Latest news with #EHCD
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Heading overseas for university? Here's what Emirati students need to know about UAE's higher education standards
16 July 2025 01:12 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)To elevate the quality of higher education and better align academic outcomes with national goals, the UAE Government has a robust framework in place for Emirati students wishing to pursue studies abroad. Decision No. (5) of 2025, issued by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD), has introduced a defined set of standards for academic institutions and programmes. The decision, already in effect, governs the enrollment of UAE nationals in diploma, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and equivalent degree programmes at international universities. Why These Criteria Matter The framework was established not only to protect students and their families from investing in non-accredited or low-ranked institutions, but also to align international education with the UAE's economic goals and future skill setting clear thresholds for university rankings, the EHCD seeks to empower students to make informed decisions and avoid the risk of their qualifications being rejected for purposes such as government employment, promotion, or scholarship Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) is the central authority students must consult before enrolling abroad, with formal procedures in place to verify whether a university or academic programme meets official standards. What Are the Criteria?All Emirati students, whether self-funded or supported by government scholarships, must ensure that the chosen institution meets the ministry's approved global ranking requirements. The institution must be ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide in the intended field of study. If studying in the US or Australia, the institution must rank in the top 100 in the chosen field and top 100 studying in any other English-speaking country, the university must fall within the top 200 globally, both in the specific academic field and overall. In non-English-speaking countries, the institution must be ranked among the top 300 in the field and to meet these standards may result in non-recognition of the qualification, jeopardising employment, further studies, and professional entitlements in the UAE. How Students Can Check Their OptionsMoHESR offers a free service to support students in navigating these academic criteria. Students can access these services by navigating to the 'Information Service about Academic Programmes Abroad for UAE Nationals' page on the ministry's official website, clicking 'Start New Application', then selecting 'Inquiry About Academic Programme'. Lastly, they need to enter the details of the university and academic programme they wish to enquire about. After uploading necessary documents (such as Emirates ID and passport copy) through the digital portal, students will receive an official response within 1–5 business days confirming the accreditation status. Enquiries and exemption requests can be addressed to
Arabian Business
06-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE student rules; Dubai road projects; Inside the Wynn Al Marjan resort; Dubai real estate analysis 10 things
UAE student rules, a Dubai education boom and major real estate projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have made the headlines this week. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE announces new rules for overseas students The UAE has announced new rules for students looking to study overseas as it looks to enhance employment prospects for future graduates. The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) has approved a set of criteria for Emirati students who wish to pursue their higher education outside the UAE. The criteria aim to enhance student's competence and readiness to enter the job market, and to regulate international scholarship options in accordance with the UAE's aspirations, national plans, priority sectors, and future developments, thereby supporting the optimal investment in Emirati talents. Through this initiative, the Council aims to empower students to make well-informed decisions based on clear criteria that ensures the quality of selected programs and academic institutions. It also seeks to enhance the value of the qualifications they obtain, supporting their future career opportunities both within the UAE and abroad. Dubai has announced a major road and traffic scheme to upgrade journeys for passengers around Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Al Khail Road. In line with the directives of the leadership to accelerate the development of road infrastructure and expand traffic capacity across Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced an integrated urban project to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street, from its intersection with Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road. The project is designed to enhance traffic flow in support of the emirate's comprehensive development, address the demands of urban expansion and population growth, and to improve the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors. It complements works currently underway to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street from its intersection with Al Khail Road to Emirates Road, ultimately enabling uninterrupted traffic flow from Jumeirah to Al Qudra Road over a total distance of 20km. EXCLUSIVE: Inside Wynn Resorts' Las Vegas-style UAE expansion The much-anticipated Wynn Al Marjan resort is well on its way to becoming the UAE's first integrated gaming resort, extending the experience to the Middle East and beyond. With construction currently 60 per cent complete, the resort is scheduled to open its doors to the public in early 2027. Walking into the Wynn Las Vegas, the opulence and sheer scale is unmistakable – in fact, it is record-breaking, with the hotel being one of the biggest globally. The 50,000 sq. ft. property – encompassing both the Wynn and Encore resort, although different, seamlessly operates as one with a total of 4,500 rooms. Dubai real estate: Villa, townhouse prices soar 92% in three years as property market booms Dubai Land Department (DLD) recorded AED 54 billion in property sales transactions across Dubai in May, representing an 11 per cent increase from the previous month, a new report finds. Villa and townhouse prices have increased by 92 per cent since May 2022, rising from AED3,475,523 to AED6,682,023 over three years, Allsopp & Allsopp said in an emailed statement. These properties saw a 35 per cent price increase within the last year alone across villa and townhouse communities, according to DLD data. Abu Dhabi real estate: Aldar announces $10.9bn Fahid Island development with plan for 6,000 homes Aldar unveiled the masterplan for Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi, which has an 11km coastline and a gross development value of more than AED40bn ($10.9bn). The development will have 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side of the island and mangrove forests on the other. Every part of the 2.7 million sq m island is no more than a five-minute walk to the water's edge, creating a vibrant island culture complete with refined coastal residences, curated leisure, and 5-star hospitality. Aldar has also partnered with a leading international institution to introduce an elevated education experience to Fahid Island in line with Abu Dhabi's vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education. Dubai real estate: 73,000 homes to be delivered in 2025 as property sales hit $31bn Dubai will add 73,000 residential units to its housing stock this year, with 300,000 units expected by the end of 2028, according to research from property consultant Cavendish Maxwell. The emirate recorded 42,000 property sales transactions worth AED114.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, despite a 10 per cent decline compared to the final quarter of 2024. Sales increased 23 per cent compared to the same period last year. 'Dubai's property market is on track for a modest annual increase in terms of sales volumes and values, but there are indications that prices are beginning to stabilise. 2025 began with a brief dip in prices per sq ft, followed by a steady recovery. While prices are still on the up, the pace is showing signs of slowing down. For example, the average quarterly price increase for 2023 and 2024 was 4 per cent, compared to a 2.8 per cent rise in Q1 this year against Q4 2024,' Ronan Arthur, MRICS, Director and Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell said. Dubai real estate sector sets record $18.2bn sales in single month with $82m Palm Jumeirah villa leading spree The Dubai real estate market set a new all-time monthly sales record of AED66.8bn ($18.2bn) in May, a 49.9 per cent increase in value on the same month last year, according to a market update issued by fäm Properties. The data reveals that last month's total of 18,693 transactions also made it the second best-selling month on record in terms of volume. Fäm Properties CEO Firas Al Msaddi said the data from DXBinteract underlines the strength and stability of a market which is evolving, without any broad threat of oversupply in the residential sector, but now facing an undersupply of office space. Ajman announces $272m port investment Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Port and Customs Ajman (DPC), and Hutchison Ports, a global port investor, developer and operator, for the expansion and development of Ajman Port's infrastructure with a joint investment worth AED1bn ($272m). Under the MoU, a development plan will be drawn up for Ajman Port in accordance with the best global practices. Dubai student boom as 29% surge in international enrolment signals new global education hotspot With new universities, a major rise in foreign students, and world-class infrastructure, Dubai is rewriting the rules on global higher education. Dubai is making bold moves on the world stage — not just in finance or real estate, but now as a rising education superpower. Latest data from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reveals a 29 per cent spike in international student enrolment, with more than 42,000 students now studying across 41 licensed institutions. Four new international campuses opened this year alone. Dubai real estate market stabilising; investors confident in long-term growth The Dubai real estate market is entering a healthy 'stabilisation phase' and investors are confident in long-term projects, according to brokerage and developer Asico. Following a period of remarkable growth where residential property prices surged by approximately 60 per cent between 2022 and early 2025, driven by strong international investor interest, the market is now entering a phase of stabilisation in 2025, said Asico.
Arabian Business
02-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE announces new rules for overseas students
The UAE has announced new rules for students looking to study overseas as it looks to enhance employment prospects for future graduates. The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) has approved a set of criteria for Emirati students who wish to pursue their higher education outside the UAE. The criteria aim to enhance student's competence and readiness to enter the job market, and to regulate international scholarship options in accordance with the UAE's aspirations, national plans, priority sectors, and future developments, thereby supporting the optimal investment in Emirati talents. UAE overseas study rules Through this initiative, the Council aims to empower students to make well-informed decisions based on clear criteria that ensures the quality of selected programs and academic institutions. It also seeks to enhance the value of the qualifications they obtain, supporting their future career opportunities both within the UAE and abroad. These criteria are derived from a clear vision to elevate the higher education experience abroad, by guiding students toward accredited and high-quality academic institutions and specialisations. Students wishing to enrol in a higher education institution outside the UAE, whether at their own expense or through a sponsoring entity, are required to study at institutions recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in accordance with the following approved classifications and standards: The institution must be ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide in the intended field of study, regardless of overall ranking or country, according to the Ministry's approved international rankings, or If studying in the United States or Australia, the institution must be ranked among the world's top 100 universities in the intended field of study, and among the top 100 universities overall, according to the Ministry's approved international rankings, or If studying in any other English-speaking country (excluding the USA and Australia), the institution must be ranked among the world's top 200 universities in the intended field and among the top 200 universities overall, according to the Ministry's approved international rankings, or If studying in a non-English-speaking country, the institution must be ranked among the world's top 300 universities in the intended field and among the top 300 universities overall, according to the Ministry's approved international rankings The Council emphasised the importance of adhering to the specified criteria to avoid non-recognition of qualifications obtained abroad. Non-compliance may result in these qualifications not being acknowledged for purposes such as employment, promotion, study leave, exam leave, thesis discussion, or eligibility for qualification-related benefits within the federal government sector in the UAE. To ensure a transparent and a balanced approach, taking into account special cases, Emirati students who are currently pursuing their studies abroad, whether self-funded or sponsored by a scholarship entity, will be granted a one-year grace period from the effective date of this decision to adjust their academic status. A specialised committee, chaired by the General Secretariat of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council has been established to review exemption requests. The committee will assess these requests based on precise criteria that consider the nature of the specialization, the academic institution, and the individual circumstances of each case, to support the students' best interests and enhance their educational and career opportunities. The Council also instructs the students and the relevant parties to communicate directly with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for inquiries related to the approved criteria and the process for submitting exemption requests. This mechanism is part of a broader set of policies and initiatives being developed by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council in coordination with relevant entities. These efforts are designed to enhance the quality of higher education, strengthen accreditation recognition system, and support Emirati students both within and outside the UAE. Such initiatives contribute to empowering Emirati talents, developing human capital, and nurturing generations equipped with the skills, capabilities, and knowledge that align with the UAE's aspirations and reflects its vision for the future.
Al Etihad
14-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence's Mailis programme to shape the future of AI
14 May 2025 23:45 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has launched the first in a series of MAILIS, an in-person platform that brings together Emirati youth and leaders to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI).The inaugural event, hosted at the MBZUAI campus, convened more than 50 Emiratis, including top-performing high school students, alumni from the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), and leaders from the education and technology under the theme Find Your Path in AI, MAILIS spotlighted personal journeys, career insights, and the university's latest academic milestone—the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence programme, now open for applications for Fall 2025. Through meaningful conversations around AI, inspiring future careers, and supporting the UAE's national development Almeraikhi, Director of Outreach at MBZUAI, said, "Launched as part of the UAE's Year of Community, MBZUAI MAILIS is more than just a conversation—it's a platform to connect, inspire, and chart a new path for AI in the UAE. It reflects our belief that AI is not only the future; it is now—and that academic excellence, industry relevance, and national development must go hand in hand." The newly launched outreach initiative, MBZUAI MAILIS, aims to create meaningful spaces for students, educators, and policymakers to connect around shared goals of innovation, learning, and national development. The event started with Almeraikhi delivering a keynote on AI's potential to advance innovation across sectors and was followed by a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Eman Al Mughairy, MBZUAI's Head of National Development included Khaled Al Remeithi, Director of Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD); Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, National Experts Program (NEP) Technology and Innovation Fellow; and Professor Hao Li, and Director of the MBZUAI Metaverse Center and Professor of Computer Vision. Khaled Al Remeithi, Director of Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) said, "AI is reshaping the future, and events like MBZUAI MAILIS are crucial to helping young minds see where they can fit in and contribute meaningfully. A key takeaway for students is to start exploring the opportunities in AI early, because building the UAE's AI-driven future begins with unlocking human potential."Students engaged with speakers during an open Q&A session, asking questions about academic and career pathways, research opportunities, and AI's broader societal impact. The event also served as an introduction to MBZUAI's newly launched undergraduate programme, with applications currently being accepted for this Fall. Unlike traditional AI curricula, this Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence will equip students with a strong foundation in AI fields such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, and provide cross-disciplinary training in business, finance, industrial design, market analysis, management, and communication. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
