Dubai unveils ambitious plan to empower students and build a smarter future

Dubai is making big moves to prepare for the future. As part of its vision for 2030, the city has rolled out a new set of education and employment reforms designed to attract top global talent and give students a clearer path to success after graduation.

At the heart of these reforms are new student visas, expanded scholarships, and a push to ensure 9 out of 10 graduates find suitable work within six months of finishing their degrees.

The new visa rules will make it easier for graduates to stay in Dubai after their studies, giving them the opportunity to work or even start their own businesses. Scholarships are also being broadened to welcome more international students, giving people from all over the world access to Dubai’s growing education sector.

Currently home to 37 international universities, Dubai has plans to nearly double that number to over 70 by 2033 — with a focus on institutions ranked among the world’s best. These changes are expected to bring in over Dh5.6 billion in economic benefits.

But education is just one part of the picture. The city is also looking ahead with a clean air initiative aimed at reducing pollution by 2030 and a new international mediation centre that will boost its role as a global legal hub.

This sweeping strategy is more than just policy — it’s a vision for a smarter, more connected, and opportunity-rich Dubai for students, professionals, and innovators worldwide.