Al Ain: The Higher Education Committee, led by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, convened its inaugural annual meeting at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain. The meeting aimed to address national priorities in higher education and research, with a focus on enhancing technical and vocational education, forming subcommittees, and reviewing the achievements and future plans of UAEU.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council sanctioned the establishment of the Higher Education Committee. The committee is chaired by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar and includes prominent members such as Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment and Chair of the Zayed University Board of Trustees; Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology; and Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU, among others.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar highlighted the committee's crucial role in aligning higher education and scientific research strategies with public education and labor market needs. He emphasized that education is a fundamental component of national strategies for sustainable and community development. The focus is on shifting from a process-based model to an outcome-focused system to build a robust economy and society.
Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui noted that the meeting was a significant step in strengthening the UAE's higher education sector. The discussions aimed at bridging gaps in the educational system and aligning it with global standards. She also praised the formation of the Future Skills Advisory Committee to connect academic sectors with the labor market, supporting balanced decision-making.
Key priorities discussed included supporting the student journey to increase employment rates and building impactful partnerships with educational institutions. The meeting also reviewed major transformative initiatives led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Challenges in technical and vocational education were addressed, with discussions on converting them into opportunities that align with labor market requirements. Educational initiatives such as community colleges were highlighted as vital in bridging educational gaps and aligning outputs with future job needs.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi emphasized the need to redesign higher education to support societal and economic growth. He noted the shift towards a flexible approach that blends theory with practical skills, enhancing graduates' employability.
UAEU shared its achievements and future plans, highlighting its global rankings and excellence in scientific research and academic partnerships. Future plans include attracting top researchers, enhancing collaborations, and focusing on skill-building and community engagement.
Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh stressed the importance of collaboration among institutions and partnerships with the public and private sectors to achieve academic excellence. He expressed confidence in the committee's efforts to drive transformative shifts in the UAE's higher education system.
The proposal to form subcommittees under the Higher Education Committee was also discussed. These subcommittees aim to enhance coordination and partnerships between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and federal higher education institutions, while supporting national directives and international collaboration.