Choosing a university course has become more complex as new industries continue to emerge. For students and parents alike, understanding future career pathways before making higher education decisions is increasingly valuable.
Recognising this, Canadian University Dubai welcomed 375 high school students from across the UAE to its Future Makers Summer Camp 2026. Over three days, participants explored university life while discovering emerging industries through practical learning experiences designed to help them make more informed choices about their futures.
Future Makers Summer Camp Brings Learning to Life
Held at Canadian University Dubai’s City Walk campus, the Future Makers Summer Camp immersed students in university-style learning through workshops, collaborative projects and interactive challenges led by academic staff.
Rather than simply introducing degree programmes, the camp encouraged students to experience how different disciplines solve real world problems. As a result, participants gained a clearer understanding of the knowledge and skills required across a wide range of careers.
Students explored engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business, entrepreneurship, architecture, interior design, psychology, sustainability, public health, communication and media, alongside the creative industries.
Throughout the programme, every activity encouraged creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving, all skills increasingly valued by universities and employers.
Helping Students Make Better University Choices
Experiences that allow students to explore subjects before applying to university can play an important role in helping them make confident education decisions.
Reflecting on this year’s programme, Ahmed El Mahdy, Student Recruitment Manager at Canadian University Dubai said,
“Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions a student will make. The Future Makers Summer Camp was designed to give students an authentic experience of university life while helping them explore the opportunities that lie ahead. We were incredibly proud to see how receptive, curious, and engaged our campers were throughout the programme. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to embrace every experience made this year’s camp truly memorable.”
For parents, opportunities like these provide valuable reassurance that students are selecting courses based on genuine interest and informed understanding rather than assumptions.
Industry Experts Share Real World Experience
Another highlight of the Future Makers Summer Camp was the opportunity for students to hear directly from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Ceaser Medel and Corey Lanzing, entrepreneurs, venture builders and strategic partners of the CUD Incubator, shared practical insights into entrepreneurship, innovation and building successful ventures.
Meanwhile, international startup mentor and business strategist Marcin Lapa spoke about transforming ideas into scalable businesses and navigating the realities of entrepreneurship. These sessions connected classroom learning with real business experiences, giving students a broader understanding of today’s rapidly changing employment landscape.
Commenting on the importance of exposing young people to entrepreneurship, Ceaser Medel, entrepreneur, venture builder, and strategic partner of the CUD Incubator said,
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the Future Makers Summer Camp was seeing how naturally students embraced innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Their curiosity, willingness to ask questions, and enthusiasm for solving real-world challenges demonstrated the tremendous potential of the next generation. Experiences like these encourage young people to think beyond traditional career paths and recognise that they can become innovators, founders, and changemakers.”
Building Skills Beyond the Classroom
Increasingly, universities and employers are looking beyond academic results when assessing future talent.
Programmes such as the Future Makers Summer Camp allow students to strengthen communication, collaboration and leadership while building confidence in unfamiliar environments. Furthermore, working alongside peers from different schools encourages teamwork and broadens perspectives.
These experiences also help students understand how university learning differs from school, making the transition to higher education less daunting.
A Collaborative Effort Across the University
The success of the programme reflected the combined efforts of Canadian University Dubai’s recruitment team, academic staff, student ambassadors, professional services teams and industry partners.
Together, they created an environment where students could ask questions, test ideas and experience university learning in an engaging and supportive setting.
Why Programmes Like This Matter
As the UAE continues to invest in innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge-based industries, helping students explore future careers before leaving school has never been more important.
Summer programmes like the Future Makers Summer Camp offer practical insight into emerging fields while helping students make informed university choices. They also strengthen links between schools, universities and industry, ensuring young people are better prepared for higher education and the changing world of work.
Canadian University Dubai, ranked Dubai’s number one university in the QS World University Rankings 2027 for the sixth consecutive year, continues to demonstrate how experiential learning can inspire the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and future leaders.
For more information please visit
Further Reading
- Canadian University Dubai Showcases Cross Cultural Designs at Hong Kong Fashion Gala
- Canadian University Dubai Remains #1 in QS Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Year
- Canadian University Dubai Student Wins Title at World FEI Endurance Championships