In collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has granted licenses to 16 higher education institutions (HEIs) in Dubai, including those in the emirate’s Free Zones that function as branches of international universities.
The licensed HEIs include: Curtin University, Australia; French Fashion Institute Esmod Dubai; Middlesex University Dubai; Murdoch University Dubai, Australia; University of Bradford, UK; BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, India; De Montfort University, UK; Hult International Business School, USA; Luiss University – Dubai, Italy; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India; SAE University College, Australia; University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE), Germany; SKEMA Business School, France; Georgetown University, USA; Paris School of Business, France; as well as the University of Manchester, UK.
His Excellency Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Operations and Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department at MoHESR, highlighted that this decision is in line with the Ministry’s efforts to simplify licensing procedures in collaboration with local authorities, as part of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. The initiative aims to minimize the time and steps needed to complete the licensing process.
His Excellency Ahmad Ibrahim Alsaadi said: “These decisions stem from a recent strategic agreement between the Ministry and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai to streamline HEI licensing and accreditation in the emirate. This collaboration aims to build a high-quality educational environment, attract top international institutions and contribute to boosting the UAE’s global competitiveness in the higher education sector. The Ministry remains committed to working with local and federal partners to enhance sector efficiency, improve educational outcomes, and align them with labour market requirements and national development goals”.
Dr. Wafi Dawood, Chief Executive Officer of Strategy and Planning Sector at KHDA said: “The licensing of 16 international university branches in Dubai’s free zones marks a key step in our partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This initiative strengthens the business environment with speed and efficiency, aligning with the Dubai Education Strategy 2033 to position the emirate as a global education hub. It attracts top institutions, international students and educators while ensuring lifelong learning opportunities, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and academic excellence”.
These licensing decisions allow students to obtain Ministry approval for certificates, transcripts, and other documents, ensuring official recognition of their qualifications.
The MoHESR has recently signed an agreement with the KHDA to streamline HEI licensing and accreditation in Dubai, ensuring alignment with international standards. The agreement aims to attract top institutions and enhance the efficiency of the higher education system.
As of now, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has granted licenses to 93 higher education institutions (HEIs), encompassing federal, local, private, and international university branches. In Dubai, 36 HEIs have institutional licenses, including those in free zones operating as branches of foreign universities.
MoHESR also evaluates applications for new HEIs, including foreign branches and private institutions. Once all required documents and conditions are fulfilled, licenses can be issued within a week.
