The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research concluded its Future of Higher Education Dialogues series, held to present and explain recently issued Cabinet Resolutions and regulatory frameworks governing the higher education sector in the UAE.
The forums presented the key features of the new legislation issued in implementation of the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research, alongside interactive sessions with specialists to explain the details of the new regulations and clarify institutions’ responsibilities in implementing them. The discussions aimed to ensure a clear understanding and proper implementation of the regulations, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the UAE’s higher education system, improving the quality of its outcomes and safeguarding the rights of all stakeholders, particularly students.
The three forums were held throughout September, with the final session taking place in Sharjah, following two earlier sessions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. They brought together around 500 leaders and representatives of higher education institutions, technical and vocational education and training institutions, training centres and institutes, as well as Ministry leaders and representatives of local authorities responsible for higher education across the UAE.
Empowering Students and Building a Future-Ready System
His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the new national frameworks represent a continuation of efforts to empower students to enter the labour market, while building a high-quality higher education system capable of anticipating future skills and specialisations and preparing graduates with the knowledge and competencies needed to compete and contribute effectively to priority sectors and support the UAE’s economic development.
He said: “The resolutions reflect the UAE’s vision to develop a more flexible, efficient and responsive higher education system capable of keeping pace with rapid developments in a world undergoing continuous transformations in education, technology and technical fields. They also enhance the quality of educational outcomes and strengthen their alignment with the needs of the labour market and the national economy.”
A Dialogue- and Partnership-Based Approach
His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said: “Direct dialogue and maintaining open channels of communication with our partners across higher education institutions, universities, training centres and institutes are fundamental to developing a shared understanding of the new regulatory resolutions and ensuring their proper implementation in a way that achieves their intended objectives.”
He noted that the Ministry will continue to adopt this dialogue- and partnership-based approach, listening to the views and feedback of institutions to clarify the requirements for effective implementation, address enquiries, enhance the quality of the higher education system, safeguard the rights of students and institutions, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
Four Key Resolutions
The three forums examined four key resolutions aimed at moving the higher education sector into a new phase of development, in line with the UAE’s vision of preparing graduates in disciplines that keep pace with emerging developments and meet the needs of strategic economic sectors.
The new regulatory resolutions are:
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Cabinet Resolution No. (104) of 2026
concerning the National Framework for Licensing Higher Education Institutions;
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Cabinet Resolution No. (92) of 2026
concerning Review Fees for Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions;
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Cabinet Resolution No. (103) of 2026
concerning Fees and Financial Guarantees Associated with Ministry Services; and
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Cabinet Resolution No. (143) of 2026
concerning the Regulation of Violations, Penalties and Administrative Measures related to the Ministry’s Mandates and services.
The forums featured panel discussions and dedicated sessions introducing the new resolutions, with the participation of Ministry leaders and experts in the higher education sector. They also provided an opportunity to address questions and enquiries from representatives of higher education institutions.
Importance of Proper Implementation
The Ministry stressed the importance of complying with the new resolutions and implementing them as required, as they provide a regulatory framework for ensuring the quality and reliability of the sector. It called on institutions to circulate the resolutions among all relevant stakeholders within their organisations and to continuously monitor their implementation to ensure that their intended objectives are achieved and students’ rights are protected.
The Ministry also called on all staff members of the relevant institutions to review the four resolutions in full through the Ministry’s website,
www.mohesr.gov.ae
, and refer to them whenever needed.
9/23/2026