The United Arab Emirates has transformed itself from a small but important trading port to a significant higher education hub. But with growth almost outstripping expectations, questions over cultural ideals are being asked, while Dubai itself is looking east as it continues to develop. Patrick Atack reports.

With over 1,800 respondents, the macro trends of 2019 are born out in the latest INTO agent survey, with Chinese agents especially reflecting the student turn away from the US.

A new edtech venture from Singapore, Cialfo, has raised US$3m to help it expand into the US. The product allows students to research global HEIs to assist with their application processes.

'The Shape of Global Higher Education' looked at methods of internationalisation and trends on TNE and student mobility across Europe in 2019.

Three more Confucius Institutes attached to US universities have been closed, as a result of a law which prohibits federal funding for HEIs hosting them.

BMI held one of its three Global Scholarship Summits in London, at which its inaugural Global Scholarship Awards were also awarded.

Online learning platform FutureLearn has announced an investment of £50m (or $65m) from SEEK, a global group of "employment, education and volunteer businesses". SEEK Group will become a joint-owner of FutureLearn, with a 50% stake.

Conservative MPs have joined Labour and Scottish National Party counterparts to warn of the harmful effects of Brexit on EU students in the UK, as they introduced an Immigration Bill amendment to restore the UK's post-study work offering to two years.