The Council is currently introducing IELTS Academic and General Training testing on computer more widely to provide more options to test takers.

The UAE now ranks second globally for the adoption of the new format, behind China in the first place and in front of third-placed India.

Huge demand

To meet the surge in demand, the British Council has opened six computer-delivered IELTS test centers across four cities in the UAE - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Ain. In fact, Dubai has one of the highest conversion rates of computer-delivered IELTS, with 24% of applicants opting for the new format since its launch.

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According to the British Council, the increasing demand for English proficiency testing in the UAE correlates with government initiatives such as Vision 2021, which aim to diversify and spur the economy. English is recognized as a gateway skill for future careers, a critical factor in facilitating business across borders and a way to empower the pool of Emirati talent by providing them with the necessary tools to compete in a global workforce.

While the UAE has the highest English proficiency score of the GCC countries, scoring 47.27 on the EF English Proficiency Index, it still has significant room for improvement when compared to global benchmarks. English training and vocational upskilling will be essential for the transformation of the country into a knowledge-based economy.

Deep Adhikari, Director Examinations Gulf South at British Council, commented:

Computer-delivered IELTS is already increasing convenience, mobility, and choice for all test-takers in the UAE and we are delighted that this new format has been welcomed. We are dedicated to supporting the development of the English language across the country, providing youth with skills for the future.

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More dates

With computer-delivered IELTS there are more test dates available, test takers can choose IELTS at a time convenient for them, and they will receive their results in five to seven days.

The Test Report Form, content, timing and structure of the test is the same whether you take the test on paper or on computer and the Speaking test is always face-to-face with a certified IELTS Examiner.

The computer-delivered IELTS is currently available in 58 countries.

Source: British Council, Emirates247.com