DUBAI, UAE – In a major move to solidify the role of UAE citizens in the nation’s most dynamic economic sector, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) have officially launched a specialized Real Estate Diploma. The program aims to transform Emiratis into the primary driving force behind Dubai’s property market, which recently shattered records with over AED 917 billion in transactions during 2025.

The launch follows a strategic agreement between the DLD and HCT, combining hands-on industry expertise with academic rigor. The initiative is a direct response to the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which seeks to double the sector’s contribution to the city’s GDP and increase homeownership rates to 33%.

A Comprehensive Two-Year Roadmap

The new diploma is designed to move beyond traditional classroom learning, offering a “hands-on” approach that prepares students for the high-stakes reality of the real estate world.

  • Duration & Structure: The program spans two years and consists of 90 accredited hours.
  • Specialized Curriculum: Students will master key areas including real estate law, property valuation, asset and liability analysis, and the complex relationship between owners and tenants.
  • Professional Readiness: Beyond graduation, the program provides clear pathways for participants to obtain official professional licenses or continue their higher education.

“True investment begins with people,” said Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department. “The strength of our real estate sector stems from the competence of its workforce. This diploma prepares individuals to navigate market transformations with a responsible, professional mindset.”

Strategic Targets: Boosting Emirati Presence

The primary goal of the diploma is to rapidly increase the number of UAE nationals working in the private property sector. According to Abdullah Al Shehi, CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), the government expects to add 800 new Emirati professionals to the industry this year alone.

Currently, approximately 2,200 Emiratis are employed in real estate. With the launch of this diploma and other empowerment initiatives, that number is projected to climb to 3,000 by the end of 2026. This follows the success of the 2024 Empowerment Program, which has already successfully integrated 1,800 citizens into the sector, including over 400 women working as licensed brokers.

Public-Private Power: Major Developers Join the Mission

To ensure students gain real-world experience, the DLD has secured partnerships with seven of the UAE’s most prominent real estate developers. These industry giants will provide internships and practical training, effectively creating a bridge between the classroom and a career.

The Partner Developers Include:

  • Emaar Properties
  • Aldar Properties
  • Sobha Realty
  • Danube Properties
  • Omniyat Developments
  • Azizi Developments
  • Ellington Properties

Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of Danube Group, emphasized that the private sector is eager to welcome these new talents. “Emiratis know the culture and the people; they understand the local market intimately,” Sajan noted. He added that his company has already exceeded its Emiratisation targets and plans to hire a significant number of interns from this program.

Why Now? A Market at Its Peak

The timing of the diploma coincides with an unprecedented boom in Dubai’s property landscape. In 2025, the market saw more than 270,000 transactions, a 20% increase from the previous year. This rapid growth has created a high demand for skilled, professional brokers and property managers who can maintain the market’s reputation for transparency and excellence.

Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of HCT, highlighted that this “comprehensive” approach to education, offering professional diplomas alongside traditional degrees, is essential for a workforce that now prioritizes applied and technological skills over theoretical knowledge alone.

As the first cohort of 40 participants prepares to begin, the “Real Estate Diploma” stands as a cornerstone of Dubai’s vision to build a sustainable, human-centric economy led by its own citizens.