SZABIST to Close Dubai Campus After HEC Policy Constraints: Dr. M. Altaf Mukati -

PAKISTAN

SZABIST University has announced the closure of its Dubai campus, with the last batch of students set to graduate in December 2026. The decision has been officially communicated by the university administration.

Dr. M. Altaf Mukati, Vice President (Academics) of SZABIST, told Engineering Review that the closure is a direct result of an unfavourable policy framework of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) concerning offshore campuses.

“Due to a flawed HEC policy, SZABIST has had to close its Dubai campus. Our last batch of students will complete their studies in December 2026,” Dr. Mukati said.

He explained that the absence of a supportive and flexible offshore policy made it difficult for the institution to continue operations in Dubai. “There is no offshore policy from HEC that can be described as friendly. We were a pioneer institution in Dubai,” he added.

Dr. Mukati further highlighted a structural issue affecting the university’s academic programs. SZABIST’s undergraduate programs are four years in duration, whereas similar programs offered by other universities in Dubai are completed in three years.

“Our programs are four years long, while the same programs at other universities there are three years. We proposed a workable solution to HEC, but permission was not granted,” he stated.

SZABIST was among the early Pakistani institutions to establish an academic presence in Dubai, contributing to cross-border higher education initiatives. The closure marks the end of its offshore operations after serving students in the UAE for several years. – ER Report

Watch The Video

READ MORE