Working at our Dubai campus

The University of Birmingham Dubai is located in a purpose-built state-of-the-art sustainable smart campus within Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).

Our campus

Our Phase 1 site opened in autumn of 2017 and marked us out as the first global top 100 and Russell Group University to establish a campus in Dubai. We now occupy a prominent position at the heart of Academic City, following the completion of Phase 2, with the opening of our new campus in 2022.

We're located in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the world's largest free zone for education. DIAC spans 20 million square feet, with half dedicated to international higher education and three million square feet for research and development centres. A further three million square feet is allocated to student accommodation, sports, wellness, and social facilities, emphasising a commitment to a vibrant academic community with high research and teaching standards.

Maps and directions

campus exterior with green foliage in foreground

Our values

The University of Birmingham is committed to treating all members of its community fairly, equally and with dignity and respect. These are our global values and are underpinned by our Charter of Incorporation.

Whilst we are sensitive to differences in law, societies and cultures, we expect all members of our community, wherever they are based, to adhere to our values in their interactions with each other. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham Dubai.

Why choose the University of Birmingham

Sanam Yaqub

Sanam Yaqub

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead

“As the first member of staff to join our Dubai campus from within the UAE, I have had the privilege to witness the growth of our exceptionally talented diverse staff and student community. Ensuring that we are inclusive and respectful has enabled us to be truly collaborative and it is through maintaining an innovative approach, that we enable our staff to flourish and reach their potential. For me personally, I have been presented with many brilliant opportunities that have challenged me to think creatively and critically, develop my knowledge and skills whilst at all times ensuring that the students learning is at the centre of every decision we make. UoBD is a remarkable place to work and I shall always be proud of being a founding member of the Dubai campus.”

Working life

As a global hub for education and innovation, the University of Birmingham Dubai campus presents a vibrant and diverse environment to work in. You can expect to collaborate with talented colleagues from around the world, benefiting from a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Our campus’ state-of-the-art technologies enhance your working experience, enabling you to deliver impactful work.  

With an emphasis on work-life balance, living in Dubai offers a range of cultural, recreational, and social activities, ensuring a well-rounded lifestyle for employees.

 Find out more about relocating to Dubai

"I am incredibly proud to work at the University. We have a diverse student and staff body, who are welcoming and friendly, giving our campus a true community feel. As a global top 100 university, we are all challenged daily to continuously stretch ourselves to create an environment where we can all be successful and achieve our best."

Natalie Humphrey, Deputy Director of Operations

Compensation and benefits

To attract and retain high calibre employees, our pay and benefits are attractive and competitive. Your total annual salary is based on an indicative split of 60% basic salary and 40% allowances (including housing, transport, other) plus private medical insurance for you and up to 3 Dependants (meaning spouse and/or partner and children under the age of 18 who reside with the Employee in the United Arab Emirates and are sponsored for UAE Residency vis purposes by the Employee). In addition, a flight benefit will be made to you capped at a rate determined by the University for the purpose of contributing to the cost of an annual return economy flight ticket from Dubai to the point of origin, all as defined by the University, for you and up to 3 dependents (who reside with the Employee in the United Arab Emirates and are sponsored for UAE Residency visa purposes by the Employee).

Summary of terms and conditions

The University will offer a competitive remuneration package (pay and benefits) for all staff working in Dubai.

Details will be based on a standard framework that is currently being finalised and will be available soon.

Depending on the situation, some key elements of the current proposed package are outlined below and full details will be confirmed prior to any formal offer of employment being made.

Visiting staff / flying faculty 

  • Basic Salary and benefits (UK pay structure)
  • Receipted expenses
  • Hotel / Serviced accommodation 
  • Visa Support
  • Cultural training 

Short term assignment 

  • Basic Salary and benefits (UK pay structure)
  • Expatriate allowance
  • Per diem allowance
  • Accommodation 
  • Visa Support
  • Cultural training 

Long term assignment 

  • Basic Salary and benefits (UK pay structure)
  • Cost of Living Adjustment
  • Expatriate Allowances (including accommodation allowance)
  • Relocation support
  • Visa support
  • Cultural training

Local employed staff

  • Basic Salary (Dubai pay structure)
  • If appointed from outside Dubai, relocation support and cultural training

HR intranet area for current staff

The Dubai HR intranet area provides information regarding HR for those currently working at the University.

Log into the Dubai HR intranet