Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has intensified its crackdown on misleading training institute promotions, blocking 20 non-compliant campaigns and shutting down an unlicensed training centre that was offering unapproved programmes. Between June and early September 2025, the Ministry reviewed more than 2,500 digital advertisements from 118 educational and training institutions as part of its tech-enabled monitoring initiative aimed at maintaining the quality and integrity of higher, vocational, and applied education in the country. While the majority of advertisements complied with the Ministry’s regulations, MoHESR said 20 non-compliant campaigns were stopped before publication. The Ministry also conducted 67 inspection visits across institutions from early 2025 to September to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and accreditation standards. Taif Mohamed Alamiri, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Higher Education Regulation and Governance Sector, said the Ministry’s proactive efforts highlight the UAE’s national commitment to safeguarding educational standards. “We ensure proactive and continuous monitoring through digital tools, stakeholder feedback, and field visits. These efforts reinforce public trust in the academic and professional standards of UAE-based higher education institutions,” Alamiri said. She added that the Ministry’s oversight extends beyond technical checks, emphasizing collaboration with federal and local authorities to strengthen governance and ensure student protection. In a related development, MoHESR recently closed a training centre after inspectors discovered it was operating without a licence, offering unapproved programmes, and even running an unlicensed nursery. The Ministry said on October 15 that the centre had been enrolling students illegally and violating public safety regulations. In coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Economic Development, the centre’s operations were halted, and its managers were referred to the Public Prosecution. The centre was fined and will remain closed until all necessary licences are obtained. The Ministry is also working with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) to block the centre’s website and social media pages promoting unlicensed courses. MoHESR reiterated its warning to institutions operating without approval, stressing that violators will face strict penalties. It also urged students and parents to verify that institutions and their programmes are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation before enrolling. Verification can be done via the Ministry’s website, www.mohesr.gov.ae, or through its Customer Happiness Centre at 800511. ICA/Expat Media
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