Conclusion of the series "Dialogues on the future of higher education" With the participation of 400 academic leaders

ABU DHABI, February 10, 2017 (WAM) – The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research concluded the “Dialogues on the Future of Higher Education” series to review the details of the federal decree law on higher education and scientific research, as part of its efforts to strengthen channels of dialogue with higher education institutions, and clarify the applied dimensions of the new law and its implications for the higher education system in the country.

The Ministry had held three dialogue sessions, as part of the “Customer Councils” initiative. The last one was today in Abu Dhabi, and was preceded by two in Dubai and Sharjah, with the participation of academic and educational leaders from various emirates of the country, where the sessions formed an interactive dialogue platform to answer inquiries from higher education institutions about the new law, and discuss the mechanisms for its implementation, in order to achieve its strategic goals.

The total number of attendees in the series of sessions reached 400 representatives of higher education institutions and technical and vocational training institutions, where the most prominent articles of the federal decree law were reviewed, and its role in establishing a flexible and enabling legislative framework that moves the higher education system from focusing on inputs and procedures to a model based on the quality of outputs, thus enhancing the alignment of academic programs with the needs of the labor market and the requirements of future development.

During the session, the Ministry’s team also reviewed the regulatory and executive aspects of the law, including unifying national frameworks for licensing, accreditation and quality assurance, and regulating digital, electronic and blended education patterns, in addition to enhancing the integration and exchange of data between higher education institutions and the Ministry, which contributes to raising the efficiency of planning and supporting decision-making based on accurate and reliable data.

During the dialogue sessions, various questions and inquiries about the law were answered, focusing in their entirety on the foundations of the federal decree law regarding higher education and scientific research.

His Excellency Ibrahim Ahmed Fikri, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Regulation and Governance of Higher Education and Scientific Research at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, confirmed that organizing the series within the “Customer Councils” initiative led by the Ministry comes within the framework of its commitment to the approach of institutional partnership and constructive dialogue with higher education institutions and stakeholders, with the aim of developing the higher education system in the country and making it more efficient, flexible and competitive.

He told the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that the “Dialogues on the Future of Higher Education” came with the aim of enhancing direct communication with higher education institutions, and ensuring clarity in the legislative and regulatory frameworks that govern the work of the sector, in a way that supports the achievement of integration between the various stakeholders.

He added that the new law establishes a more comprehensive legislative framework that ensures the organization of all higher education institutions operating in the country according to unified standards, and enhances the quality and competitiveness of educational outcomes at the regional and global levels.

He pointed out that the Ministry was keen, through the dialogue sessions, to reach the largest possible segment of stakeholders, and to provide an open platform for asking inquiries and discussing various aspects related to the law, which contributes to enhancing transparency and consolidating institutional partnership.

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