Dubai has issued a new law governing the Dubai Police Academy, replacing legislation that has been in place since 2005.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (7) of 2026, which defines the Academy as “a centre of excellence for policing, legal, and security education.”
The law sets out the objective of providing “highly qualified personnel to police forces, security, and military entities.”
Dubai Police Academy Law 2026: Key changes explained
Under the new law, a Board of Trustees has been established as the highest authority overseeing the Academy’s affairs. The Board comprises a Chair, a Vice Chair, and members with expertise in policing, legal, security, and academic fields.
The Board holds responsibility for approving the Academy’s strategic plans, education, training and research policies, academic programmes, and specialised research units. It also approves standards for awarding academic degrees, student regulations and violations, the organisational structure, and the annual budget and final accounts.
A Scientific Council has also been established, formed by a decision of the Director of the Dubai Police Academy and chaired by the Dean. Its membership includes Assistant Deans, heads of academic departments and training and research units, and two members of the teaching staff or officers.
The Scientific Council is responsible for proposing strategic plans and policies for education, training and research, as well as academic programmes and criteria for awarding academic degrees. It also approves research standards, curricula, and the Academy’s study and training systems.
Dubai Police Academy gets new legal framework under Law No. (7) of 2026
The law sets out the academic degrees the Academy is authorised to offer. These include bachelor’s degrees in Law and Police Sciences, Law, and Security and Criminal Sciences, along with other specialisations the Academy may introduce.
The Academy may also grant higher diplomas in Law, Police Sciences, or Security Sciences, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees across the same disciplines. Professional certificates in professional, scientific, and technical fields, as well as qualifying and foundation certificates, are also provided for under the law.
The law introduces a requirement for nominated students, or their guardians, to commit in writing to serve in the police for a minimum of five years following graduation.
Students who withdraw or are dismissed before completing their programme, or who fail to honour this commitment, are required to repay all expenses and allowances. The Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police retains the authority to grant full or partial exemptions.
The Board of Trustees is further required to establish an incentives system to reward students and military trainees for academic, behavioural, or professional excellence.
The law mandates a complete digital transformation of all educational, training, research, and service activities at the Academy. It calls for the creation of a digital environment incorporating artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and simulations, supported by secure, integrated systems that meet national and international standards.
Law No. (7) of 2026 replaces Law No. (11) of 2005, which governed the establishment of the Dubai Police Academy. Any provisions in other legislation that conflict with the new law are cancelled. Regulations established under the 2005 law remain valid until replaced by new ones.
