| United Arab Emirates |
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Accrediting Body:
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Ministry of Higher Education Building
Al Najda Street
P.O. Box 45253
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2-642-8000
Fax: +971 2-642-8778
Website: www.mohesr.ae
Accreditation Process:
The UAE is a constitutional federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The federation was established in 1971. The Ministry of Education is responsible for all levels of government schooling, as well as supervision of the private sector. Private schools at all levels must be licensed by the Ministry and their programmes accredited.
The Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is responsible for the accreditation of institutes and degrees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To ensure that the colleges and universities of the United Arab Emirates operate at international standards of quality, the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research conducts a program of licensure of institutions of higher education and accreditation of each of their academic programs.
To assure prospective students, their families, and the public that the academic programs offered by institutions licensed in the U.A.E. meet international standards, each program must be individually accredited. The Standards for Licensure and Accreditation and the institution’s program proposal or program self-study that addresses the standards in terms of the program provide the basis for review by the Commission staff and a committee of international experts who assess each program both through paper documentation and a campus visit. After review, the visiting committee and the Commission recommend an action concerning accreditation to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research (the Minister), who decides whether accreditation is to be granted. Licensed, independent institutions in the United Arab Emirates must receive program accreditation for each academic program they plan to offer before recruiting students or enrolling them; all programs offered by the institution must continue to be accredited. The accreditation process is described more fully in a PDF of relevant Standards.
