UAE passes strong new law to boost higher education and research quality
December 30, 2025
The UAE has introduced a powerful new federal law that changes how universities, colleges, and research centers work. The law is led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR). It sets a clear system for licensing, degree approval, and overall governance across the country. All higher education institutions, including those in free zones, now need a federal license to operate. Without this, they cannot offer programs or advertise them.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that "these partnerships between federal and local entities aim to create an integrated environment that aligns with national aspirations."
The new law focuses strongly on employability. Universities must create formal agreements with public and private companies for internships, called the "Practical Training System." This hands-on training prepares students for real jobs. Academic programs will be redesigned to meet the skills needed for the country's "We the UAE 2031" vision. There is also a big push to add Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills to all fields to make students future-ready.
Scientific research gets a big boost too. The law sets up structures to support, fund, and protect research in universities. The goal is not just more papers but innovations that solve big problems in health, energy, and technology.
The Ministry is introducing a "Recognition System" for international qualifications. This will help students from abroad or Emiratis returning from top global universities get their degrees officially verified and valued.
To keep standards high, strict fines apply. Unlicensed education activities can lead to fines up to AED 1,000,000. Smaller fines include AED 3,000 for unqualified lecturers and AED 5,000 for unpaid staff salaries. The Ministry has powers to inspect institutions anytime to enforce rules.
This law aims to keep the UAE a top destination for quality education, ensuring students get value for their investment. The changes will roll out fully by 2025, building a flexible and competitive education system for the future.
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Tags:
Uae Higher Education
Mohesr
Education reform
Scientific research
Degree Accreditation
Employment Alignment
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