His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Prime Minister, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (7) of 2026 concerning the Dubai Police Academy. This legislation outlines the Academy’s objectives, primarily aimed at solidifying Dubai’s position as a distinguished center for scientific and training excellence in policing, legal, and security fields at local, regional, and international levels. The law seeks to support law enforcement and military agencies by providing them with academically distinguished personnel in legal, policing, and security sciences.
The law specifies the goals of the Academy, which include delivering high-quality, innovative education that meets the evolving needs of security and military organizations while anticipating future challenges and technological advancements. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of supporting scientific research to ensure academic excellence and sustainable development, as well as reinforcing military discipline and institutional values. The law also outlines the Academy’s authority and organizational structure.
Academy Board of Trustees
The law mandates the establishment of a Board of Trustees for the Dubai Police Academy, deemed the highest authority overseeing its management and operations. The Board will consist of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and several members possessing extensive expertise in policing, legal, security, and academic domains, enhancing institutional integration and aligning with global best practices in policing education governance.
According to the law, the Board of Trustees will be responsible for approving strategic plans, general policies for education, training, and scientific research, as well as the introduction of academic programs and the establishment of specialized scientific research units.
The Board is also charged with setting and approving the standards for awarding certificates and academic degrees, as well as formulating student regulations and guidelines regarding their conduct. Furthermore, it will endorse the Academy’s organizational structure and the systems and regulations governing educational, training, administrative, financial, and technical affairs. Additionally, the Board must approve the annual budget and final accounts to enhance institutional governance and improve the quality of academic and training outcomes.
Scientific Council of the Academy
The law stipulates that a “Scientific Council” will be formed by a decision from the Director of the Dubai Police Academy, led by the Dean and including the Dean’s assistants, heads of scientific departments, training, and research units, as well as two members from the teaching staff or officers.
The Scientific Council will have various responsibilities including proposing strategic plans and overall educational, training, and research policies for the Academy, establishing academic programs and criteria for awarding degrees, and defining the necessary standards for accepting scholarly and applied works. Additionally, it will oversee the approval of curricula, study, and training systems at the Academy, among other roles designed to enhance its contributions.
Academic Degrees and Study System
Chapter three of the law addresses the academic degrees, study regulations, and evaluation system at the Dubai Police Academy. The Academy will confer bachelor’s degrees in law and policing sciences, as well as higher diplomas in legal or policing and security sciences. It will also offer master’s degrees in law and policing or security sciences, along with doctoral programs in these areas, and other specializations as introduced by the Academy. Additionally, it will provide professional certificates for students in various professional, scientific, and technical fields, as well as preparatory and foundational certificates.
The law specifies the study and examination system at the Dubai Police Academy, detailing the creation of scientific departments within the Academy’s faculties that will support the educational and research processes, enabling the Academy to fulfill its responsibilities and achieve its desired academic and research outcomes.
Incentives and Student Obligations
The new law requires the Academy’s Board of Trustees to implement an incentive system to honor outstanding academic performers among students and military trainees, fostering a culture of excellence and discipline, enhancing academic and military performance, and encouraging competitive spirit and institutional loyalty.
It also specifies the obligations of candidate students, who or whose guardians must provide a written commitment to serve in the police for a minimum of five years following graduation from the Academy and to complete the academic program they were nominated for. The law allows for the complete or partial exemption from refunding costs and bonuses if students violate these obligations, according to the guidelines established by the Dubai Police Chief.
Digital Transformation
The new law for the Dubai Police Academy emphasizes the institution’s commitment to digital transformation across all its educational, training, research, and service activities. This includes the development of a digital environment employing artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced simulation technologies within its academic framework, as well as the creation of flexible and integrated digital systems following national and international standards regarding information security and privacy protection, thereby enhancing the Academy’s operational efficiency and preparedness for the future.
This law replaces Law No. (11) of 2005, which established the Dubai Police Academy, and any conflicting texts in any other legislation are annulled. Existing regulations and decisions executed under the previous law will remain in effect to the extent that they do not contradict the new provisions until substitute decisions and regulations are issued.
Law No. (7) of 2026 will be published in the official gazette and will take effect from the date of publication.
