DUBAI: In a significant step to strengthen its position as a global education hub, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has granted licences to 16 new higher education institutions (HEIs) in Dubai.
This includes several international university branches operating within the emirate’s Free Zones.
These institutions represent a wide range of prestigious universities, offering students in Dubai greater access to world-class academic opportunities.
A strategic collaboration
Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Operations Sector and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR, emphasized that this licensing decision forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to streamline the application process for educational institutions. This initiative supports the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which seeks to reduce time and procedural complexities in administrative processes.
“These decisions are the result of a recent strategic agreement between MoHESR and KHDA. Our aim is to simplify the licensing and accreditation process for HEIs, fostering a high-quality educational environment and attracting world-class institutions to the UAE. This partnership aligns with the nation’s long-term development goals and ensures that higher education in the UAE remains competitive on a global scale,” Alsaadi commented.
Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of KHDA’s Strategy and Planning Sector, highlighted the significance of this move, stating that the licensing of these 16 international university branches marks a key milestone in the ongoing collaboration between MoHESR and KHDA. This move not only strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a global education hub but also plays a pivotal role in supporting the Dubai Education Strategy 2033. The initiative aims to draw international students and educators to the emirate, fostering lifelong learning opportunities and promoting academic excellence.
Official recognition of qualifications
The new licensing process will enable students enrolled in these newly licensed institutions to receive official Ministry-approved certificates, transcripts, and documents. This ensures that qualifications earned in Dubai are recognised internationally, enhancing the value of the degrees for students pursuing careers both locally and abroad.
Simplified licensing procedures
Under the new agreement between MoHESR and KHDA, the licensing and accreditation processes for higher education institutions in Dubai have been greatly simplified. The collaboration ensures that institutions meet international standards while aligning with local educational policies. This efficient process is designed to attract high-ranking universities and improve the higher education sector's overall efficiency in the UAE.
To date, MoHESR has licensed 93 higher education institutions across the UAE, including 36 in Dubai. These include federal, local, private, and international university branches. The new initiative has accelerated the licensing process, allowing MoHESR to grant licences within just one week, provided all necessary documents are in order.
Newly licensed institutions
The 16 newly licensed institutions include a mix of globally renowned universities and specialised institutes. These include:
- Curtin University, Australia
- French Fashion Institute Esmod Dubai
- Middlesex University Dubai, UK
- Murdoch University Dubai, Australia
- University of Bradford, UK
- BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, India
- De Montfort University, UK
- Hult International Business School, USA
- Luiss University – Dubai, Italy
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
- SAE University College, Australia
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE), Germany
- SKEMA Business School, France
- Georgetown University, USA
- Paris School of Business, France
- University of Manchester, UK
These institutions offer a variety of academic disciplines, from business and engineering to fashion and creative arts.