The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research launches Future of Higher Education Dialogues to introduce cabinet resolutions regulating the sector according to an Emirates News Agency report on the event. The inaugural forum focused on clarifying provisions of the resolutions which seek to improve governance enhance confidence in the system and raise outcome quality across higher education and technical vocational training. Participants examined Cabinet Resolution No 104 of 2026 establishing the national framework for licensing institutions along with resolutions on review fees and financial guarantees for ministry services.
Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research described the resolutions as a significant step forward in higher education governance during the Abu Dhabi session. The dialogues serve as a unified platform to explain institutional responsibilities under the new rules and ensure consistent understanding and application across the country. Officials outlined how the measures shift the system toward an outcomes based model that better matches academic programmes with labour market needs and national development priorities.
Ministry figures show that total university enrolment reached 218241 students in the most recent academic year with 64859 new enrolments marking the highest rate in five years. The higher education ecosystem now includes 103 institutions offering around 2500 academic programmes supported by more than 10600 faculty members a scale that underscores the importance of clear regulatory frameworks. Recent PISA 2025 results released by the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development placed UAE students at the top of Arab rankings with gains in science mathematics and reading that reflect broader improvements in teaching and assessment policies.
The sessions addressed the unification of national frameworks for licensing accreditation and quality assurance as well as rules governing digital online and blended learning modalities. Representatives from higher education institutions and training centres engaged in discussions on data integration between entities and the ministry to support more effective oversight. Al Awar noted that the federal decree law provides a flexible legislative structure to foster innovation and align with global best practices.
Further dialogues in the series are planned for other emirates to extend the consultation process and gather feedback from additional stakeholders. The initiative falls under the ministry’s Customer Councils programme which promotes ongoing partnership with higher education providers. Such engagement aims to facilitate smooth implementation of the updated regulations while advancing the UAE’s position as a competitive knowledge based economy.
Data from the ministry also indicate that 31061 students graduated during the 2024 2025 academic year a figure that highlights the system’s output amid efforts to enhance alignment with future workforce requirements. The dialogues come as the country continues to invest in technical and vocational pathways alongside traditional university education to prepare a diverse student body including more than 2900 students of determination. This comprehensive approach supports sustainable development goals by building capabilities that extend beyond qualifications to include practical skills and national values.
