The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council is the UAE’s highest federal authority for coordinating national policies and strategies across education, human capital development and community empowerment. It oversees all levels of education, regulates national talent development systems and fosters family stability and social cohesion. Through unified frameworks and legislation, the Council ensures integration across government efforts in these vital sectors.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) leads the development of the higher education sector in the UAE. Working in collaboration with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council and relevant federal and local authorities, the ministry drives a national vision for a competitive, academically excellent and knowledge-based education system that empowers future generations through education, research and innovation.

Commission for Academic Accreditation is the national body responsible for ensuring the quality of higher education institutions in the UAE. It was established in 1999 under the Ministry of Higher Education. Its mandate was expanded in 2012 to include public and private higher education institutions.

The commission licenses institutions and accredits their academic programmes in line with international standards. It also conducts regular reviews and provides technical and developmental support to higher education institutions. The commission is recognised by several international bodies, including the World Federation for Medical Education and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).  

In 2024, the commission introduced the Outcomes-based Evaluation framework, a major shift in accreditation. OBEF measures the performance of institutions and programmes against key indicators such as graduate employability, learning outcomes, research, community engagement, and academic reputation, all aligned with the National Qualifications Framework.

The commission is committed to publishing updated lists of licensed institutions and accredited programmes, enhancing transparency and supporting students' and parents' decisions in choosing appropriate educational tracks.

National Qualifications Centre is part of Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It manages the national qualifications system at all levels. It ensures that the technical and vocational training meets the needs of the labour market, and sets policies and standards for recognising qualifications in cooperation with local and international partners.

Effective collaboration between federal and local authorities, universities and research institutions is key to advancing higher education in the UAE. MoHESR is committed to creating an integrated system that promotes student mobility, aligns policies and procedures, and ensures consistent quality nationwide.

• Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) regulates the quality of education in Dubai and supports its vision of being a global hub for excellent education. It focuses on improving education standards, expanding access and fostering community partnerships to meet the evolving needs of Dubai’s diverse population. Through collaboration with local and international partners, KHDA enhances educational offerings, supports schools and educators in the emirate, and promotes sustainable development across the education sector. It also oversees private educational institutions and certifies higher education degrees from licensed universities in Dubai.

 

• Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi (ADEK)

Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi (ADEK) regulates Abu Dhabi’s education sector and drives the development of a future-ready system. It oversees licensing of private institutions, manages partnership schools and develops policies and standards. ADEK also supports students through enrichment programmes and academic guidance, ensuring strong alignment between the outcome of education and the needs of the labour market.

In line with the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, ADEK has put in place policies, regulations and procedures that guarantee quality in educational programmes, regulate higher education institutions in Abu Dhabi and raise the quality of education opportunities offered. It also guides and assists students in accessing higher education that follows international standards and contributes to enhanced productivity and competitiveness.

• Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research

Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research advises on regulating and advancing higher education and research in Sharjah. Its role is to:

• ensure quality academic and administrative performance
• support institutions in achieving local and international accreditation
• align educational outcomes with labour market and national goals
• foster scientific research, and
• strengthen governance and evaluation across academic, administrative and financial areas.