The Minister’s Message
The higher education sector in the United Arab Emirates continues to witness steady and systematic growth, thanks to the continuous, unwavering support of the nation’s wise leadership. Education is placed among the nation’s top priorities, based on the firm belief that investment in people is a valuable, effective investment that serves as the cornerstone for building a knowledge-based society and a competitive, sustainable economy capable of fulfilling national aspirations and visions.
The establishment of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in July 2024 marks a pivotal milestone in ongoing efforts to develop the educational system and enhance its efficiency and competitiveness. The goal is to graduate generations who are equipped with skills and knowledge, qualified to excel and innovate in the labour market and capable of serving the nation while advancing its developmental achievements across all fields. To achieve this, the Ministry aims to drive a qualitative transformation in the higher education system, strengthen its global competitiveness, improve its outcomes and cement the UAE’s position as a world-class hub that attracts top talent and leading educational institutions.
The Ministry is committed to strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions across the country and to fundamentally updating the policies and procedures governing the higher education sector. This includes ensuring the delivery of best-in-class services to students and higher education institutions by leveraging advanced, innovative technologies and re-engineering the customer journey. Aligning higher education outcomes with the current and future needs of the labour market, in close partnership with economic sectors, remains a key focus area.
In parallel, the Ministry places special emphasis on advancing the scientific research sector in the UAE by providing a supportive, enabling environment for research institutions and researchers. This is achieved through the launch of pioneering initiatives and programmes that help build a competitive economy based on knowledge, innovation, science and technology.
To accomplish these ambitious objectives, the Ministry strives to attract and empower top administrative talent, fostering a team-oriented work culture and creating an environment that inspires creativity and achievement.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is dedicated to fulfilling its noble mission of graduating generations of young people who will drive the nation toward new horizons of excellence and prosperity.
H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar
Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
The Minister’s Profile
Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar has more than 25 years of experience in senior executive positions across various industries in the public and private sectors, including oil and gas, banking, education and regulation of the labour market.
The current Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research previously held the position of Director General of the Federal Authority of Government Human Resources (FAHR) in 2009, as well as the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Business Development – New Smelters at Dubai Aluminium Company (DUBAL). He also served as the Director General of the National Human Resources Development & Employment Authority (TANMIA) and worked for Dolphin Energy, Dubai Petroleum and HSBC.
Apart from his role as Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, His Excellency holds the following positions:
- Board Member of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC)
- Board Member of Dragon Oil Holdings Limited (DOHL)
- Board Member of Oilfields Supply Center (OSC)
- Board Member of Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS)
- Board Member of Education and Human Resources Council
- Board Member of Emirates Competitiveness Council
- Board Member of Federal Demographic Council
- Member of Board of Trustees of University of Dubai
His Excellency also served on the National Defence College Supreme Council and was a Member of the UAE Gender Balance Council.
H.E. Al Awar holds a Ph.D. in Geology and Geochemistry from Colorado School of Mines (CSM), USA, 1995.