New Higher Education Law Introduces 30 Reforms Across UAE

A new Higher Education Law in the United Arab Emirates introduces 30 immediate reforms aimed at reshaping regulation across the sector, strengthening governance and improving academic quality.

The law establishes a unified national reference for oversight to ensure consistent rules for universities and clearer guidance for students. It addresses regulatory gaps, particularly in free zones, and seeks to reduce overlapping directives that have slowed decision-making and increased compliance risks.

The reforms are designed to raise programme quality, promote transparent competition and align national standards with international accreditation bodies. The framework is also intended to support students and investors by providing access to national data and performance indicators to inform academic and investment decisions.

Operational changes under the law include reducing manual processes and accelerating licensing and accreditation procedures. The reforms also target higher standards for distance learning, clearer academic transfer pathways aligned with labour market needs and simplified mechanisms for cross-border expansion by educational institutions.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will issue five national regulatory frameworks to serve as the executive foundation of the federal decree law on higher education and scientific research. These frameworks are expected to unify accreditation and quality assurance systems while increasing flexibility and efficiency across institutions.

A national classification and performance quality framework will monitor universities, with strengthened compliance mechanisms to deter violations, address non-compliant entities and enhance institutional accountability across the sector.