Education

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has launched the first session of its ‘Future of Higher Education Dialogues’ series, bringing together around 200 representatives from higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers across the UAE.

Held in Dubai as part of the Ministry’s Customer Councils initiative, the inaugural session focused on the recently issued Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighting its objectives and practical implications for the country’s higher education system.

In his opening address, H.E. Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the decree-law represents a qualitative shift in the development of the UAE’s higher education landscape. He emphasised that the new legislation positions higher education institutions as key partners in building and advancing the national higher education and scientific research ecosystem, while strengthening its global competitiveness.

Dr Al Awar explained that the decree-law establishes a flexible and enabling legislative framework, transitioning the system from an input- and procedure-based approach to an outcomes-driven model. This shift is designed to enhance alignment between academic outputs and labour market needs, supporting national economic and workforce priorities.

He further noted that the law reinforces institutional integration between MoHESR and local higher education regulators, ensuring unified frameworks and coordinated implementation across the UAE. A strong focus on data integration and exchange with HEIs, he said, will improve transparency, support evidence-based decision-making, and enhance planning through access to accurate and up-to-date information.

Dr Al Awar added that the ‘Future of Higher Education Dialogues’ initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing engagement with HEIs to ensure effective implementation of the decree-law. The dialogue series, which began in Dubai, will be extended to other emirates in the coming days.

During the session, participants reviewed the key features of the new legislation, including the unification of national frameworks for licensing, accreditation, classification, and quality assurance. Discussions also covered the regulation of digital, online, and blended learning, as well as measures to align the UAE’s higher education and research systems with international best practices.

The session highlighted the critical role of data exchange between institutions and the Ministry in streamlining procedures, improving institutional planning, and ensuring the availability of reliable, real-time information for students and stakeholders.

The event concluded with interactive discussions, allowing representatives from HEIs and TVET institutions to raise questions and seek clarification on the decree-law and its implementation mechanisms. MoHESR said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to build a more efficient, flexible, and competitive higher education system, capable of preparing students for the future labour market and supporting the UAE’s sustainable development goals.

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