Dubai's Bold Education and Workforce Overhaul

A New Era for Education and Work in Dubai

Dubai has announced a comprehensive educational and environmental strategy that not only reforms higher education but also aims for 90% of students to find suitable employment by 2033. The initiatives include increasing the proportion of international students, introducing new scholarship programs, restructuring the student visa system, and improving air quality.

International Students and Higher Education Transformation

Dubai has set an ambitious goal: by 2033, 50% of higher education students should be international. Currently, there are 37 international universities in the emirate, and the aim is to increase this to over 70, with at least 11 institutions among the world's top 200. To achieve this, support will be provided through:

- a new student visa system,

- availability of international scholarships,

- employment opportunities for graduates,

- creation of a scientific research network,

- launching a higher education investment fund.

The project is led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, as well as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The anticipated economic impact is also notable: higher education could contribute approximately 5.6 billion dirhams to Dubai's GDP.

New Career Orientation Guidelines and Targeted Career Support

The new 'Academic and Career Guidance Policy' aims to ensure students make informed career choices and experience a smooth transition from school to the labor market. The main goals include:

- 90% of Emirati students finding employment within six months,

- 80% of educational institutions providing effective career orientation services,

- 70% of graduating students entering one of their top three desired higher education or career opportunities.

Additional plans include launching programs for parental and student involvement, introducing career counseling standards, entrepreneurship training, life skills camps, and partnerships with renowned local and international universities.

Clean Air and Sustainability: Air Quality Strategy 2030

The new pollution reduction strategy aims to provide clean air for Dubai residents 90% of the year by 2030. The target is to reduce PM2.5 particle pollution to below 35 micrograms/m³ and regulate concentrations of other key pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.

The strategy is led by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, in collaboration with several state and industry stakeholders including DEWA, the Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Airports.

Dispute Resolution: Dubai International Mediation Centre

The Dubai International Mediation Centre aims to provide internationally recognized, efficient, and affordable dispute resolution services. The project:

- reinforces Dubai's role as a global hub for legal mediation,

- boosts foreign investors' confidence,

- creates new jobs in the field of mediation and arbitration.

The initiative is led by the Dubai Government's Legal Affairs Department in collaboration with the ADR Centre.

New Regulations for Government Construction Projects

The new policy for managing government construction aims at increasing transparency, cost control, and project prioritization. Construction projects will be categorized into:

- below 200 million dirhams,

- between 200–500 million dirhams,

- over 500 million dirhams.

The aim is more efficient planning and sustainable allocation of budgetary resources, contributing to the implementation of the Dubai D33 economic plan, which envisions public spending increasing to 700 billion dirhams over a decade.

Conclusion

Dubai’s new educational, career development, and environmental initiatives clearly show that the emirate is thinking long-term: not only aiming to attract and retain talent but also to create a livable, sustainable, and innovation-driven city for future generations. Dubai becomes increasingly attractive to students, investors, and professionals, transforming into one of the world's leading educational and economic centers.

(Source: Executive Council release.)