The Higher Education Committee discusses developments in the sector… and outlines the features of the next stage

The Higher Education Committee held its regular meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Dubai, headed by the Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abdul Rahman Al-Awar, and in the presence of members of the committee and representatives of the concerned authorities.

Al Awar stressed that the higher education system in the Emirates is witnessing comprehensive qualitative transformations that support the vision of the wise leadership in investing in people and enhancing their readiness for the future. He pointed out that the federal decree law on higher education and scientific research that was issued recently established a clear road map for developing the system, with a focus on the quality of outputs, enhancing flexibility and governance, and linking academic tracks to the needs of the labor market, in a way that enhances the country’s position as a global center for education, scientific research and innovation.

He said that work is being done in cooperation with partners, to ensure a flexible and integrated higher education system, based on standards of quality, efficiency and innovation, in a way that enhances the consistency of policies with national priorities, contributes to raising the country’s competitiveness, and consolidating its position as a global center for future knowledge and skills. The committee reviewed the developments in implementing the recommendations of the previous meeting, and progress in the strategic files related to developing the system. It also followed up on the implementation of the new higher education law, and the plan to implement the financing system for federal universities, according to sustainable financing models that stimulate performance.

The committee discussed developments in the higher education database, the research and development budget for the years 2026-2030, in addition to the updated digital systems and services, including the stage of final admission into the national system for unified registration, and the calculation of advanced courses, in a way that enhances flexibility and transparency in developing academic paths.

The members stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of strategic initiatives and enhancing integration between concerned parties, in support of the competitiveness and efficiency of the higher education sector at the local and federal levels.