Overview

As part of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's ongoing digital engagement with higher education institutions across the UAE, a series of interactive digital workshops were organized to introduce the newly adopted mechanisms for licensing higher education institutions and accrediting academic programs, as well as the Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework, endorsed under Ministerial Decision No. (27) of 2024 and Ministerial Decision No. (62) of 2025.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry's strategy to simplify and streamline services in accordance with the Zero Bureaucracy Government Program, supporting a more agile, efficient, and globally competitive higher education ecosystem that upholds the highest standards of quality and institutional excellence.

Interactive Approach and Methodology

The workshops followed a participatory and interactive digital model, engaging representatives from higher education institutions, local regulatory authorities, and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

Using digital presentations, live Q&A sessions, and online collaboration tools, the sessions provided a comprehensive explanation of the new licensing and accreditation mechanisms, while enabling participants to share their feedback and suggestions electronically.

This approach fostered a unified understanding of the new framework and strengthened ongoing digital communication between the Ministry and universities to ensure smooth implementation of the new decisions.

Key Discussion Topics

The sessions focused on several strategic areas, including:

• Explanation of the new mechanisms for institutional licensing and academic program accreditation.
• Overview of the Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework and its six pillars (Employment Outcomes, Learning Outcomes, Partnerships, Research Outcomes, Reputation & Global Presence, and Community Engagement).
• Presentation of the Risk-Based Management System for license and accreditation renewal.
• Discussion of the streamlined documentation process and reduced requirements for licensing and accreditation.
• Emphasis on digital transformation and the use of online platforms for submissions, monitoring, and evaluation.

Digital Outputs and Participation Results

• Total Participants: Over 350 representatives from higher education institutions and local authorities.
• Participant Satisfaction: Exceeded 90%, based on the digital feedback survey conducted at the end of the sessions.
• Digital Deliverables Produced:
• Interactive presentation outlining the new licensing and accreditation steps.
• Electronic awareness materials published through the Ministry's digital channels.
• Updated digital content on the Ministry's higher education guidance platforms.
• Total Online Submissions: 65 digital proposals and comments received, reviewed, and incorporated into the ongoing development plan.

Expected Outcomes

• Full alignment and unification of the national licensing and accreditation system.
• Reduction of the licensing period from six months to one week.
• Reduction of documentation requirements by over 80%.
• Enhanced quality and efficiency of academic outputs.
• Strengthened transparency and digital communication between the Ministry and universities.

Next Steps

• Continued monitoring of implementation through the Unified Digital Licensing and Accreditation Platform.
• Organization of follow-up digital sessions with universities to present the updated procedural guide.
• Assessment of the impact of the new decisions on service delivery speed and academic quality by Q1 2026.