UAE Rolls Out Landmark Education Laws Covering Universities and National Curriculum

The UAE has announced a new federal law on Higher Education and Scientific Research, introducing a unified legislative framework to regulate universities and training institutions across the country.

Issued on Tuesday, December 30, the Federal Decree Law aims to align educational outcomes with labour market needs, promote lifelong learning, and enhance the quality and global competitiveness of the higher education sector, according to the UAE government.

The legislation establishes an integrated governance framework applicable to all higher education institutions, as well as technical and vocational education and training providers nationwide.

 

It introduces national regulatory frameworks covering institutional licensing, the National Qualifications Framework, classification and performance quality, scientific research, and technical and vocational education and training. The law also regulates the licensing and classification of institutions, the accreditation of academic programmes, and the assurance of sound governance and effective management.

 

A key feature of the law is the tightening of licensing requirements. It prohibits the establishment or operation of any higher education institution, or the promotion or advertising of higher education programmes and services, without obtaining institutional licensure from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. All academic programmes must also comply with ministry-approved accreditation standards to ensure academic quality.

 

The legislation further regulates the operation of higher education institutions in free zones, requiring local permits, institutional licensure and programme accreditation, while defining coordination and oversight mechanisms between the ministry and competent local authorities.

 

As technology becomes increasingly embedded in education, the law also governs electronic, digital and blended learning, accrediting academic and professional programmes to ensure quality outcomes and protect data and intellectual property rights.

In addition, the law mandates the periodic classification and evaluation of higher education institutions, with results to be published to enhance transparency and strengthen competitiveness across the sector.

First-of-its-kind federal law on national education curriculum

In a separate move, the UAE has issued its first federal decree law governing the National Educational Curriculum, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for its design, approval, implementation and review.

 

The law applies to all public and private schools, from kindergarten through Grade 12, including private schools that follow their own curricula but teach approved compulsory subjects.

 

At the heart of the decree is the National Education Charter, which will serve as the supreme reference document defining national education objectives, graduate attributes, national identity, values and target competencies. It will guide curriculum development and set out key components, including learning standards and outcomes, teaching methods, educational pathways, language of instruction, duration of study, and subject content.

 

The decree establishes a clear framework for approving curriculum changes, categorising them into four levels. Major changes that affect the foundations of the curriculum will require approval by the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council and ratification by the Council of Ministers, following pilot programmes and full evaluation. Partial changes within specific subjects will be approved by the Education Council, while technical changes relating to clarity, language or presentation will be approved by the Ministry of Education. Exceptional changes, introduced in response to national or global emergencies, will also require Education Council approval, with reports submitted to the Cabinet for wide-ranging amendments.

The law allows government, private and non-profit entities, including those operating in free zones, to propose curriculum developments or amendments, provided proposals are supported by studies demonstrating alignment with national education goals, labour market needs, national identity and societal values.

Educational institutions are responsible for implementing the curriculum, participating in pilot programmes, gathering feedback and submitting observations to the Ministry of Education. Local education authorities will monitor implementation in private schools, while the National Centre for Education Quality will evaluate quality and impact, reporting to the relevant authorities.

By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, the decree aims to ensure consistency and stability in the national curriculum, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to future educational and labour market needs.

The UAE Cabinet approved the National Education Charter following a review by the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council, ensuring alignment with national policies and strategic objectives.

 

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