Dubai has taken another significant step to reinforce its global standing for security and innovation. In March 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum-Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (7) of 2026 to govern the Dubai Police Academy, introducing wide-ranging reforms aimed at modernizing police education, enhancing research capabilities, and integrating advanced technologies.
The new law replaces the academy’s 2005 framework and establishes a comprehensive governance system, updated academic programmes, and a strong focus on digital transformation. For a city consistently ranked among the safest in the world, the move reflects Dubai’s broader vision to shape the future of policing through innovation, advanced training, and global best practices.
What Dubai’s New Police Academy Law Means
A key feature of the new legislation is the establishment of a Board of Trustees, which will act as the academy’s highest governing body. The board will comprise:
- A Chairperson
- A Vice Chairperson
- Members with expertise in policing, law, security, and academia
The Board of Trustees will be responsible for guiding the academy’s strategic vision and overseeing its administrative functions. Its key duties include:
- Approving strategic development plans
- Reviewing education and training policies
- Endorsing academic programmes
- Setting standards for academic qualifications
- Overseeing budgets and institutional governance
This governance framework is designed to ensure the academy functions in line with international best practices for police education institutions.
Establishment of a Scientific Council at Dubai Police Academy
Alongside the board, the new law establishes a Scientific Council to oversee academic and research-related functions within the academy. The council will be led by the academy’s dean and will include assistant deans, department heads, and faculty representatives.
Its key responsibilities include:
- Proposing strategic policies for education and research
- Reviewing academic programmes and curricula
- Setting research standards
- Recommending training frameworks
The Scientific Council will serve as the academy’s academic think tank, ensuring its programs stay aligned with the rapidly evolving global security landscape.