Quality assurance in the free zones of Dubai

Dubai has put in place specific processes to ensure institutions provide quality education to the student community. There are two ways in which quality in higher education is assured. Institutions in the Free Zones are given academic authorisation by KHDA through its Quality Assurance scheme; or institutions can apply to the federal Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for accreditation through the  Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

All institutions in Dubai outside of the Free Zones must be licensed and accredited by the CAA.

The University Quality Assurance International Board (UQAIB) was established by KHDA to assure the quality of education at higher education institutions in the Free Zones. UQAIB uses a validation model to ensure that the academic programme delivered in Dubai is the same accredited programme taught at the institution’s home campus. All higher education institutions located in Dubai’s Free zones must undergo the UQAIB quality assurance process.

UQAIB is a full member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), and abides by the INQAAHE Guidelines for Good Practice and the OECD/UNESCO Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross-border Higher Education (2005). To access the UQAIB Manual, please click here.