The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) have signed a landmark partnership agreement to streamline the student journey from school to university and into the workforce. The collaboration is set to raise education quality, improve institutional regulation, and create a unified framework that supports student success across Abu Dhabi’s higher education sector.
The agreement reflects a bold step toward integrating systems, enhancing data transparency, and aligning educational pathways with national priorities and labour market demands.
Student Journey in the UAE to Become More Integrated and Transparent
His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said:
“Our collaboration with ADEK is part of our vision to build an education system that supports national goals. We will work together to ensure students can follow a clear academic path based on accurate data, helping them align their learning journey with personal aspirations and evolving labour market needs. We will also streamline administrative and organisational processes for higher education institutions (HEIs) in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, we will build a robust data exchange system to support strategic planning and service development.”
He added: “At MoHESR, we remain committed to strengthening collaboration with our partners across the education ecosystem to build an innovative, sustainable higher education sector in the UAE which works in the best interests of students.”
The new partnership supports MoHESR’s national strategy to unify regulatory practices and ensure consistency in licensing, accreditation, and operational processes for HEIs. It also aligns with ADEK’s commitment to student wellbeing, access to opportunities, and readiness for the future.
Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Chairperson of ADEK, stated:
“Our partnership with MoHESR reflects a practical model of collaboration to enhance education quality in the UAE. It aims to ensure a seamless transition for students from high school to university and to the workforce, increasing their readiness for future changes. We build synergies that empower students to excel, foster innovation, and create diverse opportunities.”
Building a Future-Ready Education System Through Collaboration
As part of the initiative, students in Grades 11 and 12 will be registered in the Unified Registration and Admissions System. Families will receive early academic guidance and comprehensive information on university admissions, majors, and career pathways. Academic advisors will be supported through seasonal awareness campaigns and capacity-building workshops.
The MoHESR and ADEK partnership will see them coordinating their approach to institutional licensing. All applications from HEIs looking to operate in Abu Dhabi will now undergo joint review, aligning with both entities’ standards. Through this unified regulatory model, the partners aim to ensure both operational efficiency and academic excellence.
Another key outcome is a shared data exchange mechanism, enabling real-time updates on student, graduate, and institutional records. Joint reports on admission, enrolment, retention, and graduation rates will support data-driven decision-making while ensuring compliance with UAE data governance and security protocols.
This collaboration also supports the rollout of MoHESR’s redesigned student journey model — prioritising simplification, integration, and transparency. The ultimate goal is to nurture national talent capable of building a resilient, knowledge-driven economy for the future.
Visit the MoHESR website below to learn more:
For more information, visit the ADEK website below:
Further Reading:
- MoHESR and EGA Partner to Boost Engineering Scholarships for Emirati Students
- New ADEK Policy Mandates 240 Minutes of Arabic Weekly in Kindergartens
- Global and Local Experts Unite at the ADEK Counselors Forum to Strengthen Student Career & University Guidance Across Abu Dhabi