Dubai, May 5th-The quality of private higher education in Dubai has been further improved by an agreement to enhance external quality assurance. The University Quality Assurance International Board (UQAIB) of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) have signed an agreement to work together for the benefit of university students in the UK and Dubai. The memorandum signing, which took place in the presence of David Willetts, UK Minister of State for Universities and Science, was held on May 2nd.
As part of KHDA’s ongoing commitment to collaborate with international quality assurance and accreditation bodies, the QAA will partner with UQAIB in quality assuring Dubai’s UK university branch campuses, guaranteeing the best possible learning experience for students. Ensuring the excellent standards of UK universities are maintained overseas, the memorandum will further cement Dubai’s position as a desirable destination for higher education.
“The new developments will ensure both Emirati and international students have access to quality assured higher education,” said Dr Warren Fox, Executive Director of Higher Education at KHDA. “Dubai is home to 27 international university branch campuses, the highest number in the world. As part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard quality across these institutes, the new agreement will act as a double assurance to parents and students that the university education they receive in Dubai is comparable to UK counterparts.”
Anthony McClaran, Chief Executive of QAA, said: “This agreement signals our commitment to working with KHDA to assure the best possible learning experience for students at Dubai-based UK branch campuses. This is a further step in QAA’s international activity to protect the quality and standards of UK higher education, wherever in the world it is delivered.”
According to Willetts, the agreement enhances the excellent partnership between universities in the UK and Dubai. “Our university sector has the largest number of branch campuses in Dubai. This agreement between the QAA and Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority is another significant step in fostering this mutual collaboration."