Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has approved new regulations that govern violations, penalties, and administrative measures related to its mandates and services. This resolution seeks to further develop the legislative and regulatory framework for the higher education and scientific research sector in the UAE, enhancing governance and oversight while protecting the rights of students and trainees.
According to Emirates News Agency, the resolution supports the UAE's efforts to advance the legislative and regulatory environment within the higher education sector. Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al Shoaibi, Undersecretary of the Ministry, highlighted that the sector is undergoing significant transformation. The new resolution is designed to complement these changes by providing a clear regulatory framework that strengthens institutional compliance and promotes best practices.
Dr. Al Shoaibi emphasized that effective governance is based on clear roles and responsibilities and fair procedures, which empower institutions to enhance their performance. This approach is expected to improve educational outcomes and increase the confidence of students and society in the higher education system.
The resolution, set to take effect on September 12, 2026, establishes a unified regulatory framework that outlines violations, penalties, and administrative measures applicable to higher education institutions, TVET institutions, training centers, and institutes. It clarifies regulatory obligations and standardizes procedures for addressing violations across entities under the Ministry's jurisdiction.
The regulations adopt a graduated approach to violations, considering their nature, severity, and frequency. This framework allows institutions to rectify their status while ensuring appropriate actions against violations that impact the quality of education or the rights of students and service beneficiaries.
The resolution covers a wide range of areas including licensing, accreditation, data accuracy, evaluation requirements, academic integrity, examination security, academic advertising, and environmental, health, and safety requirements. It aims to promote proactive compliance by providing educational institutions with greater clarity over their regulatory obligations.
An institutional mechanism for challenging decisions, procedures, penalties, and administrative measures is included in the resolution. A specialized committee will review grievances to ensure independent and fair examination of cases. The framework also strengthens coordination with local education authorities to avoid procedural duplication.
The resolution emphasizes protecting students and trainees by ensuring continuity of academic provision, preserving academic records, safeguarding financial rights, refunding fees collected without entitlement, and regularizing the status of affected students. These measures aim to ensure that students' education is not adversely affected by regulatory actions against non-compliant institutions.
This resolution is part of a broader series of legislative and executive measures issued under the Federal Decree-Law concerning Higher Education and Scientific Research. Recent measures include the National Framework for Licensing Higher Education Institutions and an updated scholarship program framework, among others, to create a more flexible regulatory environment and a higher education system capable of developing national talent.