Dubai is rolling out a major transformation of its education sector with an ambitious set of policies aimed at attracting top global universities, improving academic and career guidance, and ensuring that 90% of graduates secure employment in their field of study.

Announced following a meeting of the Dubai Executive Council, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, the new policies form part of Dubai’s Education Strategy 2033 and broader sustainable development goals.

Key Highlights of the New Strategy

Student Visas & Global Scholarships

• A new, streamlined student visa system and international scholarships will make it easier for students to live and study in Dubai.
• The emirate aims to attract more top-tier talent from around the world, making international students 50% of total university enrolments by 2033.

Expanding University Presence

• Dubai plans to almost double its international universities, from the current 37 to more than 70 by 2033.
• The goal is to have 11 institutions ranked in the top 200 globally.
• Prestigious institutions already in Dubai include the University of Birmingham, the University of Wollongong, Curtin University, and the University of Manchester.

Dh5.6 Billion Contribution to GDP

• The enhanced higher education sector is expected to generate Dh5.6 billion for Dubai’s economy.

90% Graduate Employment Target

A new Academic and Career Guidance Policy aims to:

• Ensure 90% of Emirati graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
• Help students make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
• Ensure that 70% of students are admitted to one of their top three universities or career choices.

The KHDA will lead the implementation of this policy, which will also support:

• Enhanced career counselling in schools
• Student engagement programmes
• Job market information platforms
• Life skills and entrepreneurship camps

Dubai as a Global Student City

Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to empowering youth with knowledge, skills, and innovation:

“Youth are the architects of the future… Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.”

Environmental & Governance Policies Also Approved

In addition to education reforms, the Executive Council also approved:

• Air Quality Strategy 2030, to achieve clean air on 90% of days by 2030.
• Dubai International Mediation Centre, positioning Dubai as a trusted global hub for dispute resolution.
• A new Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects to enhance public-private collaboration.