The number of Emirati high school graduates pursuing higher studies in the United States grew once again last year, up 7.6% over the previous figure, according to the latest U.S. report on international academic mobility.

The "Open Doors 2013" report, published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), states that the number of UAE nationals enrolled at U.S. institutions of higher education in the 2012-13 academic year grew to 2,256, up from 2,097 the previous year.

The popularity of the USA as an academic destination for Emirati students comes as the United States once again tops one of the most trusted university ranking lists, Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, published annually in the United Kingdom. The 2014-15 rankings feature seven U.S. universities in the top ten and 45 American institutions in the top 100

University representatives from big names on the Times Higher Education list and a wide range of other excellent universities will be meeting UAE students who are keen on pursuing a world-class American education at this month's NAJAH Education and Career Fair, set to take place from October 28th to 30th at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Supported by U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi, EducationUSA will host representatives from 22 American universities in a dedicated pavilion offering educational advice to visitors at NAJAH. The pavilion will be inaugurated during the NAJAH opening by the performance of a Grammy Award-nominated bluegrass band, Della Mae. The five young women musicians will also talk with local students about the importance of education and opportunities for study in the United States.

Mr. Ali Lejlic, Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, said, "We want to make sure that students from across the UAE can get the information they need about studying at the many fine colleges and universities in the United States. There are so many good options in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. EducationUSA is happy to help by offering free, objective information about the many opportunities at accredited institutions in the United States, along with tips on how to access those opportunities."

"It is important for the embassy to provide interested Emirati students and their parents with accurate and reliable information regarding studying in the United States and the steps involved in that process. We know that American colleges and universities offer the best quality education, with outstanding variety and diversity in higher education, so we take pride in offering an open door and the warmest possible welcome for international students. NAJAH is an unrivalled venue in terms of visibility and size, in order for us to share that message."

Now in its eighth year, NAJAH in 2013 attracted nearly 15,000 visitors to the show, with 91% of them being either students or fresh graduates/professionals looking for undergraduate courses or career opportunities.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth & Development, NAJAH is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Reseasrch, Abu Dhabi Education Council and Dubai International Academic City.

Official sponsors for the fair are GHQ Armed Forces, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, National Qualifications Authority, ALHOSN University, Be You International, Rabdan Academy, Emirates College of Technology and Berkeley Middle East.

More information about NAJAH can be found at www.najahonline.com.

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