In the first quarter of 2026, the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding students by rigorously reviewing 1,976 digital advertisements from 89 higher education institutions (HEIs) and training centres. This initiative, powered by an advanced artificial intelligence-enhanced monitoring system, identified 46 non-compliant advertisements, prompting swift corrective measures to uphold educational standards across the nation. Complementing these digital efforts, MoHESR teams executed 72 field inspection visits to training centres and educational consulting offices, uncovering and addressing 21 violations in line with established regulations. These actions underscore the ministry's proactive stance in fostering a trustworthy higher education ecosystem in the UAE.

Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Higher Education and Scientific Research Regulation and Governance Sector, His Excellency Ibrahim Fikri, emphasized the strategic integration of technology in oversight. "The Ministry continues to advance its oversight by leveraging digital technologies and AI to enable faster, more accurate monitoring of advertising content and ensure immediate action can be taken against violations, strengthening public confidence in the country’s higher education and training system," he stated. This blend of innovation and fieldwork reflects MoHESR's dedication to protecting aspiring students from misleading promotions and substandard offerings.

Breakdown of Advertisement Monitoring Efforts

The advertisement review process represents a cornerstone of MoHESR's regulatory strategy. Digital platforms have become primary channels for educational marketing in the UAE, where higher education enrolment has surged, with over 57,000 new students admitted across 66 institutions in the 2024-2025 academic year alone—a 13% increase from prior years. To counter potential misinformation, MoHESR deployed its AI system to scan promotions for compliance with standards set by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), an arm of the ministry responsible for licensing HEIs and accrediting programs.

Of the 1,976 ads scrutinized, the majority adhered to guidelines prohibiting exaggerated claims, promotion of unlicensed programs, or operations by unaccredited entities. However, 46 instances fell short, often involving unaccredited courses or misleading guarantees of employment and certification. Responses were decisive: warnings issued to institutions advertising unapproved programs, one training centre shuttered for repeated infractions, and several ads from unlicensed consultancies blocked preemptively. Affected parties were mandated to revise content prior to republication, ensuring transparency for prospective students navigating UAE's competitive academic landscape.

Field Inspections: On-Ground Enforcement

Beyond screens, MoHESR's 72 on-site inspections targeted training centres and consultancies, areas prone to regulatory lapses. These visits assessed operational compliance, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and student safety—critical in a sector educating tens of thousands, including a growing cohort of international learners comprising up to 42% in Dubai's private HEIs. Inspectors identified 21 violations, ranging from inadequate facilities to unauthorized course delivery, all rectified through formal procedures including fines, suspensions, or closures.

This hands-on approach complements digital tools, creating a multi-layered defence. For context, similar 2025 efforts reviewed over 2,500 ads and blocked 20 non-compliant ones while conducting 67 inspections, indicating a consistent escalation in enforcement volume and sophistication.

The Role of the Commission for Academic Accreditation

Central to these operations is the CAA, which establishes licensure criteria for HEIs and program accreditation standards. Licensing demands financial viability, governance structures, and alignment with UAE's national priorities like innovation and sustainability. Accreditation evaluates curricula, faculty expertise, and outcomes, ensuring graduates meet global benchmarks. MoHESR's Q1 actions directly enforce CAA mandates, preventing institutions from luring students with unverified credentials.

Students benefit immensely, as CAA-approved programs guarantee degree recognition for employment or further study. The ministry's site lists licensed entities, including stalwarts like University of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi University, and American University of Sharjah, aiding informed choices amid 70+ licensed providers nationwide.

Context of the New Federal Higher Education Law

These Q1 measures align with Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2025 on Higher Education and Scientific Research, effective January 2026 with a one-year compliance grace period. The law unifies oversight across public, private, and free-zone institutions, mandating federal licensure alongside local approvals, financial guarantees, and continuous audits. It prohibits unapproved operations or advertising, empowering MoHESR with judicial-like inspection powers—a response to past proliferation of subpar providers.

Key reforms include performance-based graduate tracking, enhanced data integration, and penalties for non-compliance, aiming to elevate UAE's global ranking—already top in Arab world per QS 2026 with nine institutions in the top 25.

Common Violations and Their Impacts

Typical infractions mirror global concerns but are tailored to UAE's context: advertising unlicensed programs promising quick certifications without CAA nod, overstating job placement rates, or operating from unapproved venues. One closed centre exemplified safety breaches alongside credential issues. Such lapses risk student debt for worthless degrees, career setbacks, and eroded trust in UAE's burgeoning sector, valued at USD 10.5 billion in 2023 and projected to double by 2030.

For students—over 140,000 in colleges historically—these protections prevent scams prevalent in emerging markets. Parents, often funding international aspirations, gain reassurance knowing MoHESR vets offerings proactively.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Implications

Educators applaud the balance of innovation and rigour. Fikri highlighted AI's role in scaling oversight without stifling growth. University leaders note stricter rules foster competitiveness, with licensed HEIs like Khalifa University climbing QS ranks. International students, numbering tens of thousands, value transparency amid UAE's hub status.

Economically, quality assurance bolsters UAE's knowledge economy, aligning with Vision 2031 goals for top-tier human capital. Violations, though few (under 3% ads), signal vigilance against complacency as enrolments rise 20% in Dubai alone.

Actionable Advice for Students and Parents

To navigate safely:

• Verify HEI licensure and program accreditation on MoHESR's portal or CAA site.
• Call Customer Happiness Centre at 800511 for queries.
• Scrutinise ads for CAA seals, realistic claims.
• Review graduate outcomes, faculty credentials.

Institutions should prioritise compliance, leveraging MoHESR guidelines for ad approvals.

UAE Higher Education Landscape: Growth Amid Regulation

UAE boasts 70+ licensed HEIs, from UAEU (founded 1976) to modern hubs like NYU Abu Dhabi. Enrolments exceed 100,000, with internationals driving diversity. Dubai's 42,000+ students reflect 42% foreign cohort, fuelling sectors like AI, sustainability.

Regulation ensures sustainable expansion, positioning UAE as Arab leader per QS.

Future Outlook: Enhanced Monitoring and Collaboration

MoHESR plans AI upgrades, more inspections, stakeholder workshops. Post-grace period, full law enforcement promises elite standards. Partnerships with private sector will refine curricula, protecting students while advancing UAE's global ambitions.

This Q1 success sets precedent, blending tech, fieldwork, and policy for exemplary higher education governance.

Photo by Usen Parmanov on Unsplash