Universities in the UAE are gearing up to deliver more job-focused education as a new federal law tightens regulations for higher education and scientific research.
Issued on December 30, 2025, the legislation aims to regulate the sector, strengthen governance, and improve the management of educational institutions and technical and vocational training centres.
The law also seeks to align educational outcomes with labour-market needs, support lifelong learning, and enhance both quality and competitiveness in the UAE’s rapidly evolving knowledge economy.
Prof. A Somasundaram, Associate Dean of Academic Undergraduate Studies at BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, highlighted how the new law benefits both students and institutions:
“The law’s focus on tighter licensing and mandatory programme accreditation will significantly enhance transparency and trust for students and parents.
For institutions like ours, which already upholds rigorous academic standards, this framework provides an added layer of assurance regarding quality, governance, and outcomes. It creates a more level playing field across private, free-zone, and international campuses, enabling informed decision-making and reinforcing confidence in recognised qualifications.”
He also stressed the practical benefits for students.
“Our programmes are inherently dynamic, with a key differentiator being the seven-and-a-half month compulsory internship under the Practice School programme, which provides students with substantial real-world exposure before graduation.
Courses are regularly updated in close collaboration with industry partners to keep pace with evolving workforce needs. Students can also expect a stronger emphasis on lifelong learning, supported by flexible academic pathways, practical skill-based modules, and ongoing upskilling opportunities that enable long-term career growth in a fast-evolving economy.”
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, noted that employability has been a central focus at his institution for years:
“The University currently offers foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programmes, with curricula designed in close alignment with industry needs and global professional standards. Employability is integrated throughout the student journey, from industry-informed course content and applied assessments to opportunities for real-world learning, internships, and employer engagement.
He reiterated the law strengthens and accelerates practices already in place.
“For current students, it means greater confidence when transitioning into the workforce, as their learning experiences and academic pathways are increasingly aligned with employer expectations and industry needs that support progression into high-growth sectors aligned with the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.”
Fernandes also added that the approach has translated into tangible growth.
“This approach has been reflected in sustained student growth, including the University’s largest-ever intake in September, with strong growth in future-focused programmes such as data, technology, business, and cybersecurity, underscoring confidence in degrees that combine recognised qualifications with real-world relevance.”
Dr Anita Patankar, Executive Director of Symbiosis Dubai, emphasised that job-readiness is embedded from the very start of a student’s academic journey:
“Job-readiness is not something we think about at the end of a degree; it’s built into the learning journey from day one. With the new federal law, as an education sector, we are becoming more intentional about aligning what we teach with what the UAE workforce actually needs.”
She stressed that the university’s priority is employability and entrepreneurship. “Our courses reflect fast-growing areas like AI, data analytics, digital business, sustainability, and fintech, while learning is becoming far more hands-on. Students work on real industry projects and internships, engage with professionals, and gain practical exposure alongside classroom learning. Our students have noticed the more application-based assessments, stronger internships and industry connect opportunities, updated course content, and more flexibility to build skills that match their career goals.”
© Khaleej Times
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