United Arab Emirates Introduces Efficient System for College Accreditation and Professional Certification
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in the United Arab Emirates has introduced a groundbreaking new framework for institutional licensure and program accreditation in UAE-based higher education institutions (HEIs). This change, outlined in Ministerial Resolutions No. (27) of 2024 and No. (62) of 2025, aims to streamline processes, align higher education quality with labor market demands, and enhance overall efficiency.
The Outcome-based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) replaces outdated procedures with clear performance indicators to assess HEIs. The latest version, OBEF Version 8, institutes six pillars underpinning the framework, including institutional relevance, frameworks, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
One of the most significant changes is the reduction in paperwork. First-time academic programme accreditation has been cut from 13 to just one document, while renewing institutional licensure now requires only one document, down from more than 11. New institutions now need only five documents to obtain a license, compared to 28 previously.
The framework mandates systematic and transparent assessment processes that balance formative and summative evaluations. This includes rigorous peer review and committee oversight to ensure fairness, reliability, and validity. The accreditation process under OBEF requires institutions to demonstrate continuous improvement through tracking KPIs related to employability outcomes, learning quality, reputation, and alignment with national strategic goals.
Institutions are required to develop curricula and assessments based on Outcome-Based Education (OBE) principles, tightly linked to the National Qualifications Framework Emirates 2024 (NQFEmirates 2024). This ensures alignment with UAE’s qualification standards and competencies.
The six key pillars of evaluation under the Outcome-based Evaluation Framework are Employment Outcomes, Learning Outcomes, Collaboration, Scientific Research, Reputation, and Community Engagement. The framework emphasizes a results-driven approach where learning outcomes are clearly mapped to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and institutional goals to ensure quality and relevance.
The new risk-based management system for renewals categorizes institutions into low-risk and high-risk categories with varying oversight durations. This system is a new addition to the framework.
Professional development seminars and workshops, such as those at University of Fujairah, help faculty and administrators implement the framework effectively by linking learning outcomes to instructional design and institutional goals.
The Ministry’s official accreditation service for higher education institutions is now explicitly based on compliance with this outcome-focused evaluation, making it mandatory before program launch or institutional licensure.
This new OBEF reflects a broader national push towards competency-based education, transparency, and enhancing the international standing of UAE higher education through stringent quality assurance aligned with labor market and societal needs. The reforms significantly shorten processing times, with new institution licensure now taking just one week – down from six months. The new framework unifies licensure procedures between MoHESR and local authorities, further enhancing overall efficiency. The Outcome-based Evaluation Framework promises to improve the quality and competitiveness of the UAE's higher education landscape.
Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary of MoHESR, highlighted that these changes reflect the Ministry's commitment to reducing bureaucracy and fostering lifelong learning. The new framework unifies licensure procedures between MoHESR and local authorities, ensuring a comprehensive, data-driven approach to accreditation. The reform does not specify any changes to the number of documents required for first-time academic programme accreditation, licensure renewal, or new institution licensure. However, the reduction in paperwork and streamlined processes suggest a more efficient and effective approach to accreditation in the UAE's higher education sector.
- The Outcome-based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) in UAE higher education institutions (HEIs) includes 'community engagement' as one of its six pillars, emphasizing the importance of institutions' engagement with their surrounding communities.
- The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has introduced the Outcome-based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) to align higher education quality with 'labor market demands', ensuring that graduates have the necessary skills and competencies for their future careers.
- The new Outcome-based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) in UAE higher education institutions (HEIs) requires institutions to demonstrate continuous improvement through tracking 'education-and-self-development' outcomes, showing a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.
- In line with the UAE's national strategic goals, the Outcome-based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) for higher education institutions (HEIs) focuses on 'policy-and-legislation' and 'politics', aiming to foster a more competitive and internationally recognized education system.
