The global design industry is experiencing a seismic shift, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence, digital experiences, and sustainability. At the forefront of this transformation is India, which is rapidly emerging as a hub for creative education and innovation. The World University of Design (WUD), India’s first university dedicated exclusively to creative disciplines, is attracting a growing number of students from the UAE and beyond, drawn by its forward-thinking programs and global relevance.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of WUD, highlights the evolving role of design in today’s world. “Design is no longer confined to aesthetics; it is driving industries ranging from technology and urban planning to fashion and digital experiences,” he explains. The global design industry, currently valued at $63 billion, is projected to reach $89 billion by 2033, with India playing a pivotal role in this growth.
India’s design sector is expanding at an impressive annual rate of 25%, fueled by innovations in digital products, gaming, animation, and user experience. Government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, coupled with the rise of global R&D hubs, have positioned design at the core of the country’s economic engine. Design education, in particular, is shaping India’s trajectory toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, with design thinking bridging the gap between technology and human needs in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and smart cities.
Dr. Gupta emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of future careers in design. “Employers increasingly value professionals who can think across boundaries—engineers who understand aesthetics, entrepreneurs who think like designers, and coders who empathize with users,” he says. WUD’s curriculum integrates design, business, and technology, fostering creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
For UAE students, India offers a unique blend of world-class education, cultural familiarity, and affordability. WUD’s multicultural campus and globally benchmarked programs prepare students for careers in Dubai, London, Mumbai, and beyond. With tuition and living costs significantly lower than in the West, India provides exceptional value for families seeking quality education.
As the UAE continues to invest in its creative industries, collaborations with India’s design education ecosystem are strengthening. Institutions like WUD are at the forefront of this partnership, shaping the future of design, innovation, and the creative economy in the Global South. Admissions for WUD’s 2026 intake are now open, with the WUD Design Aptitude Test (WUDAT 2026) scheduled for January 4, 2026.