In a significant overhaul of its higher education system, the United Arab Emirates has implemented transformative federal legislation designed to revolutionize academic preparation for the workforce. The groundbreaking law, enacted on December 30, 2025, establishes rigorous new standards for licensing and mandatory program accreditation across all institutions of higher learning.
The comprehensive legislation represents a strategic shift toward aligning educational outcomes with the practical requirements of the UAE’s rapidly evolving knowledge economy. The new framework emphasizes enhanced governance structures, improved institutional management, and strengthened technical and vocational training programs. Central to these reforms is the integration of employability-focused components throughout the entire educational journey, from foundational courses to advanced professional studies.
Academic leaders across the UAE have welcomed the reforms as a validation of existing quality standards while creating more consistent educational benchmarks. Professor A Somasundaram of BITS Pilani Dubai Campus noted that the legislation ‘creates a more level playing field across private, free-zone, and international campuses’ while providing ‘added layer of assurance regarding quality, governance, and outcomes.’
The practical implementation of these reforms includes expanded internship requirements, with some institutions already mandating seven-and-a-half month professional placements. Universities are increasingly collaborating with industry partners to develop curriculum content that addresses emerging fields including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital business, sustainability, and fintech.
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes of Middlesex University Dubai highlighted how ’employability is integrated throughout the student journey,’ with educational institutions incorporating industry-informed content, applied assessments, and extensive employer engagement opportunities. Early indicators suggest these reforms are already yielding positive results, with several institutions reporting record enrollment numbers particularly in future-focused academic programs.
Dr. Anita Patankar of Symbiosis Dubai emphasized that job readiness is now ‘built into the learning journey from day one,’ with students gaining hands-on experience through real industry projects, professional networking opportunities, and practical skill development modules. The legislation also establishes stronger frameworks for lifelong learning opportunities, allowing professionals to continuously update their skills in response to evolving economic demands.