Higher Education Experts Discuss Strategies To Enhance Students' Job Market Readiness

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Exchanging Best Practices Among Higher Education Institutions’. Held at HCT’s Baniyas Campus in Abu Dhabi, the event focused on strategies to prepare students for future careers, aligning education with labour market needs.

Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Under-Secretary of MoHESR, highlighted the session's role as a platform for sharing knowledge among federal universities. He emphasised integrating higher education efforts to develop an advanced system that keeps pace with job market changes. Dr. Al Mualla praised HCT’s success in creating career pathways that connect academic learning with professional opportunities.

Khalil Al Khoori, Under-Secretary for Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MOHRE, stated, "The collaboration between MOHRE, MoHESR, and academic institutions across the UAE serves as a fundamental pillar of enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati talent, preparing them for the labour market, and developing their skills in line with the country’s ambitious economic strategies." This partnership supports UAE's leadership across sectors and aligns with its sustainable Emiratisation strategy.

Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of HCT, expressed satisfaction in collaborating with MoHESR and MOHRE to highlight educational models aimed at building future-ready talent. He stressed unified efforts to achieve national goals and enhance UAE’s global standing in education and innovation. The session showcased institutional transformations leading to a new educational model aligned with labour market needs.

The panel discussion was part of ongoing efforts to enhance institutional collaboration among federal universities. It aimed to present successful programmes improving students’ practical skills while facilitating training and employment opportunities across sectors. Participants explored HCT’s applied education model's impact on educational outcomes and alignment with UAE’s vision.

An interactive workshop led by HCT focused on three themes: transforming HCT’s applied education model for specialised career paths; career readiness and economic impact through tools analysing employment data; and strategic partnerships as key enablers. Discussions emphasised collaboration with industrial sectors to support applied education and workforce integration.

Focus on Emerging Sectors

This initiative is part of several programmes launched by MoHESR in collaboration with academic institutions across the UAE. It highlights best practices equipping graduates with skills needed for modern labour markets like AI and digital transformation. These fields are driving shifts in workforce demands while supporting climate action and green economies amid a global talent shortage.

The session was attended by academics from various disciplines within MoHESR and federal universities. Participants included representatives from student affairs, employment support, strategic planning, graduate data analysis, information technology, HEI deans, career guidance advisors, among others.

The discussions underscored empowering youth through applied education and improving decision-making via systems monitoring employment trends. This approach aims to maintain UAE’s global competitiveness and economic growth by aligning educational outcomes with labour market needs.

With inputs from WAM