H.H. Sheikh Mohammed issues new law on Dubai Police Academy

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a new law on Dubai Police Academy.

The Law No. (7) of 2026 defines the Academy as a centre of excellence for policing, legal, and security education, with the objective of providing highly qualified personnel to police forces, security, and military entities.

It also aims to provide high-quality, innovative education, support research and continuous development, and promote military discipline, accountability, and institutional values, as well as defining the Academy’s scope and organisational structure.

The law stipulates the formation of a Board of Trustees for the Dubai Police Academy as the highest authority overseeing the academy’s affairs and administration, comprising of a Chair, a Vice Chair, and members with expertise in policing, legal, security, and academic fields, in line with global best practices in the governance of police education institutions.

The Board is responsible 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 academy’s organisational structure, and the annual budget and final accounts.

The academic degrees offered by the Dubai Police Academy are in Law and Police Sciences, Law, and Security and Criminal Sciences, as well as other specialisations it may introduce. It also grants higher diplomas in Law, Police Sciences, or Security Sciences.

The new aw requires the Academy’s Board of Trustees to establish an incentives system to reward students and military trainees for academic, behavioural, or professional excellence, promoting discipline, performance, and loyalty.

It also obliges nominated students, or their guardians, to commit in writing to serve in the police for at least five years after graduation. Failure to do so, or withdrawal or dismissal before completing their programme, requires repayment of all expenses and allowances, though the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police may grant full or partial exemptions.

The law requires a complete digital transformation of all its educational, training, research, and service activities. It aims to create a digital environment using artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced simulations, while developing secure, integrated systems that meet national and international standards. This enhances the Academy’s performance and prepares it for the future.

This Law replaces Law No. (11) of 2005, pertaining to the establishment of the Dubai Police Academy, and cancels any conflicting provisions in other legislation. Existing regulations under the 2005 Law remain valid until replaced by new ones.