First forum brings together more than 200 education officials and representatives to discuss new licensing, fees and compliance resolutions.

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has launched a new dialogue series to help higher education and training institutions understand and implement recently issued Cabinet resolutions regulating the sector.

The first Future of Higher Education Dialogues forum was held in Abu Dhabi on September 9, bringing together more than 200 officials and representatives from higher education institutions, technical and vocational education and training institutions, and training centers and institutes.

The forum provided a platform for the Ministry to explain the new regulations, clarify institutional responsibilities and discuss how the resolutions will be implemented.

New framework for higher education

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the resolutions represent a significant development in higher education governance and are intended to strengthen the quality of the UAE’s higher education system.

The resolutions also seek to align higher education outcomes with labor market requirements and priority sectors, while supporting a more flexible and innovative education system.

Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said the resolutions were developed through collaboration with relevant entities and form part of an integrated national framework.

The framework introduces clearer standards for institutional licensing and links regulatory oversight to risk and performance. It also focuses on sustainable quality, student rights and higher education outcomes.

Three areas of regulation

The forum included three sessions covering the main Cabinet resolutions governing the sector.

The first focused on Cabinet Resolution No. 104 of 2026, which establishes the National Framework for Licensing Higher Education Institutions.

The second covered Cabinet Resolution No. 92 of 2026, concerning review fees for higher education and technical and vocational education and training institutions, and Cabinet Resolution No. 103 of 2026, covering fees and financial guarantees associated with Ministry services.

The third examined Cabinet Resolution No. 143 of 2026, which regulates violations, penalties and administrative measures associated with the Ministry’s mandates and services.

Each session was followed by discussions with Ministry leaders and specialists, allowing representatives of education and training institutions to raise questions and seek clarification on implementation.

More forums planned

The Ministry said the dialogue series will continue with similar forums planned in Dubai and Sharjah.

The sessions are intended to give institutions further opportunities to understand the new requirements and receive guidance on implementation.

The Ministry has also asked institutions to review the resolutions and share them with relevant stakeholders within their organizations.