His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the establishment of Dubai National University with a substantial investment of Dhs 4.5 billion. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and aims to solidify Dubai's status as a global leader in higher education and scientific research. The university will offer specialised programs and strive to be ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide within the next 20 years while nurturing a new generation of skilled Emirati leaders and professionals.
Announcing the new university on his official account on X, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, "Brothers and sisters, today we are launching a new project, Dubai National University, with an initial investment of Dhs 4.5 billion. Within the next decade, we aspire for Dubai National University to rank among the top 50 young universities, offering specialised and future-oriented academic programmes, and become a leading institution in research contributions. The university's identity will be Emirati, its programmes global, and its outcomes will serve our development journey. The world is changing rapidly, and the real challenge is creating generations capable of understanding these changes and using them to build a better future for us and our country."
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed further said, "Within the next 20 years, we want it to rank within the top 200 universities worldwide. Locally, the university aims to become one of the top three for contributions in research within the next ten years."
Dubai National University will offer high-quality programmes to strengthen Dubai’s educational landscape and help the emirate achieve its goal of being among the top ten cities globally for education within the next decade. It aims to be more than just a university; it will become a central hub for science, a vibrant space for young people, and a valuable resource for the future.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has been appointed as the University’s President, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE and Deputy Ruler of Dubai will be the Vice President and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines will be Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The university will be supported by a global advisory council featuring experts from various fields. Dubai National University is set to enhance Dubai’s academic reputation, positioning it as a leader in scientific research that benefits humanity.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan added, "Dubai National University will develop local talent, attract global expertise, and foster academic collaboration with institutions, research centres, and experts worldwide, embodying Dubai’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. It will support our knowledge community, contribute to shaping our future, and advance Dubai’s goal to become one of the world’s top 10 cities for education over the next decade."
Dubai National University will attract top students from the UAE and worldwide with competitive admission standards. It will foster partnerships with the community, government, and businesses, providing students with access to leading research labs and internships. Scholarships and other benefits will be available to enhance their university experience.
Aligning with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the university will boost human capital, promote national values, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a top destination for youth empowerment and private-sector employment opportunities.