UAE universities and training centres face crackdown over rule breaches

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The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research says AI-enabled inspections have identified non-compliant advertising and other breaches at higher-education and training institutions, with corrective plans issued to protect students’ rights.

DUBAI: The UAE has intensified inspections of universities, vocational institutions and training centres, identifying advertising violations and taking corrective action against non-compliant institutions.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) conducted 228 inspections and regulatory visits between January and September 2026.

These inspections resulted in 32 corrective action plans. Institutions have completed 84% of these plans, according to the ministry.

AI Detects 88 Advertising Violations

The ministry used artificial intelligence to monitor 3,970 digital advertisements published by educational institutions since January.

Authorities identified 88 advertisements that breached regulations, recording an overall compliance rate of approximately 98%.

The AI-powered monitoring system helps officials identify misleading advertisements and potential violations before they affect students.

The ministry also uses field inspections, data analysis and risk assessments to identify institutions requiring closer supervision.

Student Training Under Scrutiny

MoHESR collaborated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to conduct nearly 90 additional field visits.

These inspections examined practical training arrangements involving 441 students across 90 institutions and companies.

Authorities reviewed training quality, compliance with approved standards and student protection measures.

Educational institutions received corrective instructions where inspectors identified shortcomings.

The ministry also monitors institutional licensing, academic accreditation, examination integrity and the accuracy of student information.

Under Cabinet Resolution No. 143 of 2026, educational institutions face graduated administrative measures depending on the severity of violations.

The regulations took effect on September 12, 2026.

Impact to Expect

Students could benefit from greater transparency in course advertisements, stronger academic standards and improved practical training.

Universities and training centres can expect continued monitoring and stricter compliance requirements.

The ministry aims to prevent violations before they affect students and strengthen confidence in the UAE’s higher education system.

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