The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates has announced the approval of a resolution that establishes rules, fines, and administrative measures related to the Ministry's functions and services.
The new decree will come into effect on September 12 and will create a unified regulatory framework. This framework defines violations, sanctions, and administrative actions concerning higher education institutions, technical and vocational education institutions, as well as training centers and institutes.
The implementation of this resolution aims to increase the clarity of regulatory requirements, strengthen principles of transparency and compliance, and provide institutions with clear guidelines for managing their responsibilities in accordance with the highest standards of quality and governance.
Furthermore, it standardizes procedures for handling violations and regulatory processes for all entities under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, thereby ensuring uniformity in the application of rules and increasing openness in interaction with educational institutions.
Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shuwaibi, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, noted that the higher education and scientific research sector in the country is undergoing qualitative changes. These changes are aimed at developing the legislative and regulatory environment of the sector to build an integrated system that combines flexibility and governance, and enhances the sector's readiness for future demands.
He emphasized that this new resolution complements this system by offering a clear regulatory foundation that strengthens institutional compliance and consolidates best practices among higher education institutions. This ensures the transparent application of regulatory requirements and supports the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
According to the Deputy Minister, the Ministry believes that effective governance is based on a clear distribution of roles and responsibilities, fair procedures, and the ability for institutions to improve their operations and enhance service quality, which directly affects the quality of educational outcomes and the trust of students and the public in the higher education system.
He explained that from this perspective, the new regulation strengthens the link between all regulatory procedures and measures with guarantees for student protection, ensuring the continuity of their education and preserving their academic and financial rights. This reflects a balance between applying regulatory management frameworks and supporting the continuous development of institutions.
The resolution also provides for a gradual and balanced approach to dealing with violations. The nature, severity, and frequency of the violation will correspond to the measures to achieve a balance between the institution's ability to correct its situation and increase compliance, and the adoption of appropriate measures against violations affecting the quality of education, academic integrity, or the rights of students and stakeholders.
The decree covers a wide range of violations related to licensing and accreditation, data accuracy, monitoring and evaluation requirements, academic honesty, exam integrity, practical training, academic advertising, as well as violations in the fields of ecology, health, and safety, and other aspects of sector regulation.
The resolution gives educational institutions a clear understanding of regulatory requirements and obligations, which promotes proactive compliance, reduces the number of violations before they occur, and increases the efficiency of the sector's regulatory environment.
Moreover, it promotes the principles of fairness and transparency by providing an institutional mechanism for appealing decisions, procedures, fines, and administrative measures. This mechanism is implemented through a specialized committee established by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which reviews appeals in accordance with clear regulatory procedures to ensure an independent and fair examination of each case. Coordination with competent local education authorities is also strengthened to preserve their powers and prevent duplication of procedures or fines applied to institutions.
The resolution pays special attention to the protection of students and interns, obligating institutions, where necessary, to ensure the continuity of the educational process, maintain academic records, protect financial rights, refund unduly collected fees, and take necessary measures to resolve situations of affected students, thus guaranteeing that their educational path will not be affected by regulatory measures taken against violating institutions.
This decision is part of a series of legislative and executive acts issued based on the Federal Decree-Law on Higher Education and Scientific Research. In the previous period, a national licensing system for higher education institutions, an updated scholarship program, unification of review fees for higher education institutions and technical and vocational education institutions, and the introduction of a unified system of fees and financial guarantees related to the services provided by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research were adopted.
These decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to developing the sector's regulatory legal framework and creating a more flexible and efficient higher education system capable of preparing national competencies and meeting the demands of future development.