The Emirates College of Technology (ECT) was first established as the Emirates Institute of Technology (EIT) in early 1993. In 1993 EIT was recognized by the Ministry of Education to provide training in computing, management, language and university services in the UAE. In 1995 the EIT, in association with a number of international institutions began to offer academic programs that led to a double major diploma in business administration and computer information systems. This guaranteed the quality of the program offered to be at international standards. In January 2001, the EIT was divided into two divisions: the short courses division and academic division. The short courses division is located in the old premises of EIT, while the diploma division is located in the old ZADCO office building in Khalidya-within a walking distance from the short courses division. In November 2003, the academic section of EIT was recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to operate in the field of higher education. In April 2004, the academic section of EIT was renamed as Emirates College of Technology (ECT). In June 2004, ECT obtained the initial accreditation for its Two-Year diploma program in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems (Double Major) from the Ministry. In September 2005, ECT rented a new campus in Hamdan Street that has been especially designated for female students, while the old Campus has been assigned for male students only. However, in July 2008 ECT had to evacuate the males campus and to rent a new campus for female students in Defense street while male students have been assigned the Hamdan street campus ever since. In August 2007, ECT obtained the initial accreditation for its second program, i.e, "Two-Year Diploma in Human Resource Management" from the Ministry. In April 2008, ECT acquired the initial accreditation for its third program, i.e., "Two-Year Diploma in e-Commerce and Marketing (Double Major)" from the Ministry. In May 2008, ECT obtained the initial accreditation for two more programs, i.e., Two-Year Diploma in Accounting and Two-Year Diploma in Banking and Finance from the Ministry. In July 2008, ECT obtained the initial accreditation for its sixth program, i.e., Two-Year Diploma in "Computer Graphic Design and Animation" from the Ministry. In May 2009, ECT obtained the initial accreditation for its seventh program, i.e., “Mass Communication and Public Relations”, offered in English.
