Dubai has unveiled a new Real Estate Diploma aimed at nurturing local talent in one of its most rapidly expanding sectors. With property transactions soaring to an impressive AED917 billion (approximately $249.6 billion) in 2025, this initiative is timely and strategic.

The Driving Force Behind the Diploma

As Dubai’s real estate market shows remarkable growth and stability, this program aligns with the emirate’s broader economic and social development goals. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has collaborated with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to launch this diploma to ensure that national talent is well-prepared for a thriving industry.

This program is tailored to equip participants—40 individuals per cohort—with essential knowledge and practical skills vital for success in real estate. Spanning two years and comprising 90 accredited hours, the curriculum covers crucial areas such as property management, real estate valuation, brokerage, and effective interactions with property owners and tenants. Graduates will emerge from this program not only with qualifications but also with the confidence needed to excel in the labor market.

Strategic Partnerships for Practical Experience

At the launch, DLD signed cooperation agreements with several leading property developers, including Emaar Properties, Sobha Realty, and Aldar Properties. These partnerships aim to provide students with hands-on training opportunities, reinforcing the link between education and real-world application. Such collaborations ensure that the knowledge gained during the diploma aligns with industry standards and labor-market needs.

Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director-General of DLD, emphasized that the real estate market’s success is attributed to the competence of its workforce and clear career pathways. He noted that the value of real estate transactions reached new heights in 2025, which speaks volumes about the sector’s resilience and strategic alignment with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033.

Focus on Inclusivity and Market Demand

Since the implementation of the Real Estate Empowerment program in 2024, DLD has played a significant role in employing 1,800 Emiratis within the real estate sector. The current brokerage landscape includes 2,028 Emirati brokers, among them 426 women, showcasing the DLD’s dedication to inclusivity while enhancing the competitiveness of the sector.

Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of HCT, remarked that the creation of this diploma represents a strategic effort to align educational offerings with labor-market requirements. By offering a vocational diploma alongside traditional academic paths, HCT is responding to the growing demand for practical and technological skills in the industry. He encouraged aspiring Emiratis interested in real estate to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their qualifications and advance their careers.

In addition to equipping graduates with vital skills, the program also opens doors for further academic pursuits or applications for professional licenses in accordance with established requirements. This aligns with the wider objectives outlined in both the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.

In summary, the launch of the Real Estate Diploma reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering a talent pool capable of sustaining and growing its dynamic real estate sector. As the city strengthens its position as a global real estate hub, the focus on skilled national talent becomes ever more critical.