The framework provides a unified national reference for licensing higher education institutions (HEIs), including those operating in free zones, while ensuring compliance with national standards and respecting the responsibilities of relevant local authorities.

Enhancing governance and education quality

The resolution aims to strengthen institutional governance, simplify regulatory procedures, improve the student experience, encourage partnerships between higher education institutions and economic sectors, enhance the quality and efficiency of educational outcomes, and support the UAE’s competitiveness in higher education.

Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the approval reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing an integrated licensing system involving the Ministry, local authorities, and higher education institutions.

He noted that the framework provides greater clarity and consistency in licensing and oversight, reduces procedural duplication, and facilitates access to services.

Data-driven monitoring and regulatory coordination

The framework establishes a data-driven monitoring system through electronic integration between higher education institutions and national records, while ensuring coordination with relevant local authorities for institutions operating in free zones.

It supports evidence-based regulatory decisions through accurate and updated data, while reinforcing alignment with the National Higher Education Institutions Classification Framework and quality, performance, and oversight standards.

Comprehensive licensing requirements

The framework includes regulatory provisions covering all stages of institutional licensing, including requirements for establishing new institutions, risk assessment and compliance measures, sustainability requirements, license renewal procedures, and mechanisms to ensure continuity of education.

It also regulates ownership structures, governance bodies, and executive and academic leadership roles, ensuring clear separation between ownership, management, and academic decision-making to promote accountability and transparency.

Supporting sustainable higher education development

The framework strengthens the financial and operational sustainability of higher education institutions through requirements related to financial guarantees, audited statements, student protection measures, and academic continuity plans.

Its approval reflects the Ministry’s efforts to enhance the readiness of higher education institutions for future challenges in cooperation with local authorities, supporting the development of skilled talent and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for higher education and scientific research.