UAE universities are reshaping academic programmes to prioritise practical skills, industry alignment and employability, in response to a new federal law aimed at better preparing graduates for the job market.
UAE universities pivot toward employment-focused education following new federal legislation
Universities across the UAE are preparing to place a stronger emphasis on employment-oriented education following the introduction of a new federal law that tightens oversight of higher education and scientific research.
The law, issued on December 30, 2025, is designed to regulate the sector, reinforce governance frameworks, and improve the administration of universities, as well as technical and vocational training institutions. It also aims to better match academic outcomes with labour-market requirements, encourage lifelong learning, and raise quality and competitiveness within the UAE’s fast-developing knowledge-driven economy.
Prof A Somasundaram, Associate Dean of Academic Undergraduate Studies at BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, explained that the legislation offers clear advantages for both students and institutions.
“The stronger emphasis on licensing controls and compulsory programme accreditation will greatly improve transparency and build confidence among students and parents,” he said.
“For institutions like ours, which already maintain stringent academic standards, the new framework adds further assurance around quality, governance and graduate outcomes. It also creates a more balanced environment across private, free-zone and international campuses, helping students make informed choices and strengthening trust in accredited qualifications.”
He also pointed to the hands-on advantages for students.
“Our academic model is designed to remain flexible and relevant, with a key strength being the mandatory seven-and-a-half-month internship through the Practice School programme, which gives students meaningful real-world experience before they graduate,” he said.
“Curricula are frequently reviewed in close partnership with industry to stay aligned with changing workforce demands. Students can also expect greater emphasis on lifelong learning, supported by adaptable academic routes, skill-based modules and continuous upskilling opportunities that support long-term career progression in a rapidly changing economy.”
Employability at the core
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, said employability has long been central to the institution’s academic philosophy.
“The University offers foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA programmes, all developed in close alignment with industry requirements and international professional benchmarks,” he said. “Career readiness is embedded throughout the student experience — from industry-led course design and applied assessments to experiential learning, internships and direct engagement with employers.”
He added that the new law reinforces and accelerates practices already in place.
“For existing students, this brings greater assurance as they move into employment, as their academic pathways are increasingly aligned with employer expectations and the needs of high-growth sectors that support the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.”
Fernandes noted that this approach has produced measurable results.
“It has contributed to steady growth in student numbers, including our largest intake to date in September, with particularly strong demand for future-focused disciplines such as data, technology, business and cybersecurity. This reflects growing confidence in qualifications that combine academic recognition with practical relevance.”
Job-readiness embedded from the start
Dr Anita Patankar, Executive Director of Symbiosis Dubai, said preparing students for employment is integrated from the beginning of their studies.
“Job-readiness is not something we address only at the end of a programme; it is woven into the learning journey from day one,” she said. “With the introduction of the new federal law, the education sector is becoming more deliberate about ensuring what we teach aligns closely with the UAE’s workforce needs.”
She highlighted employability and entrepreneurship as core priorities.
“Our programmes focus on rapidly expanding sectors such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital business, sustainability and fintech, with a strong shift towards experiential learning,” she said. “Students work on live industry projects, complete internships, interact with professionals and gain practical exposure alongside classroom instruction.”
According to Patankar, students are already experiencing the benefits through more application-driven assessments, stronger internship opportunities, deeper industry engagement, updated curricula and greater flexibility to build skills aligned with their individual career aspirations.
Industry collaboration set to deepen
Education leaders say the new regulatory framework is also expected to strengthen partnerships between universities and employers. With programmes required to demonstrate relevance and measurable outcomes, institutions are expanding advisory boards, co-designed courses and employer-led workshops. Companies, in turn, are gaining a stronger voice in shaping graduate skills, ensuring students are exposed to current tools, technologies and workplace expectations. This closer collaboration is helping bridge the gap between theory and practice, while offering students clearer career pathways. Experts believe such partnerships will play a key role in preparing graduates for roles in emerging sectors and supporting national workforce development goals.
Greater accountability and student confidence
The law is also increasing accountability across the higher education sector, giving students greater confidence in the value of their degrees. Clearer licensing requirements, enhanced oversight and standardised accreditation processes are helping eliminate uncertainty around programme quality. Students and parents are expected to benefit from more transparent information when selecting institutions, while universities are encouraged to maintain consistent standards. Academic leaders say this shift will reduce disparities between institutions and elevate overall performance. Over time, the framework is likely to strengthen the international reputation of UAE-based universities and attract a more diverse student population.
Preparing graduates for a changing economy
As the UAE continues its transition toward a knowledge- and innovation-led economy, universities are under growing pressure to produce adaptable, future-ready graduates. Beyond technical expertise, institutions are placing greater emphasis on transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork and digital literacy. Flexible learning models, micro-credentials and short-term certifications are also gaining traction, allowing students and professionals to reskill as industries evolve. With the new law reinforcing these priorities, educators believe graduates will be better equipped to navigate shifting career landscapes and contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term economic ambitions.
