Dubai Police Academy has announced the launch of a new master’s degree in cybersecurity, marking a significant milestone in higher education across the Arab world. Scheduled to begin in December 2025, the programme is the first of its kind among police colleges in the region and has been structured to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in cyber defense. The one-year course requires tuition fees of Dh60,000 and will open its doors to UAE citizens and residents with strong academic and professional credentials.
According to Dr Ebtsam Al Awadhi, Director of Graduate Studies at Dubai Police Academy, the master’s programme will be delivered across three semesters and a summer term, with a total requirement of 30 credit hours. It will emphasize four critical domains: policies and management, digital forensics, digital infrastructure and security, and scientific research and publishing. Admission standards are rigorous, requiring candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in law, security sciences, or a related field from a university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, have at least five years of professional cybersecurity experience, and demonstrate English proficiency through internationally recognized tests or prior education in English-speaking institutions. Final selection will be based on an academic exam and a personal interview, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates secure admission.
Unlike many postgraduate programmes within police academies that typically extend over two to three years, this degree has been intentionally designed for completion within a single academic year. Dr Saeed Al Rashdi, a cybersecurity expert, explained that the structure responds directly to industry needs, highlighting the balance between theory and practice. He noted that practical training will account for a substantial portion of the curriculum, with faculty drawn directly from industry to provide students with exposure to real-world challenges. This approach ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped to handle the dynamic nature of modern cyber threats.
Dubai Police has already established itself as a regional leader in combating cybercrime, with advanced infrastructure to support digital investigations. The Criminal Data Analysis Centre collaborates with the General Department of Criminal Investigations to apply AI tools in identifying crime patterns and predicting potential threats. Over the past few years, the force has successfully disrupted complex fraud schemes and dismantled gangs behind high-value cybercrimes by using electronic tracking and intelligence-led systems. Graduates of the new master’s programme are expected to contribute directly to such initiatives, with opportunities to secure roles in Dubai Police’s cybersecurity division for those who excel. Officials noted that the skills gained will also be highly relevant to the broader cybersecurity job market in the UAE, where demand for specialized talent continues to rise.
Registration for the inaugural intake is now open on the academy’s official website, with the first batch expected to include between 15 and 20 students. By aligning education with operational priorities, Dubai Police Academy is positioning itself not just as an academic institution, but also as a strategic partner in the UAE’s fight against cybercrime.
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