Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, chaired a meeting of the Dubai Executive Council on Thursday, where education and air quality improvement were key topics. The council approved a project aimed at attracting top international universities to Dubai, alongside the development of the Academic and Career Guidance Policy. This initiative, as stated by Sheikh Hamdan, is designed to assist Emirati students in securing jobs in future markets, with an ambitious goal that 90 percent of Emirati graduates will find employment within six months of completing their studies.

In addition to educational initiatives, Sheikh Hamdan unveiled a long-term air quality plan, part of a comprehensive effort to enhance environmental quality and overall life in the emirate. He expressed on X that the approved policies and strategies are intended to strengthen Dubai’s status as a global center for education and talent ready for future challenges. One of the project’s goals is to have international students make up 50 percent of all university enrollments in Dubai by 2033.

The higher education sector is projected to contribute Dh5.6 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2033. The initiative aspires to position Dubai among the world’s top ten cities for students, with plans for over 70 higher education institutions, including 11 institutions ranked within the top 200 globally. To facilitate this, the project aims to enhance student visa systems, introduce new international scholarships, offer work visas for graduates, and implement strategies to attract prestigious universities.

Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the approval of the Air Quality Strategy 2030, which includes plans for a new center focused on mediating legal disputes. This clean air initiative builds on a previous project introduced in February called the Super Block initiative, which aims to improve urban areas, making them more pedestrian-friendly to enhance quality of life, sustainability, and community interaction.

The strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions by creating car-free residential areas and expanding green spaces, with initial areas targeted for improvement including Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone. Sheikh Hamdan reiterated that enhancing quality of life is a top priority, stating that the Air Quality Strategy 2030 will be implemented by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority in collaboration with relevant entities, fostering a healthy and safe environment for all.

Furthermore, the council approved the Dubai International Mediation Centre project, which will provide a transparent and efficient platform for alternative dispute resolution. They also approved the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects to standardize procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen partnerships with the private sector, and ensure high-quality outcomes in project delivery.