Understanding Adult and Continuing Education in the UAE Landscape

The United Arab Emirates has positioned lifelong learning as a cornerstone of its knowledge-based economy, aligning with national visions like UAE Centennial 2071 and the Ministry of Education's Strategic Plan 2023-2026. Adult and continuing education, often delivered through university extension programs and vocational training centers, empowers working professionals to upskill amid rapid economic diversification into AI, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. However, new research highlights persistent hurdles that limit widespread participation.

In this diverse nation where expatriates comprise over 88% of the population, adult learners include Emiratis pursuing Emiratization goals and expats seeking career advancement. Universities like the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) offer flexible certificates and diplomas, yet enrollment remains modest compared to global benchmarks. For context, while UAE adult literacy exceeds 98%, participation in formal continuing education lags, with Dubai reporting just 3,234 enrollees in adult centers during 2019/2020, predominantly in secondary catch-up programs.

Insights from the Latest Research Review by Nahla Moussa

Published on March 2, 2026, in the Journal of Adult and Continuing Education, Nahla Moussa's study provides a timely mixed-methods analysis of adult and continuing education challenges in the UAE. Drawing from 44 semi-structured interviews and 224 questionnaire responses, the research reveals that while the admission process serves as a strong motivator, systemic gaps hinder sustained engagement.

Moussa defines adult education as a process emphasizing non-award learning and personal growth, distinct from traditional higher education. In the UAE context, continuing education encompasses university-led short courses, executive programs, and vocational training aligned with labor market needs. The study's findings underscore a need for policy reforms to boost accessibility, with respondents citing unclear instructional pathways as a primary deterrent.

This review builds on prior works like the Al Qasimi Foundation's policy paper, which mapped regulatory complexities across entities such as the Ministry of Education (MOE), ACTVET, and KHDA.

Financial Barriers: The Cost of Upskilling in a High-Wage Economy

Financial constraints emerge as the top challenge, with adult learners balancing high living costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi against program fees. University continuing education courses, such as HCT's professional diplomas or Khalifa University's executive certificates, often range from AED 5,000 to 20,000 per module, deterring mid-career professionals without employer sponsorship. Moussa's survey found over 60% of respondents prioritizing affordability, exacerbated by limited scholarships for non-traditional students.

Explore scholarships available through UAE universities to mitigate these costs, or check higher ed jobs that offer tuition reimbursement.

• High tuition relative to part-time wages
• Lack of income-contingent financing options
• Dependence on corporate funding amid economic shifts

Government initiatives like the National Qualifications Framework aim to standardize credentials, but fragmented subsidies leave gaps.

Work Pressure and Time Constraints for Adult Learners

UAE's demanding 48-hour workweek, coupled with long commutes in urban centers, severely impacts study time. Moussa's interviewees highlighted work pressure as a key obstacle, with 70% struggling to juggle full-time roles in sectors like oil, finance, and tourism. Flexible online modules at Zayed University or NYU Abu Dhabi help, but rigid exam schedules conflict with shift work.

Cultural expectations, particularly for Emirati women balancing family duties, compound this. Research shows female participation in continuing education at 45% below males in TVET programs.

Skill Gaps and Personal Competencies in Digital Transformation

As UAE pivots to AI and Industry 4.0, adult learners face skill mismatches. Many lack foundational digital literacy for modern programs, per Moussa's findings on personal competencies. Universities report high dropout rates (up to 30%) in tech-focused continuing ed due to prerequisite gaps. Bridging this requires preparatory micro-credentials, yet few exist.

For career advice on upskilling, visit higher ed career advice.

Institutional Hurdles: Advising, Pedagogy, and Resources

Higher education providers struggle with adult learner support. Moussa identifies inadequate academic advising, scarce active learning (e.g., problem-based methods suited to andragogy), and limited resources like updated libraries or LMS platforms. Inflexible scheduling ignores peak work hours, leading to low retention. UAEU's Lifelong Learning Center exemplifies efforts, but scaling remains challenging amid faculty shortages.

Regulatory Fragmentation and Data Deficiencies

A patchwork of regulators—MOE, NQC, ACTVET, KHDA—creates confusion. The Al Qasimi review notes poor transparency in licensing, no centralized provider database, and scant participation data, impeding targeted interventions. TVET grads rose to 1,553 in 2020, but overall adult ed metrics are opaque.

Case Studies: Successes and Struggles in UAE University Programs

HCT's Applied Bachelor programs for working adults boast 80% completion rates through blended learning, yet face scalability issues. AUS Executive Education partners with global firms for MBA modules, addressing upskilling but at premium costs. Khalifa University's micro-credentials in AI draw 500+ annually, highlighting demand amid challenges like low awareness.

Emerging Opportunities: AI Upskilling and Policy Shifts

UAE Centennial 2071 prioritizes lifelong learning, with MOE's 2023-2026 plan boosting flexible higher ed. Post-COVID online surge offers models; a 2025 study notes AI skills reskilling demand. Partnerships like UAEU's with Coursera expand access.

Research-Backed Recommendations for Improvement

Moussa urges enhanced advising, active learning, resource investment, and flexible scheduling. Broader calls include national strategy, centralized data portals, and inclusive TVET.

Photo by Bcn on Unsplash

• Subsidize fees via scholarships
• Implement competency-based progression
• Standardize regs across emirates

Future Outlook and Stakeholder Implications

By 2031, UAE aims for top global innovation ranks, necessitating 50% adult upskilling rates. Universities must adapt or risk obsolescence. Learners: seek faculty roles or UAE academic jobs. Policymakers: heed research for equitable access. Visit Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, and Career Advice for resources.