The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced a strategic partnership with “Quacquarelli Symonds” (QS), a global entity known for its analysis of higher education and for publishing the QS World University Rankings. This collaboration aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the higher education sector in the United Arab Emirates.
This partnership is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of higher education institutions in the country, enabling them to achieve higher rankings in global indicators through data-driven analysis and to support institutional development and strategic planning.
Under this agreement, QS will assess the performance of UAE universities and benchmark them against the best academic institutions worldwide, identifying areas for growth and opportunities for improvement.
The evaluation results will provide in-depth analyses that support the development of educational policies and enhance the contribution of the higher education sector to building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Muhammad Al-Mulla, emphasized the UAE’s recognition of the importance of establishing a forward-looking and advanced higher education sector capable of equipping future generations with the necessary knowledge and skills for a brighter future.
Dr. Al-Mulla stated, “This collaboration with the global QS organization reflects the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the performance of higher education institutions in the country and increasing their competitiveness on the international stage by providing these institutions with the expertise and capabilities of QS at reduced costs.”
He added, “This partnership will offer a comprehensive view of the state of our universities on a global scale, allowing us to identify areas for improvement and formulate development strategies that contribute to enhancing the quality of higher education outcomes and institutional excellence.”
Dr. Ashwin Fernandez, Executive Director of QS for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, expressed pride in the partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, reiterating that this agreement is a strategic step towards advancing the educational system in the UAE.
He remarked, “The UAE has significant ambitions to develop its academic sector, and this partnership aims to empower universities to make informed strategic decisions through precise analysis and global benchmarking.”
Dr. Fernandez further explained that QS, which collaborates with over 18 governments around the world, will support UAE universities in their pursuit of excellence, thereby enhancing their international presence and demonstrating their commitment to quality and transparency.