Dubai has launched a major overhaul of its education, employment, and environmental strategies, with bold targets set for 2030 and beyond. The ambitious reforms aim to attract more international students, improve career pathways, and ensure cleaner air across the emirate.
At a recent Executive Council meeting chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, several key initiatives were approved to shape Dubai’s long-term development goals.
Among the most notable is the plan to increase international student enrollment to 50 percent of the total university population by 2033, nearly doubling the number of global university branches from 37 to 70. The initiative, spearheaded by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, is expected to contribute Dh5.6 billion to the city’s GDP.
“Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism, and openness to the world,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, providing them with world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities.”
As part of this push, Dubai will introduce improved student visa systems, international scholarships, and graduate work permits, while also developing a Higher Education Investment Fund and establishing the Dubai Scientific Research Network.
A new Academic and Career Guidance Policy was also introduced, setting the goal of ensuring that 90 percent of graduates—particularly Emiratis—find employment within six months of graduation. It also aims to strengthen career advisory services in schools and help students secure placements aligned with their academic choices.
On the environmental front, the Air Quality Strategy 2030 was approved to improve public health by reducing harmful pollutants and achieving clean air on 90 percent of the days by the end of the decade. It includes strict benchmarks for reducing fine particulate matter and will involve multiple government entities, including DEWA, RTA, Dubai Municipality, and Emirates Global Aluminium.
In legal reform, the establishment of the Dubai International Mediation Centre was greenlit to position the city as a global hub for efficient, low-cost dispute resolution. Developed with the ADR Centre in Europe, this project will reinforce investor confidence and support Dubai’s global competitiveness rankings.
Lastly, a new Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects was introduced to standardize procedures, improve transparency, and guide Dh700 billion in public spending over the next decade. Projects will now be categorized into cost-based tiers and evaluated under a unified five-year portfolio plan to ensure strategic, high-impact investments.