Launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in partnership with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), the new programme is designed to prepare qualified national talent with the practical skills and market knowledge required to support the long-term growth and sustainability of Dubai’s real estate industry. The launch of the First Academic Real Estate Diploma in Dubai reflects a strategic shift toward applied education, ensuring that the emirate’s fast-growing property market is supported by a skilled, locally trained workforce. By offering the first academic real estate diploma in Dubai, the initiative provides a clear entry point into the industry, supported by government oversight, academic accreditation, and private-sector collaboration. The launch aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, both of which prioritise talent development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global real estate hub, the introduction of structured, applied education through the First Academic Real Estate Diploma in Dubai represents a key step toward ensuring the sector remains professional, competitive, and resilient for years to come. The brokerage ecosystem now includes more than 2,000 Emirati brokers, reflecting growing national participation and increased inclusivity across the industry. The introduction of the First Academic Real Estate Diploma in Dubai builds on these efforts by creating a structured educational pathway for future professionals, ensuring consistent standards, professionalism, and long-term workforce development. Responding to the Evolving Needs of the Real Estate Sector From an academic perspective, the Higher Colleges of Technology emphasised that the diploma reflects changing labour market requirements. By aligning academic outcomes with labour market needs, the programme ensures that graduates of Dubai’s first academic real estate diploma are well positioned to integrate effectively into the sector. Building Human Capital in a Rapidly Growing Market According to the Dubai Land Department, investing in people is essential to sustaining long-term sector growth. Dubai has introduced its first academic real estate diploma, marking a significant milestone in the development of professional education for the property sector. Graduates will be able to pursue professional licensing, continue higher education, or enter the workforce with a recognised qualification tailored to the real estate sector. Opening New Career Pathways in Dubai Real Estate The programme is aimed at individuals seeking to build long-term careers in real estate, whether in brokerage, property management, valuation, or related services. The curriculum has been carefully designed to reflect the realities of the UAE real estate market, covering core areas such as property management, real estate valuation and appraisal, brokerage operations, and professional engagement with landlords and tenants. Participants will also gain insight into real estate marketing and service promotion, helping them understand both the operational and commercial sides of the industry. Modern real estate careers increasingly demand applied skills, technological understanding, and regulatory awareness alongside traditional academic knowledge. The diploma introduces a professional education track that complements existing academic pathways, offering students flexibility in how they develop their careers. By combining academic learning with hands-on industry exposure, the programme aims to bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. A Structured and Practical Real Estate Education Programme The Real Estate Diploma is a two-year academic programme, offering 90 accredited study hours and enrolling 40 participants per cohort. The focus on applied learning ensures that graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with practical competence, confidence, and a clear understanding of market dynamics. Collaboration with Leading Real Estate Developers As part of the diploma’s launch, DLD signed cooperation agreements with several of the UAE’s leading real estate developers, including Emaar Properties, Sobha Realty, Aldar Properties, Omniyat Developments, Azizi Developments, Danube Properties, and Ellington Properties. These partnerships are intended to provide students with access to practical training opportunities, industry expertise, and real-world exposure. Dubai’s real estate market continues to demonstrate strong performance, with total property transactions exceeding AED 917 billion in 2025, highlighting the scale, resilience, and maturity of the market. Since the launch of the Real Estate Empowerment Programme in 2024, DLD has supported the employment of 1,800 Emiratis within the property sector.
