10th
Ranked 10th in the Russell Group for Grade Point Average.
Source: REF 2021
Our research in Dubai
Research in Dubai addressing regional priorities and global challenges.
Our Dubai campus builds on over 125 years of research excellence, extending Birmingham’s global reach through our presence in the United Arab Emirates.
Research excellence
We work across disciplines and with partners to deliver research that supports innovation, economic development and societal progress. Through a strong focus on knowledge exchange, we connect research, education and external partnerships to deliver real-world impact.
- 92%
Of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Source: REF 2021
The Dubai research strategy
Our research is guided by the University of Birmingham Dubai 2030 strategy (PDF, 9.41 MB), which aligns with the wider University of Birmingham 2030 Strategic Framework.
Together, these strategies support our ambition to deliver research that addresses regional and global priorities, strengthens knowledge exchange, and extends Birmingham's global reach through Dubai.
Our approach focuses on three key areas:
Collaboration across disciplines
Our research brings together expertise from across fields to address complex challenges. By working across disciplines, campuses, and with partners in academia, government and industry, we increase the relevance, quality and impact of our work.
Global impact, regional relevance
Located in Dubai, we connect Birmingham’s global research strengths with regional priorities. This enables our research to travel further, build new partnerships, and drive progress in challenges that cross borders.
Research environment
Our Dubai campus provides a supportive research environment with advanced facilities, enabling our academics and research students to develop their work, build networks, and collaborate across disciplines.
Research themes
Five cross-cutting research themes underpin our research challenge areas, reflecting key strengths across the Dubai campus.
Artificial intelligence
Research advancing AI for society, industry, and the public sector.
Behavioural science
Research exploring human behaviour and decision-making.
Social science
Research examining social, economic, and cultural change.
Medical science
Research advancing healthcare, public health, and patient outcomes.
Engineering and robotics
Research developing solutions for industry, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Knowledge Exchange Hub
Turning research into real-world impact.
We are establishing a Knowledge Exchange Hub to connect our research with industry, government, and society.
The Hub brings together academics, students and partners to share knowledge, drive innovation and address real-world challenges in the UAE and beyond. It focuses on our four challenge areas, supporting collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
Through this work, we strengthen partnerships, support student opportunities, and extend the global reach of our research.
Research challenge areas
Four strategic challenge areas shape our research in Dubai. Together, they focus our expertise to deliver world-leading research with real-world impact.
Supported by our cross-cutting themes, these areas enable interdisciplinary responses to complex regional and global challenges.
This approach also enhances teaching, giving students the opportunity to engage with real-world challenges through research-led learning.
Cognitive cities
We explore urban design, transport and smart infrastructure to support the development of connected, efficient, and sustainable cities.
Healthy living
Our research addresses healthcare, public health and wellbeing, helping to improve quality of life for communities.
Responsible and sustainable transition
We focus on energy, water and logistics systems, supporting the transition to more sustainable and resilient economies.
Knowledge society
We examine education, skills development and digital transformation to support a knowledge-based future.
PhD study
Building on our research strengths, we are expanding our postgraduate offer in Dubai with the introduction of PhD courses.
Starting with artificial intelligence, our growing portfolio aligns with our strategic challenge areas and reflects our commitment to research excellence and developing the next generation of researchers.
PhD Scholarship
Up to 30% off tuition fees for exceptional PhD students who demonstrate outstanding academic and research potential.
Partner with us
Discover how we can work togetherAcademic profiles
Find the experts behind our research
Birmingham research
Explore our wider research community across the University of Birmingham.