In a bold move to strengthen its workforce in the rapidly growing real estate sector, Dubai has launched a new professional Real Estate Diploma. This initiative comes in light of the booming property market, with transactions projected to surpass AED 917 billion (approximately $249.6 billion) in 2025. The Real Estate Diploma aims to equip the local workforce with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring that they can effectively contribute to the sustainable growth of this vital sector.
As Dubai’s real estate market continues to expand, the need for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce has never been more crucial. The launch of the Real Estate Diploma is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the emirate’s economic and social development. The initiative underscores the commitment to nurturing local talent that aligns with the market’s evolving demands.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to facilitate this innovative program. By combining practical insights from DLD and the academic rigor of HCT, the diploma promises to deliver a robust qualification tailored to the real estate sector’s needs.
Dubai Real Estate Diploma
Targeting national talent, the Real Estate Diploma will accept 40 participants per cohort and span two years, covering 90 accredited hours. The curriculum is comprehensive, addressing key aspects of the industry such as property management, valuation and appraisal, brokerage, and tenant relations. This strategic approach aims to enhance graduates’ readiness for the competitive labor market.
During the launch ceremony, DLD also signed cooperation agreements with several prominent developers, including:
- Emaar Properties
- Sobha Realty
- Aldar Properties
- Omniyat Developments
- Azizi Developments
- Danube Properties
- Ellington Properties
These partnerships are designed to provide practical training opportunities, enabling students to gain hands-on experience while aligning educational outcomes with the evolving expectations of the labor market.
Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director-General of DLD, remarked, “True investment begins with people,” emphasizing that the real estate sector’s success hinges on workforce competence and structured career paths. He expressed pride in the remarkable achievement of surpassing AED 917 billion in property transactions in 2025, attributing this success to the market’s resilience and the clear vision set forth in the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033.
Furthermore, Bu Shehab noted the significant impact of the Real Estate Empowerment program, launched in 2024, which has successfully facilitated the employment of 1,800 Emiratis in the real estate sector. This growth includes a diverse ecosystem of 2,028 Emirati brokers, highlighting DLD’s commitment to inclusivity and long-term competitiveness within the industry.
Market Alignment
Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of HCT, praised the partnership with DLD, which reflects HCT’s strategic commitment to aligning education with labor-market needs through applied learning. He emphasized that the Real Estate Diploma addresses the growing demand for practical and technologically adept skills in the property market.
Moreover, Al Ayyan encouraged young Emiratis interested in real estate to take advantage of this opportunity to further their academic and professional aspirations. The program not only includes pathways for continued academic study but also offers graduates the chance to apply for professional licenses, making it a versatile option for future endeavors.
This launch is part of a larger initiative by DLD aimed at nurturing human capital in alignment with both the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33. Acknowledging the essential role of a skilled workforce, the Real Estate Diploma sets the foundation for Dubai to solidify its position as a global real estate hub, driven by capable national talent.