Primary Focus On The UAE Federal Decree-Law On Higher Education And Scientific Research Discussed At Sharjah Dialogue
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research held the second ‘Future of Higher Education Dialogues’ session in Sharjah, focusing on the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research and its impact on institutions, regulation, quality, labour market alignment and national data systems.
The Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research establishes a flexible legislative base for the sector. It places strong emphasis on improving learning outcomes, aligning programmes with labour market needs and creating unified national reference frameworks. The law also underlines structured cooperation between the Ministry, higher education institutions, TVET providers and local regulators across the UAE.
Participants were briefed on key legal provisions covering licensing, accreditation and quality assurance. The law introduces a single national system for these processes, sets rules for digital, online and blended delivery models and promotes integrated data exchange between educational institutions and the Ministry, allowing more efficient planning, simpler procedures and decisions supported by accurate information.
The main elements of the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research discussed during the session can be summarised as follows:
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Regulatory framework | Flexible, enabling legislation and unified national reference frameworks |
| Quality and relevance | Quality of outcomes and closer alignment with labour market needs |
| Licensing and accreditation | Unified frameworks for licensing, accreditation and quality assurance |
| Learning modalities | Regulation of digital, online and blended education |
| Data systems | Improved data integration and exchange with the Ministry |
| Partnership | Enhanced cooperation between the Ministry, HEIs, TVET and local authorities |
The Sharjah dialogue formed part of the Ministry’s Customer Councils initiative, which aims to encourage regular interaction with higher education institutions and stakeholders. The initiative supports an institutional partnership approach, seeking a more efficient, flexible and competitive national higher education system that prepares students for future employment needs and strengthens their contribution to the UAE’s sustainable development objectives.
Approximately 100 academic and administrative leaders from higher education institutions and TVET providers attended the session. Participants included Dr Aisha Mohammed Obeid Boukhater Al Shamsi, Ibrahim Fikri, Professor Esameldin Agamy, Dr. Tod Laursen, Dr Nadia Mahdi Al Hassni, Imran Khan and Dr Steve Riesz, reflecting broad representation from universities and education authorities in different emirates.
The programme featured open, interactive discussions where representatives could raise detailed questions about the law and its implementation. Ministry officials explained how the new frameworks will apply in practice, clarified specific clauses and addressed queries on licensing procedures, programme delivery formats, data reporting requirements and cooperation between institutions and national regulators.
Through the ‘Future of Higher Education Dialogues’ series in Sharjah, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research strengthened engagement with universities and TVET institutions, advanced understanding of the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research and supported sector-wide preparation for a more coordinated, quality-focused and labour market-oriented higher education landscape in the UAE.
With inputs from WAM
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