Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research establishes Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Future Skills
During its first meeting, the committee reviewed the current state of higher education in the UAE, HEI classification, and areas of improvement
H.E. Abdulrahman Al Awar:
The formation of the committee reflects the Ministry's commitment to a participatory and integrated approach to shaping the future of higher education that enhances graduates' qualifications and builds their capacities
We believe that developing a successful and sustainable higher education system requires strong collaboration with national companies, the private sector, and research institutes
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has established the Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Future Skills, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The newly formed body is one of the subcommittees of the Higher Education Committee of the Education, Human Development and Community Council.
The move reflects the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and advance the development of the higher education sector in the UAE. The committee will contribute to building a flexible and forward-looking education system capable of meeting national development priorities and keeping pace with the rapid transformation of the global labour market.
H.E. Dr. Al Awar said: 'At MoHESR, we believe that developing a successful and sustainable higher education system requires strong collaboration with national companies, the private sector, and research institutes. The formation of the committee is a testament to our commitment to adopting a participatory and integrated approach to shaping the future of higher education that enhances graduates' qualifications, builds their capacities, and prepares them to contribute to a competitive, knowledge-based economy. Its work will support our vision for a dynamic, responsive educational system that equips students with the skills required to lead our nation's journey of sustainable development.'
He added: 'We continue to work closely with our partners in the public and private sectors to redesign the higher education system to be more agile, flexible, and closely linked to the needs of the economy, technology, and society. This approach will ensure that our graduates possess high-quality qualifications and advanced skills that match their ambitions while contributing to national progress.'
The committee comprises a distinguished group of academic leaders from the UAE's higher education institutions (HEIs), alongside representatives of key economic sectors, including technology, industry, energy, health, tourism, and investment. The diverse membership reflects the alignment of the higher education system with national development priorities.
During the committee's first meeting, held at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the current state of the higher education in the UAE was reviewed, along with the committee's role in developing the sector, linking it to secondary education and labour market. It also discussed enhancing its global competitiveness through active collaboration with international, industrial, and research institutions, addressed the performance of UAE-based HEIs in global rankings and explored strategies for improving their positions.
The members evaluated criteria for collaboration between HEIs and the industrial sector within the approved framework. Additionally, a pilot initiative was launched to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, and specialized working groups were formed to oversee the implementation of the committee's initiatives and recommendations.
As part of its mandate, the committee will propose higher education development plans and work to align them with general education development plans. It will also assess the performance of HEIs, offering recommendations for improvement in line with international competitiveness indicators and national needs. In addition, the committee will drive collaboration between HEIs and strengthen partnerships with the public and private sectors to ensure that higher education outcomes match the needs of the labour market.
Further responsibilities include enhancing coordination between HEIs, research councils, and key economic sectors in the UAE, organising conferences and other scientific events, and forming specialised technical teams to implement joint initiatives and projects across various sectors.
The formation of the committee is part of the Ministry's efforts to boost the global competitiveness of the UAE's higher education and scientific research sectors and aligning them with the country's strategic objectives, most notably building a knowledge economy and developing national human capital.
For further information, please contact:
Maher Al Bash
Weber Shandwick
E: MAlbash@webershandwick.com
Sara Abuhassira
Weber Shandwick
E: SAbuhassira@webershandwick.com
Shamma Al Sabt
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
E: Shamma.AlSabt@mohesr.gov.ae
Sara Farrah
Weber Shandwick
E: Sfarrah@webershandwick.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's off-plan market booms as Business Bay leads luxury sales surge
Dubai's real estate market is witnessing an unprecedented surge in off-plan property sales, with Business Bay emerging as a top-performing district driven by a new wave of investor confidence, luxury developments, and lifestyle-focused living concepts. In the second quarter of 2025, Business Bay alone registered over Dh4.5 billion in off-plan transactions, accounting for more than 1,900 deals—firmly cementing its reputation as one of the city's most sought-after investment hubs. The broader Dubai property market continues to ride a bullish wave. In May 2025 alone, the emirate recorded Dh66.8 billion in total real estate sales spread across 18,700 transactions—representing a 44 per cent increase in value and a 6 per cent rise in transaction volume compared to the same month in 2024, according to data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Business Bay contributed 5 per cent to this total sales value, despite comprising only 3 per cent of the transaction volume, underlining the premium nature of properties in the area. Located strategically between Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Canal, Business Bay offers unmatched accessibility and connectivity, with proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Metro, DIFC, and major leisure and business centres. The district's central location, skyline views, and thriving mixed-use developments have made it a magnet for local buyers and global investors alike. V. Sivaprasad, chairman of Condor Developers, said what is particularly noteworthy is the rising appetite for off-plan properties—especially in prime neighbourhoods like Business Bay, Downtown, Jumeirah Village Circle, and Dubai Marina. 'There is a convergence of factors driving this trend: attractive pricing compared to ready properties, extended post-handover payment plans, branded residence offerings, and an optimistic long-term outlook for Dubai's economy,' said Sivaprasad According to the Dubai Residential Market Snapshot by CBRE, off-plan sales in Dubai rose by over 46 per cent year-on-year during the first five months of 2025, reflecting buyers' preference for newer, design-forward developments. The surge is also fuelled by the increasing popularity of branded residences, a niche segment that blends global hospitality standards with real estate investment. These projects not only offer premium amenities and services but also fetch higher resale values and rental yields. Business Bay has become the epicentre of this trend. One of the most anticipated new offerings is the luxury branded residence project by QUBE Development in collaboration with The Lux Collective, a global hospitality group renowned for its flagship brand LUX. The development, promising a seamless fusion of urban luxury, privacy, and five-star hotel services, is expected to redefine contemporary living in the heart of the city. Jayakrishnan Bhaskar, CEO of Ozon Marketing, a realty consultancy firm, said that Dubai's resilient economy, strong investor appetite, and visionary leadership continue to drive forward-looking real estate concepts that cater to the evolving tastes of modern buyers. He said Business Bay's ability to attract both capital growth seekers and rental income investors is linked to its evolving infrastructure and a steady stream of high-end launches. With average annual returns exceeding 7 per cent in certain developments, the area consistently ranks among Dubai's top-performing investment destinations. Knight Frank's latest UAE Property Market Review notes that Business Bay saw a 22 per cent year-on-year increase in off-plan property prices in Q2 2025, compared to a 15 per cent rise across Dubai. The report credits this growth to a combination of branded real estate launches, enhanced waterfront developments, and a steady inflow of international high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) taking advantage of Dubai's tax-free status and investor-friendly visa reforms. According to realty experts, the Golden Visa programme, which grants long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, has been a significant factor driving demand in the off-plan segment. Several developers are now aligning their projects with eligibility criteria, offering buyers a streamlined path to secure long-term residency alongside their investment. While concerns over global inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical headwinds persist in international markets, Dubai appears increasingly insulated due to its strong fiscal policies, currency stability, and a consistent flow of tourism and foreign direct investment. The real estate market remains a cornerstone of this economic resilience, with off-plan sales forming the engine of future growth. As the second half of 2025 begins, industry insiders expect the off-plan boom to continue, especially in high-demand zones like Business Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Mohammed Bin Rashid City. Developers are ramping up launches to meet demand, while buyers are showing greater willingness to commit early in the development cycle, lured by flexible terms and the promise of luxury living.
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai launches first-time home buyer programme with priority access, prices on properties up to $1.36m
Dubai will offer incentives and support to first-time home-buyers as it looks to boost real estate investment in the city. Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have officially launched the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, offering priority access to new off-plan launches, preferential pricing, and tailored mortgage solutions to eligible UAE residents. The initiative targets both Emiratis and expats and is designed to support the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai's economy and real estate sector's contribution to GDP over the next decade. First-time Dubai real estate investors The programme offers enhanced commercial terms on properties valued up to AED5m ($1.36m). It is open to UAE residents aged 18 and over who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai, and is available to all nationalities and income levels. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: 'This initiative represents a powerful economic lever—stimulating long-term demand, driving liquidity into the real estate ecosystem, and accelerating the sector's contribution to GDP in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. 'By lowering entry barriers to homeownership for Emiratis and expatriates alike, we are enhancing investor confidence, increasing market absorption rates, and reinforcing Dubai's global positioning as a city where personal aspirations and business ambitions converge. 'In a global climate where housing accessibility is a structural challenge, Dubai is offering a model of sustainable urban development—one that supports talent retention, fosters community cohesion, and enhances the city's competitiveness as a place to live, work, and invest. Buyers will receive priority access to units from Dubai's top real estate developers, including Emaar Properties Nakheel Meraas DAMAC Properties Dubai Properties Azizi Developments Ellington Binghatti Majid Al Futtaim Participating banks such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic, and Commercial Bank of Dubai will offer customised mortgage products tailored to the programme's criteria. Omar Bu Shehab, Director General of Dubai Land Department (DLD), said: 'The First-Time Home Buyer programme embodies Dubai's strategic vision for a more inclusive, transparent, and accessible real estate market. 'By easing entry into homeownership, we empower individuals and families to invest in their futures while supporting the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033's broader objectives and Dubai Economic Agenda D33. 'This initiative is a key driver of market resilience and positions Dubai as a global benchmark for sustainable urban development.'
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE announces world's first regulatory framework for hybrid eVTOL operations
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued the world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations, enabling both electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure. The regulatory framework integrates Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into existing aviation systems. It offers a cost-effective model for infrastructure development, accelerates operational readiness, and aligns with the UAE government's directives to implement high-efficiency, non-bureaucratic solutions across various sectors. World's first eVTOL hybrid operations framework launched by UAE GCAA 'The UAE has always been at the forefront of excellence in aviation. This pioneering regulatory framework does not merely enable new technology; it redefines how aviation evolves. It reflects our commitment to innovation in developing a supportive ecosystem for the growth of this vital sector and a future where advanced air mobility is seamlessly integrated into our national infrastructure,' Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA said. The hybrid operations framework results from close collaboration with international partners in the advanced air mobility sector and is fully aligned with the UAE's national vision for sustainability, smart mobility, and optimised infrastructure use. By enabling dual-use between conventional helicopter pads and electric vertical takeoff and landing pads, this initiative helps accelerate implementation timelines, optimises infrastructure utilisation, and cements the UAE's position as a leader in fostering an integrated ecosystem supporting the future of aviation. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, added that this framework is a strategic enabler, not only for new modes of transport but for a smarter, more flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with emerging technologies without compromising safety standards.
