Sheikh Hamdan unveils air quality plan and support for Emiratis in future job markets
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Thursday chaired the Dubai Executive Council meeting, with education and efforts to boost air quality high on the agenda.
The council approved a project to attract top international universities to the emirate while putting together the Academic and Career Guidance Policy. This, Sheikh Hamdan said, will help Emirati students in future job markets with targeted academic and career support, setting a target that 90 per cent of all Emirati graduates will find employment within six months of graduation.
Sheikh Hamdan also unveiled a long-term air quality plan as part of a broader drive to bolster the environment and improve quality of life.
'Today, I chaired The Executive Council meeting and approved a set of policies and strategies to reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for education and future-ready talent,' he wrote on X. 'We approved a project to attract top international universities, aiming to position Dubai among the world's top 10 destinations for undergraduate and postgraduate students.'
The aim is for international students to comprise 50 per cent of all university enrolments in Dubai by 2033. The higher education sector is also expected to contribute Dh5.6 billion to the emirate's GDP by this time, Dubai Media Office reports.
The initiative aims to establish Dubai as one of the world's top 10 cities for students, with over 70 higher education institutions planned by 2033, including 11 ranked within the top 200 globally. To achieve this, the project sets out to improve student visa systems, new international scholarships, work visas for graduates, and introduce strategies to attract prestigious universities.
'Aligned with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for a knowledge-based economy, the project will be implemented in partnership with KHDA and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism,' Sheikh Hamdan added. 'We also approved the Academic and Career Guidance Policy to help Emirati students thrive in future job markets through targeted academic and career support.'
A focus on the environment
The Crown Prince of Dubai also revealed the approval of the Air Quality Strategy 2030, while also setting out plans for a new centre to mediate legal disputes.
The clean air initiative follows a similar project announced in February, known as the Super Block initiative, which will target urban areas to make them more pedestrian-friendly. It is hoped that this will enhance quality of life, sustainability and boost social interaction between communities.
It also aims to reduce carbon emissions by designating car-free residential areas and increasing green spaces. Areas such as Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone will be the first to be boosted by the initiative.
'Enhancing quality of life remains a key priority. We approved the Air Quality Strategy 2030, which will be implemented by Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, in partnership with relevant entities, with the aim of fostering a healthy and safe environment for all,' he continued. 'During the meeting, we also approved the Dubai International Mediation Centre project to provide an efficient and transparent platform for alternative dispute resolution.
'We also approved the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects to standardise procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen private-sector partnerships, and ensure efficient delivery and high-quality outcomes.'
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