to connect across cultures and build global understanding and intercultural dialogue. We encourage our students and staff to develop cultural awareness and understanding, enabling them to work together with empathy and respect, aspects which are embedded within our Staff Charter.

As the University of Birmingham expands its global presence through the development of overseas campuses, we remain mindful of how our values translate across different legal, social, and cultural contexts.

Our equal opportunities ethos positions the University’s commitment to equality as a global value that informs all our international operations. This commitment does not override local laws. Instead, it ensures that whatever the legal, social, and cultural norms of the operating country, we provide a working and learning environment based on equality, dignity, and respect for all. We expect every member of our community to uphold these values in their interactions with others. If any member of our community feels they have been treated unfairly based on characteristics protected by the University’s Charter, they have access to the same grievance and complaints procedures as they do in the UK.

Guiding principles

We are guided by the University’s Charter to ensure fairness, respect, and inclusion for everyone on our campus and in all learning and teaching activities. We do this in line with local laws and regulations.

The University promotes equal opportunities and shall exercise no discrimination on the grounds of political opinion, age, colour, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, race, religion or sexual orientation in the admission of students, or the appointment or promotion of staff or the awarding of any Degree, Diploma or Certificate, or generally, in the execution of any of its Objects as laid down by the Charter.

Our commitment to equality and inclusion dates back to our founding in 1900. This legacy continues through our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy 2025-2028, which outlines the actions we’re taking across the institution, with a particular focus on:

  • Challenging barriers to equality
  • Creating inclusive learning and working cultures
  • Embedding accessibility across our campuses
  • Building EDI into our organisational structures

You can read the strategy document via our SharePoint:

EDI Strategy 2025-2028 (PDF, 3.64 MB) – opens in SharePoint

EDI Strategy 2025-2028 (Word, 93.6 KB) – opens in SharePoint