Higher Education Committee Reviews Reforms To Enhance National Higher Education Sector

The Higher Education Committee recently convened for its fourth meeting of 2025, led by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, who serves as the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The meeting included representatives from federal entities and national universities. The committee was established following the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar highlighted the committee's crucial role in enhancing coordination within the higher education system. This coordination aims to ensure flexibility, proactivity, and alignment with national priorities and labour market needs. He stated that the committee aids higher education institutions (HEIs) in becoming more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready, equipping graduates with skills necessary for the future economy.

During the meeting, members examined initiatives to boost federal universities' efficiency by integrating artificial intelligence into higher education. This integration seeks to speed up programme development and improve teaching, assessment, and administration through smart technologies. A presentation showcased significant AI initiatives undertaken by HEIs.

The committee also reviewed progress on previous recommendations and looked at the final admissions report in the Unified Registration System for the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. This report included results for all categories up to September 2025.

A summary of work from its Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Future Skills was presented. This subcommittee consists of five working groups representing academia and industry sectors such as Health Sciences, AI in Higher Education, Economic Sector Partnerships, Future Jobs and Skills, and Workforce Supply and Demand in Education.

The Advisory Committee’s report detailed key projects by these working groups. It discussed enhancing collaboration between higher education and industry sectors to support health and education programmes while promoting AI integration in education. Members also talked about organising specialised forums for each group to showcase initiatives.

Committee Composition

The committee includes Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Empowerment; Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President; along with representatives from relevant ministries like Higher Education and Scientific Research, Education, Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Emirates Research and Development Council.

Efforts are underway to strengthen cooperation between HEIs and economic sectors through knowledge exchange. The committee's work aligns with We the UAE 2031 vision goals and leadership directives aimed at building a knowledge-based economy.

With inputs from WAM