Higher Education Committee Holds First Annual Meeting to Advance Higher Education and Research in the UAE
The Higher Education Committee, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, convened its first annual meeting at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain. The meeting addressed key national priorities in higher education and research, strategies to enhance technical and vocational education, the formation of subcommittees, and a review of UAEU’s achievements and future plans.
The committee, established under the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, comprises key figures in the UAE’s academic and governmental sectors. Members include Her Excellency Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment and Chair of the Zayed University Board of Trustees; His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology; His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU; along with senior officials from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and the Advanced Technology Research Council.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar highlighted the committee’s critical role in aligning higher education and scientific research with labour market needs, equipping graduates with essential skills for career success. He reaffirmed that education is a pillar of national strategies for sustainable and community development, ensuring a prosperous future.
“We are implementing major transformations in higher education to align with national goals,” stated Dr. Al Awar. “This shift from a process-based to an outcome-focused model will drive a robust economy and society. The committee aims to set short-term development priorities while enhancing the UAE’s readiness for long-term achievements through a lifelong learning system that nurtures talent and prepares graduates for a knowledge-based future.”
Her Excellency Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui described the meeting as a key step in strengthening the UAE’s higher education sector. She emphasized bridging gaps in the education system and aligning with global standards, reinforcing the country’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce. She also highlighted the formation of the Future Skills Advisory Committee, which connects public and private institutions with the labour market to drive strategic decision-making.
Key topics of discussion included increasing graduate employment rates, fostering impactful partnerships with higher education institutions, and updating policies to align with national and global trends. The committee also examined major transformative projects led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi stressed the importance of redesigning higher education to meet societal and economic needs. “As institutions worldwide move beyond traditional learning models, we must adopt a more flexible, skills-focused approach to education,” he noted. He pointed to the UAE’s shift toward technical and vocational education, highlighting new academic tracks such as the Applied Bachelor Degree, professional diplomas, and career accelerators offered by the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).
UAEU presented its recent achievements, including its QS global ranking of 261st and placement among the top 300 institutions by Times Higher Education. The university’s future plans focus on enhancing research capabilities, fostering innovation, expanding global collaborations, and integrating AI into administrative and academic processes.
His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh emphasized the committee’s role in shaping the nation’s academic and research landscape. “Collaboration among institutions and partnerships with the public and private sectors are essential for achieving excellence in education and research,” he stated.
The committee also discussed the establishment of subcommittees to strengthen higher education governance. The proposed Coordinating Committee for Public Higher Education Institutions will oversee digital connectivity and partnerships, while the Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Future Skills will support policy initiatives, assess institutional performance, and enhance global collaboration.
The meeting underscored the UAE’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy and equipping graduates with future-ready skills, ensuring that higher education remains a driving force for national development.
