- The law shifts higher education toward outcomes, employability and market-relevant skills.
- Universities will align programmes more closely with labour market needs.
- Better use of data will improve planning, education quality and student readiness.
The UAE has taken a major step to reshape its higher education system with the launch of the ‘Future of Higher Education Dialogues’, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR). The first session focused on explaining the newly issued Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research and how it will impact universities and training institutions across the country.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the new law marks a clear shift in how higher education operates in the UAE. Instead of focusing on procedures and inputs, the system will now prioritise learning outcomes, skills development and employability. Universities and colleges are positioned as key partners in building a competitive, future-ready education ecosystem.
The law also strengthens coordination between the federal ministry and local education authorities, creating unified standards for licensing, accreditation and quality assurance. This unified approach aims to raise education standards while allowing institutions more flexibility to innovate and respond to market needs.
A major focus of the new framework is data integration and sharing. By improving the exchange of real-time data between institutions and the Ministry, the system will support better planning, faster decision-making and improved transparency for students and employers. This will help align academic programmes more closely with labour market demands.
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The dialogue session, attended by around 200 representatives from higher education institutions and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers, also highlighted support for digital, online and blended learning. These models are seen as critical for building job-ready skills and keeping pace with global education and technology trends.
The initiative will continue across other emirates, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration. The goal is to build an education system that prepares students with the right skills, improves job readiness and supports the UAE’s long-term economic growth.
