UAE Overhauls Higher Education Governance Under New Law

UAE overhauls governance of higher education and research under new federal law

Abu Dhabi: The UAE government has issued a new federal decree law governing higher education and scientific research, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at strengthening oversight, improving quality, and aligning academic outcomes with the evolving needs of the labour market.

The legislation applies to all higher education institutions as well as technical and vocational education and training providers operating across the country. It establishes a unified national approach to regulation, accreditation and supervision, marking a significant shift toward centralised governance of the sector.

Unified licensing and accreditation framework introduced

Under the decree, the Ministry of Education will oversee national regulatory systems covering the licensing of higher education institutions, implementation of the National Qualifications Framework, and mechanisms for classification, performance assessment and quality assurance.

The law formalises governance structures not only for universities and colleges, but also for scientific research and technical and vocational education. All academic programmes will be subject to accreditation standards approved by the ministry to ensure consistency and academic integrity across institutions.

The framework also introduces detailed rules governing the classification of institutions, linking regulatory approval to governance standards, management effectiveness and educational outcomes.

Free zone institutions brought under regulatory net

A key provision of the law prohibits the establishment, operation or promotion of any higher education institution or programme without institutional licensure from the Ministry of Education. This requirement extends to institutions operating in free zones, which must now obtain both federal licensure and local permits.

The law sets out coordination mechanisms between federal and local authorities to ensure consistent oversight, closing regulatory gaps that previously allowed variation in standards across jurisdictions.

Digital and blended education formally regulated

The decree also regulates electronic, digital and blended learning models. It establishes standards for the accreditation of online and hybrid academic and professional programmes, while introducing safeguards related to data protection and intellectual property rights.

This move reflects the growing role of technology-driven education and the need for regulatory clarity as institutions expand beyond traditional classroom-based delivery.

Mandatory classification and public disclosure

Another major element of the law is the requirement for periodic evaluation and classification of higher education institutions. The results of these assessments will be published publicly, a measure intended to enhance transparency, promote continuous improvement and strengthen competitiveness within the sector.

Officials said the classification system is designed to incentivise quality enhancement while providing students, employers and policymakers with clearer benchmarks.

Broader implications for investment and institutional planning

The new legislation signals a more structured and predictable regulatory environment for education providers and investors. By standardising governance, licensing and quality benchmarks, the UAE is positioning higher education as a strategic pillar of national development and workforce readiness.

Such regulatory clarity is also relevant for international institutions, investors and education-linked enterprises assessing long-term establishment decisions in the region, including considerations around business setup in dubai as governance, compliance and institutional licensing increasingly intersect with broader economic planning.

The UAE government said the law is intended to support lifelong learning, enhance global competitiveness and ensure that higher education remains closely aligned with national development priorities.