Dubai Launches Real Estate Diploma as Property Transactions Top $250bn in 2025

Dubai has introduced a new Real Estate Diploma to develop national talent in one of the emirate’s fastest-growing sectors, as property transactions surpassed AED 917 billion (USD 250 billion) in 2025, underlining the continued strength and maturity of Dubai’s real estate market.

The initiative has been launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in strategic partnership with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), aiming to equip Emiratis with industry-relevant knowledge, practical skills, and professional qualifications.

Building National Talent for a Growing Sector

The newly introduced professional diploma is designed to support the long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and governance of Dubai’s real estate sector. It combines DLD’s on-ground industry expertise with HCT’s academic framework, delivering an accredited qualification aligned with real market needs.

The curriculum covers key areas including:

• Property management
• Valuation and appraisal
• Brokerage operations
• Client relations
• Promotion of real estate services

This applied-learning approach ensures graduates are job-ready and professionally competent upon completion.

Programme Structure and Career Pathways

The Real Estate Diploma will enrol 40 participants per cohort through a two-year programme comprising 90 accredited training hours. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the labour market with confidence, while also gaining opportunities to pursue further academic studies or obtain professional licences, subject to regulatory requirements.

Strong Industry Collaboration

On the sidelines of the launch, DLD signed cooperation agreements with several leading developers to provide practical training opportunities and ensure alignment between education outcomes and labour-market demands. Partner developers include:

• Emaar Properties
• Sobha Realty
• Aldar Properties
• Omniyat Developments
• Azizi Developments
• Danube Properties
• Ellington Properties

2025: A Record-Breaking Year for Dubai Real Estate

Commenting on the milestone, Omar Hamad Bu Shehab, Director-General of the Dubai Land Department, said that investment in people remains central to Dubai’s real estate success. He highlighted that the sector achieved an unprecedented transaction value of over AED 917 billion in 2025, reflecting market resilience, strategic clarity, and alignment with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033.

Since the launch of the Real Estate Empowerment Programme in 2024, DLD has supported the employment of 1,800 Emiratis across the sector. The brokerage ecosystem now includes 2,028 Emirati brokers, including 426 women, demonstrating strong progress toward inclusivity and national participation.

Education Aligned with Market Needs

Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of HCT, noted that the diploma reflects the institution’s commitment to applied, market-driven education. He emphasised the importance of professional pathways alongside traditional academic programmes, particularly as demand grows for technology-enabled and practice-oriented skills in real estate.

Strengthening Dubai’s Global Real Estate Position

The launch of the Real Estate Diploma forms part of DLD’s broader efforts under the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global real estate hub powered by skilled national talent.

As transaction volumes continue to reach new highs, the initiative highlights Dubai’s focus not only on market growth, but also on human capital development, regulatory excellence, and long-term sector sustainability.