The higher education landscape in the UAE is preparing for a monumental expansion, as the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) officially announces the launch of a brand-new campus in Masfout, Ajman. Opening its doors in September 2026, this exciting development will significantly widen access to applied and vocational learning for ambitious students residing in Masfout, Hatta, and surrounding communities.
The newly announced educational facility will initially welcome a cohort of up to 120 students. Its primary mission is to offer specialized diploma programs in business administration and computer and information science, which have been meticulously aligned with current labor-market demands. Moving forward, the institution has mapped out ambitious plans to rapidly expand the campus footprint, introduce a wider array of academic programs, and substantially increase overall student enrollment capacity.
Driving Sustainable Regional Development
The launch of the new HCT branch has been met with high praise from regional leadership. H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, emphasized that the campus represents a massive addition to Ajman’s higher education ecosystem. This strategic move directly supports the ongoing socio-economic development of Masfout, perfectly aligning with the overarching directives of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman.
Reflecting on the transformative power of localized, accessible learning, H.H. Sheikh Ammar stated:
“Education is a fundamental pillar of human development and a key driver of sustainable development and future-building. The opening of the Higher Colleges of Technology campus in Masfout reflects the commitment to bringing higher education institutions closer to students and providing equitable opportunities for students from different areas to pursue their university studies in a modern learning environment, with programmes aligned with labour-market needs and rapidly evolving economic and technological transformations.”
Furthermore, Sheikh Ammar noted that a localized campus in Masfout will drastically reduce daily travel burdens for students and their families, fostering immense academic and professional opportunities for the region’s youth while strengthening the local economy.
Equipping the Next Generation for the Digital Economy
The academic offerings are explicitly tailored to support the UAE’s rapid expansion into the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and innovative business frameworks.
Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, praised the initiative. He noted that the campus powerfully reflects the UAE’s dedication to making technical and vocational education accessible nationwide. His Excellency highlighted that these tailored vocational programs will successfully equip students with practical skills essential to priority economic sectors, thereby supporting long-term sustainable development.
Similarly, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chancellor of HCT, underscored the profound importance of an applied education model. He explained that establishing a localized presence in Masfout focuses heavily on translating knowledge directly into practical expertise. This enables students to adapt fluidly to economic and technological changes and contribute meaningfully to the competitiveness of the national economy.
Specialized Diplomas for Future Careers
The Masfout campus will serve students from a wide geographic radius, including Hatta, Mazira, Wadi Al Qor, Al Munaie, and Al Huwaylat. Initially, students will have the opportunity to enroll in two highly targeted tracks: the Applied Digital Transformation Diploma and the Sales and Marketing Diploma.
According to Dr. Faisal Alayyan, President and CEO of HCT, the facility perfectly embodies the institution’s approach to flexible learning. “The Masfout Campus reflects HCT’s approach to providing flexible applied education that connects academic programmes with economic opportunities and promising sectors,” Dr. Alayyan remarked. He added that the college actively integrates practical application with industry partnerships to guarantee students’ long-term career readiness.
The Applied Digital Transformation Diploma delves into cutting-edge digital solutions, AI, and process development. Meanwhile, the Sales and Marketing Diploma focuses on cultivating deep expertise in consumer behavior, customer engagement, and modern retail practices.
A Legacy of Empowering Emirati Talent
Founded in 1988, HCT currently serves over 25,000 students across the country and boasts an impressive alumni network exceeding 90,000 graduates. The institution’s success rate is undeniable; between 2019 and 2025, the employment rate for graduates surpassed 82 percent. Notably, 73 percent of those employed secured roles within the private sector, an achievement significantly bolstered by the national Nafis program.
With over 6,000 new students joining its campuses annually, and graduation rates surging by nearly 49 percent from 2023 to 2025 (expected to top 6,100 by the end of 2026), the addition of the new campus in Ajman guarantees that HCT will continue to shape the highly skilled workforce needed to drive the UAE’s prosperous future.
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