Hajra Naz
Dubai is launching a sweeping set of changes in its education system. These include new student visas and international scholarships. There is also a plan to help 90% of students get jobs in their fields.
The initiatives were approved during a meeting of the Executive Council chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister.
By 2033, Dubai wants international students to make up half of all university enrollments. The plan will also improve higher education and career guidance while working toward clean air targets for 90% of the year by 2030.
“Youth are the architects of the future,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, offering them world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities.”
Currently, Dubai hosts 37 international university branches. The aim is to nearly double this number to 70 by 2033. A new academic and career guidance policy will help ensure that 90% of students find work in their chosen fields.
Attracting Top Global Universities
The KHDA and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) are leading the project to attract international students and universities. The goal is for higher education to contribute Dh5.6 billion to Dubai’s GDP.
By 2033, the emirate aims to host over 70 universities. At least 11 of them should be ranked in the top 200 globally. Universities like Curtin University Dubai, University of Wollongong, University of Birmingham, and University of Manchester Dubai already rank high in global standings.
To reach these targets, Dubai will improve student visa systems, introduce new scholarships, and launch work visa options for graduates. Other steps include creating university clusters, updating regulations, establishing a Higher Education Investment Fund, and launching the Dubai Scientific Research Network.
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Academic and Career Guidance Policy
The Academic and Career Guidance Policy will help students make informed decisions. It will also boost career counseling services and support the school-to-work transition.
The policy aims for 90% of Emirati graduates to be employed within six months of graduation. It also hopes that 80% of education providers can offer solid career guidance. Meanwhile, 70% of graduates should secure a spot in one of their top three universities or job preferences.
The initiative includes new standards for career counseling, tools for schools and universities, parent engagement programs, and access to job market info. It also offers life skills camps, entrepreneurship programs, and partnerships with top local and global institutions.
Dubai International Mediation Centre and Governance Reforms
The council also approved the Dubai International Mediation Centre. This will enhance Dubai’s role as a trusted provider of dispute resolution services. In addition, the Air Quality Strategy 2030 and a new Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects were also approved. The construction policy will improve public sector efficiency and promote partnerships with the private sector.
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Air Quality Strategy 2030
Dubai’s Air Quality Strategy 2030 aims to meet clean air standards 90% of the time by the end of the decade. This supports public health and environmental goals.
The strategy includes efforts to reduce PM2.5 levels to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. It also targets other harmful pollutants like
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulphur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Ground-level ozone.
The initiative will be led by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority. It involves several partners, including Dubai Municipality, DEWA, RTA, Dubai Airports, DP World, and more.
Dubai International Mediation Centre
The Dubai International Mediation Centre will improve the emirate’s legal system. It aims to offer fast, affordable, and globally recognized dispute resolution services.
This will enhance investor confidence, draw more foreign investment, and create jobs in mediation and arbitration. Developed in partnership with Europe’s ADR Centre, the project will support Dubai’s rankings in international civil justice and competitiveness indexes.
Governance Policy for Government Construction
The Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects will bring more transparency to public construction work. Led by the Dubai Department of Finance, it introduces a tier-based system:
- Tier 1: Projects under Dh200 million
- Tier 2: Dh200–500 million
- Tier 3: Over Dh500 million
This system will improve how projects are planned. It will connect spending to long-term economic goals. It will also help direct funds to top priorities.
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The new policy supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. The agenda aims to increase government spending from Dh512 billion over the last decade to Dh700 billion in the next.
A new five-year project portfolio will also be introduced to ensure high-impact results from public investment.
