Dubai, 7 September 2026: The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has opened nominations for the first UAE Award in Higher Education, inviting higher education institutions, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers and individual staff to apply. The ministry has set 30 September 2026 as the final date for submissions via the ministry’s official nomination portal.
Who can apply and what the award aims to recognise
The award is a national initiative designed to recognise and promote excellence across the UAE higher-education ecosystem. Eligible nominees include:
- Universities and higher-education institutions in the UAE
- Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions
- Academic and professional staff working within higher education and TVET sectors
- Institutional and external partners who contribute to higher education innovation
The ministry said the prize will spotlight models that advance a future-ready higher-education system, support national economic goals, enhance graduates’ employability and strengthen the UAE’s global position as a knowledge and innovation hub. The award also aims to encourage partnerships between educational institutions and industry, promote applied scientific research, and help translate knowledge into value-added solutions.
Structure and focus areas
The award is organised into four main categories, each covering a distinct aspect of the higher-education landscape. These categories include subcategories that span institutional performance, innovative practice, readiness for future skills and scientific research outcomes. The ministry has positioned the award as an annual programme to reward high-impact projects and exemplary academic and student talent.
| Aspect | Focus |
|---|---|
| Institutional Excellence | Overall institutional performance and quality |
| Innovation and Practice | New models, pedagogy and institutional initiatives |
| Future Readiness | Student employability, skills and industry alignment |
| Scientific Research and Impact | Applied research and translation into solutions |
Patronage and strategic intent
The launch of the award took place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who also chairs the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The ministry described the award as part of a broader strategy to elevate higher education’s contribution to the national economy and to attract and retain talent.
The initiative is expected to: support transformational projects in higher education; strengthen competitiveness among tertiary institutions; and encourage partnerships between academia, industry and government agencies that accelerate applied research and innovation.
Important dates and how to apply
- Nomination deadline: 30 September 2026
- Who may nominate: Higher-education institutions, TVET institutions, staff and eligible partners
- Submission channel: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s official nominations portal (applications must be submitted through the ministry’s website)
Prospective applicants should consult the ministry’s nomination guidelines and category descriptions on the official ministry portal for eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and submission instructions. Candidates are advised to prepare evidence of institutional impact, partnerships with industry, student outcomes and research translation to strengthen their applications.
With the inaugural edition, the ministry aims to create benchmarked examples of excellence that other institutions can adopt and adapt, thereby accelerating reform and higher-education quality across the UAE.
Note to applicants: check the ministry’s official portal for deadline confirmations and any updates to category criteria before submitting nominations.
