February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the UAE’s largest federal higher-education institution, operating a network of campuses across the seven emirates. Founded in 1988, HCT was created to provide Emirati nationals with applied, career-oriented education in fields such as engineering, business, information technology, health sciences, education, and applied media. Unlike traditional research universities, HCT emphasises practical skills, industry placements, and employer-driven curricula designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce.

UAE Context

HCT operates 16 campuses — separate men’s and women’s colleges in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and the Western Region, along with additional facilities. The system enrols tens of thousands of Emirati students annually, making it the single largest producer of national graduates entering the UAE job market. HCT maintains close partnerships with major employers including government entities, semi-government corporations, and multinational firms, ensuring that curriculum content aligns with labour-market demand. Its programmes span certificates, diplomas, higher diplomas, and applied bachelor’s degrees.

Key Data

HCT has graduated over 90,000 students since its founding. It offers more than 80 programmes across its campuses, with a strong emphasis on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The institution has expanded its offerings to include programmes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy technology in recent years, reflecting national economic priorities.

Vision 2031 Significance

HCT is a critical enabler of the UAE’s Emiratisation agenda and the broader Vision 2031 human-capital strategy. By producing large cohorts of technically skilled Emirati graduates each year, HCT directly addresses the need for national workforce readiness in sectors ranging from technology and healthcare to logistics and advanced manufacturing.

  • Emiratisation — The workforce-nationalisation policy HCT supports at scale.
  • NAFIS — The programme that incentivises private-sector hiring of HCT graduates.
  • UAEU — The flagship federal university complementing HCT’s applied model.
  • Zayed University — The federal university focused on leadership-track education for nationals.