The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) together with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has licensed 16 higher education institutions (HEIs) in Dubai, including those located in free zones and that operate as branches of foreign universities. Among the licensed HEIs: the Curtin University campus in Australia, the French Institute of Fashion Esmod in Dubai, Middlesex University in Dubai, the Murdoch University campus in Dubai (Australia), the Bradford University (United Kingdom), the BITS Pilani campus in Dubai (India), the De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, the Hult International Business School in the USA, Luis University in Dubai (Italy), the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India), the SAE College University (Australia), the University of Applied Sciences Europe (Germany), SKEMA Business School (France), Georgia State University (USA), the Paris School of Business (France), and the University of Manchester (United Kingdom).
Regarding the adoption of the resolution, His Excellency Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Saadani, acting Substitute Deputy Minister for Operations in the field of higher education and Director of the International Support Department of Education and Degrees at MoHESR. He noted that this decision aligns with the guidelines of the Ministry to simplify the licensing procedures with local authorities in accordance with the goals of the Zero Bureaucracy Program of the Government. The decision aims at reducing the timeframes and steps necessary for completing the licensing process in higher education.
His Excellency Ahmad Ibrahim Al-Saadani emphasized: "These decisions stem from a recent strategic agreement between the Ministry and entities in the field of knowledge and human potential development in Dubai aimed at simplifying the licensing and accreditation procedures for HEIs in the emirate." In Dubai, there are 36 HEIs, including those that operate in free zones as branches of foreign universities.
MoHESR is also considering applications for new HEIs, including foreign branches and private entities. The decision is focused on reducing the timeframes and steps necessary for completing the licensing process. The ministry remains committed to collaborating with local and federal partners to enhance the effectiveness of the sector, improve educational outcomes, and align with labor market needs and national development goals. If all documents and requirements are met, licenses can be issued within a week.
