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History and heritage of our Dubai campus

Discover the history behind the University of Birmingham's state-of-the-art campus in Dubai International Academic City and our 125-year heritage.

The first ‘redbrick’ university

Located in the heart of England, the University of Birmingham is steeped in history and tradition. Since its establishment in 1900, the University has played a key role in shaping the academic landscape locally and globally. Our journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements, notable alumni, and a commitment to knowledge. Starting out as the first civic university in England, the original ‘redbrick’, we have evolved into a renowned hub for education, research, and innovation.

Timeline of the Dubai campus

Since 2018, students have had the opportunity to study with us in Dubai. In 2022, we moved into a new, purpose-built campus that fuses the historic redbrick Aston Webb buildings in Birmingham with the cultural richness and architectural beauty of Arabic heritage.

  • An aerial mock up of the University of Birmingham Dubai.

    May 2017 – Dubai campus announced

    The University of Birmingham announces its plans to open a campus in Dubai, becoming the first Russell Group university to establish a campus in this rapidly developing international education hub.

  • Large group of people stood in front of a building with palm trees.

    September 2018 – University of Birmingham Dubai welcomes its first students

    A landmark day as the University’s Phase One campus opens its doors to the first cohort of students.

  • A group of men putting shovels into sand.

    November 2019 – Phase Two construction begins

    Phase Two campus ‘breaks ground’ marking the beginning of construction. Professor Sir David Eastwood, then Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “Breaking ground on our iconic new campus is another exciting milestone and demonstrates the University of Birmingham’s long-term commitment to the UAE.”

  • Two men in graduation gowns, one holding a mace.

    July 2021 - First undergraduate degrees

    The first undergraduate students 'receive' their degrees in a special online ceremony.

  • A large building with glass windows and palm trees either side of the door.

    January 2022 – Move to new campus

    Following the completion of the Phase Two site, the University moves into the new purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus, occupying a prominent position in Academic City.

    Explore our state-of-the-art campus
  • A group of people with a camel and an olympic torch.

    February 2022 - Queen's Baton Relay arrives at campus

    The new campus welcomes the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay, coinciding with UK National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. Student baton bearers carry the baton into the University of Birmingham Dubai campus, welcomed by Lord Karan Bilimoria, then Chancellor of the University, in a ceremony blending UK and Arabic culture.

  • University of Birmingham leadership posing for photo with Sheikh Hamdan.

    April 2022 – Official opening ceremony

    The University of Birmingham officially opens the Dubai campus in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

    Learn more about the inauguration

Official opening ceremony of the University of Birmingham Dubai.

  • Brightly lit courtyard filled with greenery and a water feature running through the middle.

    January 2023 - Global architecture award

    The iconic new Dubai campus wins a Special Prize in the prestigious Prix Versailles 2022 global architecture and design awards. The World Judges Panel selected the Dubai campus for its innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, and ecological efficiency, with sustainable development at its core.

    Find out more about the award
  • Two people shaking hands.

    February 2023 – RTA’s Transportation Research & Innovation Pavilion opens

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signs an agreement with the University of Birmingham Dubai to establish their Transportation Research and Innovation Pavilion (TRIP) at the University. In February 2023, the RTA opens the facility, driving RTA’s innovation agenda and supporting the next generation of UAE innovators, start-ups, universities, and technology companies.

  • People sat on chairs on a stage

    December 2023 – COP28 events

    The United Arab Emirates hosts the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) at Expo City in Dubai. As part of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), the Dubai campus holds a programme of events, discussions, and projects, highlighting the University's leading research to tackle the climate crisis. A new groundbreaking report on adaptation and resilience is also launched.

    Groundbreaking report launched