UAE Enacts Landmark Federal Law to Overhaul Higher Education and Scientific Research

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In a significant move to modernize its academic landscape, the UAE government enacted a new federal law on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, aimed at overhauling the regulation and governance of higher education, scientific research, and vocational training. This legislation follows a prior decree establishing a unified National Educational Curriculum for all schools, effectively creating a cohesive legal structure that spans the entire educational journey. The law introduces an integrated framework that applies to all higher education and technical providers, including those operating within free zones, and mandates strict oversight through a national system of institutional licensing, program accreditation, and a standardized National Qualifications Framework. 

To ensure transparency, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will implement periodic evaluations and publicly publish the classification results of various institutions. Furthermore, the legislation establishes rigorous standards for digital education, requiring e-learning and blended learning programs to utilize innovative teaching methods, protect intellectual property, and maintain high levels of student-faculty interaction. By tightening licensing requirements, the government has prohibited any institution from operating or advertising services without official ministry approval. This centralized oversight extends to free zones, where institutions must now secure local permits and federal accreditation while operating under defined coordination mechanisms between local and federal authorities.