Middle East families turn to China for educational travel
Middle Eastern families, including a UAE-based group of four adults and three children, are increasingly choosing China for educational travel despite regional conflicts, visiting universities like Shanghai Jiao Tong and NYU Shanghai. The trend reflects growing interest in Chinese education, language programs, and economic ties, with China now offering visa-free access to Gulf Cooperation Council nations and expanding Mandarin education in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
A family from the United Arab Emirates traveled to China in March for a seven-day educational tour, visiting Shanghai and Hangzhou despite regional conflicts that disrupted their plans. The trip included visits to Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the New York University Shanghai Campus, arranged by Ufox Travel, with a total cost of approximately 300,000 yuan ($41,000). The itinerary included business-class flights, premium hotels, and VIP access to Shanghai Disneyland, catering to high-end preferences. Previously, Middle Eastern families typically chose the UK or US for study tours, but China has become a new destination due to exposure to Chinese products and language education. Scarlett Yin, founder of Abu Dhabi-based DT House, noted that parents are increasingly interested in China as a study option. The UAE’s ‘Hundred Schools Project’ has expanded Mandarin education to 171 schools and 71,000 students since 2019, while Saudi Arabia has recognized Mandarin as a third official language in schools. China’s visa-free trial for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—combined with existing agreements with the UAE and Qatar—has further eased travel for Gulf families. Economic ties are also strengthening, with GCC investments in China projected to reach $20 billion to $25 billion in 2025, accounting for 10% of their total overseas investment. Zhu Zhaoyi, executive director of Peking University’s Institute of Middle East Studies, described Gulf capital as a long-term growth source for China’s markets. Ufox Travel has also organized privately funded educational tours for Middle Eastern students, including a group of 41 students from Abu Dhabi’s Al Yasat Private School. Lilian Hu, general manager of Ufox Travel, observed that Middle Eastern families now view China as a viable destination for education, investment, and business opportunities, shifting perceptions from a distant or mysterious place to a practical and attractive option.
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