Ajman Free Zone And Ministry Of Education Unite To Boost Higher Education Licensing

The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ajman Free Zone have embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering the higher education landscape in Ajman. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both entities seek to license higher education institutions (HEIs) within the Ajman Free Zone, thereby offering students a plethora of study options tailored to their interests and career aspirations. This initiative is set to significantly enhance their competitiveness in the job market.

Dr. Mohamed Al Mualla, the Under-Secretary of Academic Affairs at MoE, and Ismail Al Naqi, Director-General of the Free Zones Authority in Ajman, were the signatories of this pivotal agreement. Dr. Al Mualla underscored the MoU's alignment with MoE's mission to foster an innovative and globally competitive educational system that is responsive to future labor market demands. He expressed the ministry's commitment to attracting premier HEIs to deliver quality education that bolsters students' capabilities, thereby contributing to the enhancement of government and local performance efficiency.

Furthermore, Dr. Al Mualla highlighted the Ministry's dedication to working alongside federal and local government entities to craft a comprehensive and integrated educational framework. This endeavor aims to resonate with the government's vision of cultivating a knowledge-based society and propelling sustainable development, ultimately elevating the competitiveness of community members across various sectors.

Ismail Al Naqi lauded this strategic cooperation with MoE, emphasizing the MoU's critical role in attracting investments and fostering economic growth within the emirate. He remarked on Ajman Free Zone's commitment to providing sustainable, top-tier services and facilities that cater to the diverse needs of its clientele.

The MoU notably simplifies the process for HEIs affiliated with Ajman Free Zone to obtain a commercial license, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Moreover, HEIs that secure a commercial license from Ajman Free Zone are also required to attain an institutional license and program accreditation from the Ministry’s Commission for Academic Accreditation department.

This collaboration between MoE and Ajman Free Zone represents a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education in Ajman. It not only promises to enrich students' academic experiences but also aims to prepare them more effectively for their future careers, thereby contributing positively to the emirate's socio-economic development.

With inputs from WAM