Latest news with #ExecutiveCouncil
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai's ambitious education reforms: New student visas, scholarships, jobs for 90% of graduates; vision 2033
The recent Executive Council meeting in Dubai, approved reforms on student visas, scholarships, graduate jobs, air quality, construction governance, and international mediation under Vision 2033/ Image: DXB media office In a pivotal meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, a comprehensive set of new policies was approved to reshape the emirate's education, environment, legal framework, and infrastructure governance. Aimed at achieving Dubai's strategic goals for 2030 and 2033, the initiatives include expanded student visas, employment pathways for 90% of graduates, clean air targets, and the launch of an international mediation centre, marking a bold step in Dubai's long-term vision for innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Bold New Vision for Education and Youth Empowerment Dubai has introduced a sweeping set of policies that mark a transformative shift in the emirate's education and development landscape. These initiatives, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aim to: Attract global talent through enhanced student visa systems Provide international scholarships Guarantee that 90% of students secure suitable employment after graduation '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. Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.' By 2033, the emirate intends for international students to make up 50% of its total university enrolment. Today, Dubai is home to 37 international university branches, and it plans to host over 70 higher education institutions, including 11 universities ranked in the global top 200, by that target year. Notable universities already operating in Dubai include: Curtin University Dubai and University of Wollongong in Dubai, both in the QS World University Rankings 2026 Top 200 University of Birmingham Dubai, ranked among the top 100 international universities University of Manchester Dubai, placed in the global top 50 Led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the higher education enhancement strategy is expected to contribute Dh5.6 billion to Dubai's GDP. To realize this, authorities are rolling out: Upgraded student and graduate visa systems New work visas for graduates Enhanced international scholarship programmes Targeted efforts to attract prestigious universities Development of university clusters Strengthened regulatory frameworks Launch of a Higher Education Investment Fund Formation of the Dubai Scientific Research Network Employment-Driven Academic Reforms A major highlight of the reforms is the Academic and Career Guidance Policy, which aims to streamline the transition from education to employment. This new policy, also led by KHDA, targets the following milestones: 90% of Emirati graduates employed within six months of graduation 80% of educational institutions to provide effective career guidance services 70% of students to secure admission or jobs aligned with their top three choices The policy is central to achieving the goals of the broader Education Strategy 2033, and it encompasses: Clear career guidance guidelines for schools and universities Parental and student engagement initiatives Integrated career information platforms Entrepreneurship programmes and life skills camps Strategic partnerships with local and international accredited universities and training institutes Environmental Goals and Public Health Initiatives Parallel to the educational and economic strategies, Dubai has launched the Air Quality Strategy 2030, an ambitious plan to improve air quality and safeguard public health. The strategy aims for Dubai to meet clean air standards on 90% of days by 2030, by: Cutting PM2.5 concentrations to 35 micrograms per cubic metre Reducing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground-level ozone This initiative is led by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, with support from a wide array of agencies, including: Dubai Municipality Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai Airports Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation DP World Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology Emirates Global Aluminium Legal and Infrastructure Reforms to Support Growth Dubai International Mediation Centre Project This new project reinforces the emirate's role in international legal affairs, providing cost-effective, efficient, and globally recognised dispute resolution services. Co-developed by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department and ADR Centre, a prominent European mediation institution, the centre is expected to: Enhance investor confidence Attract foreign direct investment Create jobs in mediation and arbitration Boost Dubai's standing in global competitiveness indices, especially in alternative dispute resolution Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects Also approved during the Executive Council meeting was a new governance framework for construction projects, led by the Dubai Department of Finance. It will: Introduce a three-tiered categorisation for projects: Below Dh200 million Dh200–500 million Above Dh500 million Standardise and streamline planning and approvals Improve fiscal efficiency and transparency Support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goal of growing government spending from Dh512 billion (past decade) to Dh700 billion (next decade) Establish a five-year project portfolio to prioritise impactful developments
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai unveils major education reforms with new visas plan
Dubai's Executive Council has approved a major package of initiatives aimed at transforming the emirate into a top 10 global city for students by 2033. The new initiatives will expand international university presence, reform student visas, enhance career guidance, and boost Dubai's position as a destination for academic excellence and innovation. The new policies, approved during a meeting of The Executive Council at Emirates Towers, are aligned with the Economic Agenda D33 and the Education Strategy 2033. Dubai student boost Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: ' Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism, and openness to the world. 'Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, providing them with world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities. 'Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.' The emirate currently plays host to 37 international universities, including top-ranked institutions such as Curtin University, University of Wollongong, University of Birmingham, and University of Manchester. Under the new strategy, this number is expected to rise to more than 70 by 2033. Dubai education targets and initiatives 50 percent of all university enrolments in the emirate will be international students by 2033 A new student visa system, work visas for graduates, and international scholarships will be introduced A Higher Education Investment Fund and a Scientific Research Network will support university clusters and research Career advice services will be strengthened in schools and universities, with a target of 90 per cent employment within six months for Emirati graduates Dubai aims for 11 universities in the global top 200 and a AED5.6 billion contribution from higher education to GDP 80 per cent of education providers will be able to offer effective career advice services 70 per cent of graduates will be able to gain entry into one of their top three university or career choices Also approved at the Executive Council Meeting was the Academic and Career Guidance Policy, led by Knowledge and Human Development Authority, which sets clear goals for aligning education with employment. It includes entrepreneurship programmes, life skills camps, and digital platforms offering real-time insights into the job market. 'Youth are the architects of the future,' said Sheikh Hamdan. 'Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.'
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
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.'
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: New student visas, scholarships, jobs for 90% of pupils in new policies
New student visas, international scholarships and an ambitious plan to ensure that 90 per cent of its student population will secure suitable employment are parts of sweeping changes to be introduced to Dubai's education system. A set of major new policies and initiatives in Dubai will enhance higher education, improve career guidance, and elevate air quality, among other key areas. By 2033, the emirate wants international students to make up 50 per cent of its total university enrolments. These were approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister during a meeting of the Executive Council. Part of the policy will also ensure that the emirate will achieve clean air standards on 90 percent of the days by 2030. 'Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism, and openness to the world,' Sheikh Hamdan said. 'Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, providing them with world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities. Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.' Dubai is currently home to 37 international university branches and these strategies plans to almost double it to 70 in a bid to position itself as one of the world's top 10 cities for students. A new academic and career guidance policy will also ensure that 90 percent of the general student population in the emirate will be able to find employment aligned with their respective field of study. The council approved a Dubai International Mediation Centre project, which highlights the emirate's role as a trusted mediator providing dispute resolutions services and the Air Quality Strategy 2030, which will help preserve Dubai's environment and biodiversity. The newly approved Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects will further enhance government performance in partnership with the private sector. Attracting top global universities The project, led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), aims to have international students make up half of all university enrolments in the emirate. With this, the higher education sector is expected to contribute approximately Dh5.6 billion to Dubai's GDP. The initiative aims to have over 70 higher education institutions by 2033, including 11 ranked within the top 200 globally. Currently, Dubai is home to 37 international universities, such as Curtin University Dubai and University of Wollongong in Dubai, both ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026 top 200, as well as the University of Birmingham Dubai, ranked among the top 100 international universities, and the University of Manchester Dubai, which is ranked among the top 50. To achieve these goals, the project will usher in improvements to student visa systems, new international scholarships, work visas for graduates, strategies to attract prestigious universities, besides promoting impactful university clusters, regulatory frameworks to ensure quality, a Higher Education Investment Fund, and the Dubai Scientific Research Network. Academic and career guidance policy The new Academic and Career Guidance Policy will support students in making informed decisions about their futures, enhance career advice services in schools and facilitate students' transition into the workforce. It sets ambitious targets, aiming for 90 percent of Emirati graduates to find employment within six months of graduation. Led by the KHDA, this policy aims to assist students in enriching their academic and career paths while contributing to the objectives of the Education Strategy 2033. Additionally, it envisages that 80 percent of education providers will be able to offer effective career advice services, and that 70 percent of graduates will be able to gain entry into one of their top three university or career choices. Other key initiatives approved during the meeting include new standards for career advice services, career guidance guidelines for schools and universities, parents and student engagement programmes, information platforms on universities and the job market, entrepreneurship programmes, life skills camps, and partnerships with accredited local and international universities and training institutes. Air Quality Strategy 2030 Dubai's Air Quality Strategy 2030 aims to achieve clean air standards on 90 percent of the days by 2030, thus helping enhance public health and environmental sustainability. The strategy provides for sector-specific targets and initiatives to reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations to 35 micrograms per cubic metre, while also addressing other key pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground-level ozone. Led by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, the strategy is to be implemented in partnership with relevant entities including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Airports, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, DP World, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Emirates Global Aluminium. Dubai International Mediation Centre The Dubai International Mediation Centre project, will strengthen Dubai's legal infrastructure by offering cost-effective, efficient, and internationally recognised dispute resolution services. The project will enhance investor confidence, attract foreign direct investment, and create new jobs in the domains of mediation and arbitration. Co-developed by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department and ADR Centre, a leading mediation institution in Europe, the project will support Dubai's rankings in global competitiveness indices, most notably the availability of alternative dispute resolution methods as measured by the Civil Justice Project. Governance policy for government construction projects The Council also approved the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects, led by the Dubai Department of Finance. This will standardise procedures, enhancing transparency and reliability in the approval and implementation of government construction projects. It introduces a unified framework categorising projects into three tiers based on cost: below Dh200 million, between Dh200–500 million, and above Dh500 million. This policy promises to significantly improve planning tied to the financial and economic impact of projects and directs fiscal resources towards priority goals, ensuring sustainable economic growth and agility. It also aligns with the goal of increasing government spending from Dh512 billion over the past decade to Dh700 billion in the next decade, as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Additionally, the establishment of a five-year project portfolio will prioritise resources and ensure high-impact development.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Hamdan announces plan to support 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 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. '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.' '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 on Thursday. '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.'
