The United Arab Emirates has issued a new federal law governing higher education and scientific research, tightening licensing and oversight of institutions across the country.
The Federal Decree Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research was announced on Tuesday, according to the Khaleej Times.
The UAE government said the law aims to align educational outcomes with labor market needs, support lifelong learning, and enhance quality and competitiveness in higher education.
The move follows the issuance of another federal decree law on Monday establishing a National Educational Curriculum for all public and private schools.
That earlier law created, for the first time, a comprehensive legal framework for the design, approval, implementation and review of school curricula nationwide.
The new higher education law establishes an integrated legislative framework for the governance of higher education across the UAE.
It will apply to all higher education institutions, as well as technical and vocational education and training institutions operating in the country.
Under the law, national regulatory frameworks will be set for higher education and scientific research.
These include frameworks for licensing higher education institutions, the National Qualifications Framework, and systems for classification, performance quality and oversight.
The law also introduces frameworks for scientific research and for technical and vocational education and training.
In addition, it regulates the licensing of higher education institutions and vocational training providers, the classification of institutions, and the accreditation of academic programs.
It further addresses governance requirements, aiming to ensure sound governance structures and effective management across institutions.
The law tightens licensing rules by prohibiting the establishment or operation of any higher education institution without obtaining institutional licensure from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
It also bans the provision, promotion or advertising of higher education programs and services in the UAE without such licensure.
All academic programs offered by higher education institutions must comply with program accreditation standards and mechanisms set by the ministry to ensure academic quality.
The law also regulates the operation of higher education institutions in free zones.
Institutions in free zones will be required to obtain a local permit, institutional licensure and program accreditation from the ministry.
It also defines mechanisms for coordination and oversight between the ministry and relevant local authorities.
As technology becomes more integrated into education, the law regulates electronic, digital and blended education.
It provides for the accreditation of academic and professional programs in these formats to ensure quality outcomes and protect data and intellectual property rights.
The federal law also mandates the periodic classification and evaluation of higher education institutions.
It provides for the publication of classification results, a step aimed at enhancing transparency and strengthening competitiveness in the sector.
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