Dubai: Dubai has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of police education with the issuance of Dubai Police Academy Law No. (7) of 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The new legislation reflects Dubai’s forward looking vision to advance police education according to the highest international standards and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global hub for security knowledge and specialised training.

At its core, the law introduces a modern legislative framework designed to support comprehensive digital transformation within police education. By embedding artificial intelligence, advanced simulation technologies, and virtual reality into learning and training systems, the academy is set to cultivate a smart educational ecosystem that enhances institutional performance and prepares future police leaders to respond to complex security challenges with greater efficiency and insight.

A Journey of Institutional Development

The law represents the latest milestone in a legislative journey spanning more than half a century. Dubai’s commitment to developing police education began in 1968 with the establishment of the Police School to train police personnel. This was followed by Law No. (1) of 1987, which created the Police College to academically prepare officers, and Law No. (3) of 1998, which further strengthened the legal framework governing police education. In 2005, Law No. (11) established the Dubai Police Academy and expanded its academic and training role.

The 2026 law builds upon this legacy, ushering in a new phase of institutional development that aligns police education with the demands of an increasingly digital and knowledge driven security landscape.

Strategic Vision for Future Policing

Dubai Police Academy Law 2026 is underpinned by strategic objectives aimed at shaping a new generation of highly qualified security professionals. The legislation seeks to reinforce Dubai’s standing as a leading scientific and training centre in policing, legal, and security fields while supplying Dubai Police and other security and military entities with academically distinguished and professionally capable personnel.

Equally important is the law’s emphasis on academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. It highlights the importance of anticipating emerging challenges, encouraging scientific research, and supporting sustainable academic development. At the same time, it reinforces military discipline and institutional values that shape the professional identity of police officers and security personnel.

Smart Learning and Institutional Transformation

One of the defining features of the new law is its commitment to digital transformation. The academy will adopt advanced technologies to build an interactive learning environment that blends academic education with realistic training scenarios through simulation and virtual platforms.

These technologies will allow trainees to engage with complex operational situations in controlled environments, strengthening their analytical thinking, decision making abilities, and operational readiness. The law also promotes greater integration between academic study and field training, ensuring graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

The legislation further strengthens academic governance through the establishment of a Board of Trustees and the clear organisation of institutional responsibilities. It also supports the development of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes aligned with recognised academic standards, ensuring the academy remains at the forefront of professional security education.

Leadership Endorsement

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, emphasised that the issuance of the law reflects the forward looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his ongoing commitment to advancing policing systems and raising the standards of police education.

He noted that the new legislation provides an advanced legislative framework that strengthens institutional governance and establishes a modern educational and training environment built on innovation and advanced technologies. According to Al Marri, the law represents a pivotal milestone that will support the development of highly competent police cadres and reinforce Dubai Police’s standing as a global model in policing excellence.

Major General Dr Ahmad Za’al bin Kreshan Almuhairi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Financial and Administrative Affairs, highlighted that the law establishes a comprehensive governance framework that enhances sustainability and improves the efficiency of resource allocation. “By organising financial resources and adopting clear mechanisms for budgeting and educational services, the academy will be able to direct its resources towards priority academic and training programmes while maintaining institutional sustainability,” he confirmed.   

For Brigadier Dr Sultan Abdulhamid Al Jammal, Director of the Dubai Police Academy, the law represents a qualitative leap in police education. He explained that the integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced simulation technologies will create a dynamic learning environment capable of preparing police personnel with strong analytical thinking skills, operational readiness, and the ability to respond rapidly to modern security challenges.

The law also supports the development of postgraduate programmes and applied scientific research in policing, security, and legal studies, strengthening the academy’s role as a specialised knowledge centre serving the broader security ecosystem.

Building the Future of Police Education

With the issuance of Dubai Police Academy Law No. (7) of 2026, Dubai continues to reinforce its reputation as a global centre for innovation in policing and security education. By combining advanced technologies, strong governance, and academic excellence, the law lays the foundation for a new generation of police professionals capable of safeguarding communities while navigating the rapidly evolving security landscape of the future