Since the first quarter of 2019, the UAE’s 50-year leap came to fruition in the guise of a new direction for the Higher Colleges of Technology, with the launch of the HCT 4.0 – Employability & Beyond strategic plan. This was based on the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, where, in March 2019, HCT was announced as the nation’s first approved university economic free zone.
Under the HCT 4.0 strategic plan, HCT will create diverse educational opportunities, enhance continuing education and equip its graduates with professional skills, empowering them to create their own employment opportunities.
HCT 4.0 is based on three foundational pillars, which are:

First: “Technical Leaders”:

The HCT will equip graduates with professional skills and practical training, empowering them to become leaders in their areas of specialization. Each graduate will now be able to obtain two certificates upon completion of their HCT studies – an academic degree and an international professional certificate. These allow HCT graduates to contribute to building the national economy and to be innovatively productive in diverse industry sectors, especially the private sector.
Second: “Graduating Companies”:
The HCT established its first economic and innovative free zone at the HCT-Dubai Men’s campus, which was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The InncuVation Space will provide an integrated environment to incubate ideas, turning them into feasible products and services, with the support and dedicated efforts of the HCT team and in partnership with the industry.

Third: “No Emirati Left Behind”:

The HCT will provide opportunities for every male and female Emirati to join the Higher Colleges of Technology, based on each student’s capabilities and interests. These are in addition to the establishment of Sector Skills Academies that enhance “continuing education” and provide opportunities to employees who are interested in changing their career paths and acquiring future skills, in line with the National Employment Strategy 2031. This national strategy aims to provide qualified highly-skilled graduates who are knowledgeable about technological updates in commerce, industry and society, which consequently increases the levels of Emiratization in the country.

His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar.

 
HCT Chancellor