UAE Licenses 16 Higher Education Institutions in Dubai to Boost Global Competitiveness
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA), has licensed 16 higher education institutions (HEIs) in Dubai, including universities operating in free zones as branches of international institutions.
Among the newly licensed institutions are Curtin University (Australia), French Fashion Institute Esmod Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, Murdoch University Dubai (Australia), University of Bradford (UK), BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (India), De Montfort University (UK), Hult International Business School (USA), Luiss University – Dubai (Italy), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India), SAE University College (Australia), University of Europe for Applied Sciences (Germany), SKEMA Business School (France), Georgetown University (USA), Paris School of Business (France), and the University of Manchester (UK).
The decision aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance its education sector by simplifying licensing procedures under the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. His Excellency Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector at MoHESR, stated that this initiative aims to attract world-class institutions, improve educational outcomes, and align academic programs with labor market demands and national development goals.
Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of Strategy and Planning at KHDA, emphasized that licensing these institutions marks a significant step in making Dubai a global education hub under the Dubai Education Strategy 2033. The initiative fosters international partnerships, attracts global students and educators, and ensures seamless accreditation and certification for graduates.
The MoHESR has licensed a total of 93 HEIs across the UAE, including federal, local, private, and international university branches. In Dubai alone, 36 institutions now hold institutional licenses. The Ministry also reviews applications for new institutions, with licensing procedures streamlined to issue approvals within a week for qualified applicants.
