The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced the launch of a new Real Estate Diploma program on January 20, 2026, in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). This initiative aims to strategically develop specialized national talent capable of entering and sustaining the growth of the UAE’s rapidly expanding real estate sector. The diploma synthesizes DLD’s professional expertise with HCT’s academic rigor, offering an accredited pathway that intentionally bridges technical knowledge with practical, market-aligned application.
Enhancing Professional Competence Through Applied Learning
The newly introduced program is a rigorous, two-year commitment designed to qualify 40 participants per cohort. The curriculum encompasses 90 accredited hours of instruction in critical industry areas, including property management, real estate valuation, brokerage practices, and effective engagement with property owners and tenants. This specialized focus ensures graduates possess the necessary confidence and practical skills required to immediately contribute to the workforce.
Crucially, the DLD solidified the program’s foundation by signing cooperation agreements with leading UAE developers, including Emaar Properties, Sobha Realty, Aldar Properties, and Danube Properties, among others. These partnerships are instrumental in providing valuable practical training and ensuring the educational outcomes directly address current labor-market demands, enhancing the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Focusing on Human Capital in a Booming Market
His Excellency Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director General of the DLD, emphasized that investment in human capital is foundational to the sector’s strength. He noted that equipping ambitious Emiratis with training and clear career structures is paramount to sustained growth.
“This approach comes at a time when Dubai’s real estate sector is witnessing an unprecedented achievement,” Bu Shehab stated, highlighting that the value of real estate transactions in 2025 exceeded AED917 billion, a hallmark of the market’s resilience.
The diploma builds upon DLD’s existing empowerment efforts. Since the 2024 launch of the Real Estate Empowerment program, the DLD has facilitated the employment of 1,800 Emiratis within the sector. Furthermore, the number of Emirati real estate brokers has grown significantly to 2,028, with 426 being women, underscoring DLD’s commitment to building a competitive, human-centric industry.
HCT’s Role in Applied Education Development
Speaking on the partnership, His Excellency Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of HCT, affirmed that the collaboration aligns with HCT’s strategy of building strong ties with industry sectors to support national development goals.
Dr. Al Ayyan stressed that the diploma responds to the evolving needs of the market, which increasingly seeks applied and technological competencies over traditional academic degrees. He highlighted that the real estate sector, supported by the UAE’s robust infrastructure and enabling government policies, is a critical driver of economic growth. Preparing national talent professionally ensures enhanced excellence and competitiveness.
Clear Pathways for Academic and Career Advancement
The Real Estate Diploma is designed to attract professionals seeking to advance their careers by equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate market dynamics responsibly. Beyond immediate entry into the workforce, the program offers graduates explicit pathways to continue advanced academic studies or pursue professional licensing, subject to required qualifications.
The launch of this diploma aligns directly with the broader objectives of the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33. These overarching strategies prioritize the empowerment of national talent and their readiness to participate fully in the emirate’s ongoing economic and social development narrative. Young people interested in the burgeoning potential of Dubai’s real estate market now have a foundational, accredited pathway to professional success.