UAE Education LawCabinet Resolution No. (14) of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions

Article (1) Definitions The definitions set out in Federal Decree by Law No. (31) of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research shall apply to this Resolution. Unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them: Law : Federal Decree by Law No. (31) of 2025 Regarding Higher Education and Scientific Research. Framework : The National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions approved pursuant to this Resolution. Governing Board : The Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors, or any other approved governance structure entrusted with overseeing the strategic direction and institutional governance of the Higher Education Institution in accordance with its approved system.

-- 1 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 2 Independent Member : A member of the Governing Board who has no direct or indirect financial, contractual, or administrative interest in the Higher Education Institution, no recent employment relationship therewith, no material supply relationship therewith, no close family relationship with its owners or executive leadership, and no other relationship that could reasonably be expected to affect the member's impartiality or independence of judgment, in accordance with the controls prescribed by the implementing guides of the Framework. Academic Unit : Any college, institute, academic school, academic center, or any other academic organizational unit approved within the academic structure of the Higher Education Institution. Real-Time Electronic Integration : The direct and continuous electronic integration between the systems of the Higher Education Institution and the national systems or registers established or approved by the Ministry, thereby enabling the exchange, updating, and verification of data in accordance with the approved technical and regulatory controls.

-- 2 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 3 Academic Continuity and Student Protection Plan : The plan approved by the Higher Education Institution and accepted by the Ministry, or by the Competent Local Authority in respect of Higher Education Institutions established in free zones, where applicable, setting out the procedures and measures necessary to protect students and ensure the continuation of their study, their transfer, or the completion of their studies in cases of institutional distress, cessation of operations, suspension or revocation of the license, suspension of admissions, or discontinuation of the program. A plan accepted by the Competent Local Authority shall be subject to review by the Ministry to ensure its compliance with the provisions of the Law, the Framework, and the legislation in force in the State. Enhanced Oversight : The set of additional supervisory measures and procedures imposed by the Ministry upon a Higher Education Institution, or by the Competent Local Authority upon Higher Education Institutions established in free zones, due to an elevated level of risk, weak compliance, or declining performance, in accordance with the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight issued pursuant to the Law and the implementing guides issued in implementation thereof, including the requirements prescribed therein for monitoring, submitting reports, imposing restrictions, conducting visits, or carrying out additional reviews.

-- 3 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 4 Graduated Measures : The progressive regulatory and oversight measures adopted by the Ministry, or by the Competent Local Authority in respect of Higher Education Institutions established in free zones, commensurate with the seriousness of the violation, the level of risk, or the degree of non-compliance, in accordance with the provisions of the Law, the Regulation Regarding Violations, Penalties, and Administrative Measures Relating to the Services Provided by the Ministry issued pursuant to the Law, the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight issued in implementation of the Law, the implementing guides issued pursuant to such Framework, and the legislation applicable at the Competent Local Authority, provided that such legislation does not conflict with the powers legally vested in the Ministry. Risk Category : The supervisory classification assigned by the Ministry to a Higher Education Institution on the basis of indicators relating to compliance, reliability, performance quality, institutional sustainability, and other indicators approved in accordance with the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight issued pursuant to the Law. Institutional Sustainability : The ability of a Higher Education Institution to continue performing its academic, administrative, financial, and operational functions regularly and securely, in a manner that ensures the protection of students and the fulfilment of its regulatory obligations.

-- 4 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 5

Article (2) Scope of Application of the Framework 1. This Framework shall apply to Higher Education Institutions, as well as to their branches operating within the State, whether newly established or existing at the time this Framework enters into force, including Higher Education Institutions and branches of parent institutions operating in Free Zones. 2. The Framework shall prescribe the minimum national requirements and controls governing the Institutional Licensure of Higher Education Institutions. The Competent Local Authorities may, within the limits of their statutory jurisdiction, issue local regulatory frameworks or procedures relating to permits or oversight within their respective jurisdictions, provided that such frameworks or procedures do not conflict with the provisions of the Law, this Framework, or the national frameworks approved at the federal level. 3. In the event of any inconsistency between the frameworks, requirements, or procedures issued by the Competent Local Authorities and the provisions of this Framework or the national frameworks and standards approved at the federal level, the federal national frameworks and standards shall prevail. 4. Institutional Licensure shall be mandatory for all Higher Education Institutions. Higher Education Institutions established in Free Zones shall be granted Institutional Licensure in accordance with the mechanism set out in Article (4) of this Framework.

Article (3) Requirements for the Institutional Licensure of a New Higher Education Institution 1. The Ministry shall issue an Institutional Licensure to a new Higher Education Institution in accordance with the provisions of the Law and the Framework, upon the Institution's fulfilment of any permits or approvals required by the Competent Local Authorities. 2. The issuance of an Institutional Licensure to a Higher Education Institution for the first time shall be subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions:

-- 5 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 6 a. Submission of a formal application by the owner or the owner's legally authorized representative. b. Designation of a name for the Higher Education Institution, provided that such name complies with the following requirements: 1. The name shall be approved by the competent federal and local authorities, as applicable. 2. The name shall be distinctive and shall not have been previously used by any Higher Education Institution in the State. 3. The name of the Higher Education Institution shall not include descriptions or references to a geographical, sovereign or official entities, such as the name of the State, any of the Emirates, or cities, nor any national description or designation, such as "National" or any equivalent expression, unless the prior express approval of the competent federal or local authorities has been obtained, provided that such use does not mislead or create the impression that the Higher Education Institution possesses an official, governmental or accredited status that it does not lawfully hold. 4. The name of the Higher Education Institution shall not include descriptions or references to international geographical entities, nor shall it include names, trademarks or designations protected under the applicable intellectual property laws or any other legally recognized rights, unless the Higher Education Institution is an officially approved branch of a foreign university recognized outside the State, in accordance with the criteria prescribed by the Ministry; or is a licensed joint entity or institutional venture that establishes its legal right to use such description; or has obtained official approval from the relevant rights holder authorizing such use; or holds international Institutional Accreditations accepted by the Ministry, provided that, in all cases, neither the name nor its use is misleading or likely to mislead the public as to the legal status of the Higher Education Institution, the identity of the accrediting body, or the qualification- awarding institution.

-- 6 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 7 5. The name shall not include the name of any natural or legal person unless the prior consent of that person, or of the person's legally authorized representative, has been obtained. 6. The name shall accurately reflect the identity, nature, and academic capacity of the Higher Education Institution (University, College, Academy, or Institute). c. Submission of the particulars and information relating to the owners of the Higher Education Institution, its Governing Board, its executive leadership, and its academic leadership, including, in particular, the following: 1. The particulars of the Chairman and members of the Governing Board, together with disclosure of any financial or contractual relationship, or any direct or indirect interest, that any of them may have with the Higher Education Institution, its suppliers, or its owners. 2. A statement setting out the composition of the Governing Board demonstrating that a majority of its members are Independent Members, that appropriate separation has been maintained between ownership, executive management, and academic leadership, and that none of the employees of the Higher Education Institution, including its Director, serves as a member of the Governing Board. 3. The particulars of the Director or Chief Executive Officer of the Higher Education Institution and of the Deputy Director for Academic Affairs, or any person acting in an equivalent capacity, together with their qualifications, experience and professional record, provided that none of the holders of these positions is an owner of the Higher Education Institution. d. Specification of the Academic Units and Academic Programs proposed to be offered upon the commencement of the Higher Education Institution's operations, including the following: 1. The names of the Academic Units that the Higher Education Institution intends to establish upon commencing its operations. 2. The names of the Academic Programs that the Higher Education Institution intends to offer upon the commencement of its operations, together with the level of each

-- 7 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 8 Program in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework issued pursuant to the Law. 3. A statement of the proposed modes of teaching and learning, having due regard to the provisions of the Law, the requirements for Program Accreditation, and the other relevant national frameworks approved by the Ministry. e. Submission of information relating to the location, premises, facilities, and technical and digital systems of the Higher Education Institution, in order to verify their suitability for the conduct of educational, research, and administrative activities and their compliance with the health, safety, security, accessibility, business continuity, and institutional sustainability requirements, prior to the commencement of the Institution's operations, in accordance with the technical controls approved by the Ministry. f. Submission of the financial guarantees and financial information necessary to demonstrate the Higher Education Institution's ability to fulfil its obligations towards students, members of the academic staff, employees, partners and contracting parties, in accordance with the Law, the Framework and the decisions issued in implementation thereof, including a statement of financial solvency prepared in accordance with the forms approved by the Ministry. Such requirements shall be fulfilled prior to the commencement of operations of the Higher Education Institution granted an Institutional Licensure for the first time and before submitting an application for Program Accreditation for any Academic Program intended to be offered. 3. Without prejudice to the Institutional Licensure requirements set out in Clause (2) of this Article, the applicant shall obtain any permits or approvals required by the Competent Local Authorities and shall satisfy any other requirements or conditions prescribed by the legislation in force or by the implementing guides of the Framework.

-- 8 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 9

Article (4) Institutional Licensure of Higher Education Institutions Established in Free Zones 1. As a condition for the issuance of an Institutional Licensure for the first time to a Higher Education Institution established in a Free Zone, the Institution shall obtain the Local Permit. The Ministry shall grant the Institutional Licensure on the basis of such Local Permit without requiring the Higher Education Institution to submit an application therefor to the Ministry, without prejudice to the Ministry's authority to conduct the final verification that the conditions and requirements for Federal Institutional Licensure prescribed in Article (3) of this Framework have been satisfied. 2. The conditions and requirements necessary for the issuance of the Institutional Licensure set out in Clause (2) of Article (3) of this Framework shall constitute the minimum conditions and requirements that must be satisfied for the issuance of the Local Permit. The Competent Local Authorities shall verify the fulfilment of all such conditions and requirements prior to issuing the Local Permit. 3. The Competent Local Authorities shall undertake the operational and procedural functions relating to the Local Permit within their respective competences, including the conduct of oversight and inspection activities, monitoring the compliance of Higher Education Institutions with the requirements of the Local Permit and the relevant performance and compliance indicators, and adopting such administrative measures or imposing such administrative penalties as they deem appropriate in accordance with the legislation in force within their respective jurisdictions, provided that the data and decisions taken by the Competent Local Authority concerning oversight, inspection, and the imposition of administrative measures and penalties shall be exchanged with the Ministry on a regular and real-time basis, in accordance with the provisions of Clause (9) of this Article and Article (12) of this Framework. 4. When considering an application submitted by a Higher Education Institution for the renewal of the Local Permit for the purpose of renewing and maintaining the validity of its Institutional Licensure, the Competent Local Authorities shall verify that the Higher Education Institution continues to satisfy the requirements and conditions for Institutional

-- 9 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 10 Licensure in accordance with the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight issued pursuant to the Law, within the time limits and in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the Law, including those provided for in

Article (5) Term of the Institutional Licensure 1. The term of the Institutional Licensure shall be determined by a decision of the Minister in accordance with the implementing guides to the Framework, having regard to the Institution's risk level, regulatory compliance, and quality of performance. The term of the Institutional Licensure may vary according to the Risk Categories established by the Ministry, in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Law. 2. The continued validity of the Institutional Licensure shall be subject to the following: a. Compliance with all Institutional Licensure and Program Accreditation requirements in accordance with the policies, standards, controls, mechanisms and conditions approved by the Ministry. b. Completion of Real-Time Electronic Integration with the Ministry within a period not exceeding three (3) months from the date on which the Higher Education Institution commences its operations, in accordance with the mechanisms prescribed by the Ministry, subject to the provisions of Clauses (9) and (10) of Article (4) of this Framework in respect of Higher Education Institutions operating in Free Zones. c. The Higher Education Institution shall obtain Program Accreditation for at least one Academic Program during the first year of the term of the Institutional License. The Ministry may approve an extension of this period to two (2) years, having regard to the level of risk, the justifications submitted by the Higher Education Institution, and its implementation plan. d. The Higher Education Institution shall commence its operations after obtaining Program Accreditation for at least one Academic Program and within the term of the Institutional Licensure determined pursuant to Clause (1) of this Article.

-- 12 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 13

Article (6) of this Framework. 5. Where a Higher Education Institution fails to satisfy the requirements and conditions for the initial grant of the Local Permit as set out in Clause (2) of this Article, or fails to satisfy them within the prescribed time limits, the Competent Local Authorities shall apply the Graduated Measures and issue the notices prescribed under the Law and this Framework. The Competent Local Authority shall notify the Ministry of the procedures and measures it has adopted, and the Ministry may approve such procedures and measures or recognize their legal effect where they are consistent with the provisions of the Law and the requirements of this Framework. 6. Where a Higher Education Institution fails to satisfy the requirements for the renewal of the Local Permit as set out in Clause (4) of this Article within the time limits and grace periods prescribed in Article (7) of the Law, the Competent Local Authority shall revoke the Local Permit and notify the Ministry accordingly, whereupon the Ministry shall revoke the Institutional Licensure in accordance with the provisions of the Law. For the purposes of fulfilling the requirements relating to the revocation of the Institutional Licensure, the Ministry may undertake such coordination with the Competent Local Authority as it deems necessary. 7. Where the Competent Local Authority has obtained financial guarantees from a Higher Education Institution for the purposes of granting or renewing the Local Permit and maintaining its validity and effectiveness, the Ministry shall not require the Institution to furnish any additional financial guarantees for the purposes of granting or renewing the Institutional Licensure or maintaining its validity. 8. Where the Competent Local Authority has collected fees from a Higher Education Institution for the purposes of granting or renewing the Local Permit and maintaining its validity and effectiveness, the Ministry shall not collect any additional fees from that Institution for the purposes of granting or renewing the Institutional Licensure.

-- 10 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 11 9. The Competent Local Authority shall be granted a period of six (6) months from the date of entry into force of this Resolution to complete the technical readiness required for Real- Time Electronic Integration and to provide the Ministry with all required data on a real- time and regular basis, in a manner that enables the Ministry to perform its functions and exercise its powers in accordance with the Law and this Framework. Upon completion of the required technical readiness for the Real-Time Electronic Integration, the Ministry shall complete the integration process with the Competent Local Authority and obtain the required data and information through it, without the need to establish integration with Higher Education Institutions established in the Free Zones. 10. Where the technical readiness required for the Real-Time Electronic Integration is not completed within the period referred to in Clause (9) of this Article, or where the Competent Local Authority indicates that such technical readiness cannot be provided, or where it fails to provide the data and information requested by the Ministry, the Ministry shall implement the provisions of the Law by completing the Real-Time Electronic Integration directly with the Higher Education Institutions established in the Free Zones, in a manner that ensures the continuous, sustainable, and regular provision of the required data, and ensures that the regulatory and oversight requirements are not adversely affected. 11. The Ministry shall notify the Competent Local Authority where it becomes aware that a violation has been committed by a Higher Education Institution established in a Free Zone, whereupon the Competent Local Authority shall verify that the Institution has committed the violation and take such procedures, measures, and administrative penalties as it deems appropriate within the limits of its competence, in a manner that enhances integration and coordination between the Ministry and the Competent Local Authority. The Competent Local Authority shall notify the Ministry of the action it has taken in this regard. 12. Where it is necessary to reconsider any procedure or measure adopted, or any administrative penalty imposed, by the Competent Local Authority for the purpose of verifying its consistency with the relevant Federal legislation or its proportionality to the seriousness of the violation, such reconsideration shall be undertaken within the

-- 11 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 12 framework of institutional coordination between the Ministry and the Competent Local Authority, and in accordance with the Cabinet Resolution concerning the Regulation on Violations, Penalties, and Administrative Measures referred to in Article (20) of the Law.

Article (6) Renewal of the Institutional Licensure 1. Higher Education Institutions shall be subject to evaluation by the Ministry for the purpose of renewing their Institutional Licensure. Renewal shall be granted in accordance with the same conditions and controls applicable to the issuance of a new Institutional Licensure, as applicable. 2. The evaluation mechanisms, cycles, indicators and data sources, the Risk Categories, and the implications of each Risk Category for the term, continued validity or conditions of the Institutional Licensure or the applicable level of oversight shall be determined in accordance with the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight, issued in implementation of the Law, together with any relevant implementing guides, controls, or implementation procedures issued by the Ministry. 3. Based on the results of the evaluation, a decision shall be made to approve the renewal of the Institutional Licensure and determine its term, imposing conditions or restrictions thereon, subject the Higher Education Institution to Enhanced Oversight, suspend admission to certain programs, or adopting any other Graduated Measures, in a manner proportionate to the Higher Education Institution’s level of reliability and its Risk Category. 4. The Ministry shall evaluate the Higher Education Institution for the purpose of renewing its Institutional Licensure based on the data available thereto through the approved Real- Time Electronic Integration mechanisms at least ninety (90) days before the expiry of the existing Institutional Licensure. 5. The evaluation may be conducted through an on-site visit to the Higher Education Institution by a team formed by the Ministry to assess the Higher Education Institution's performance. Where low-performance indicators or material regulatory risks are identified, the Higher Education Institution shall be required to submit a corrective action plan within specified periods. The Ministry may also impose interim conditions, subject the Higher Education Institution to Enhanced Oversight, restrict new admissions, or adopt any other proportionate Graduated Measure until the causes giving rise to such risks cease to exist.

-- 13 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 14 6. Upon a reasoned application submitted before the expiry of the Institutional Licensure, the Ministry may grant the Higher Education Institution an additional period not exceeding ninety (90) days to complete the data necessary to evaluate the application for renewal of the Institutional Licensure, without such additional period resulting in an automatic extension of the validity of the existing Institutional Licensure. 7. Where the Higher Education Institution fails to provide the Ministry with the data necessary to conduct the evaluation for the purpose of renewing the Institutional Licensure within the periods specified in Clauses (4) and (6) of this Article, as applicable, the Institutional Licensure shall be revoked, and any Local Permit issued to the Institution shall be deemed revoked by operation of law. The administrative measures and penalties prescribed in this regard under the Law shall be imposed. In such event, the Higher Education Institution whose Institutional Licensure has been revoked shall submit an Academic Continuity and Student Protection Plan, including mechanisms for transferring students or enabling them to complete their studies, and for preserving their academic records and financial rights, in accordance with the requirements prescribed by the Ministry. 8. Where the Higher Education Institution holds a Local Permit, the Ministry shall, before revoking the Institutional Licensure pursuant to Clause (7) of this Article, coordinate with the Competent Local Authority to fulfil any requirements prescribed by the Competent Local Authority before the revocation decision is issued. 9. The Ministry shall establish a national register indicating the Institutional Licensure status of every Higher Education Institution, the term of its Institutional Licensure, and the status of its Program Accreditation. The Ministry may make available to the public such data from the register as it determines, including any conditions, restrictions, or material regulatory measures required to be published, in accordance with the Law and the implementing guides issued thereunder, and this Framework.

-- 14 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 15

Article (7) Academic Continuity and Student Protection Plan 1. Where, through the application of the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight issued in implementation of the Law, the Ministry determines that the performance levels of a Higher Education Institution have declined and that its level of risk has increased to such an extent as to affect the students' interests, the Higher Education Institution shall: a. Prepare, approve, periodically update, and submit to the Ministry an Academic Continuity and Student Protection Plan in accordance with the Law, this Framework, and the implementing guides issued pursuant thereto, in a manner consistent with the outcomes of the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight, including the results of the risk matrix. b. Ensure that the plan includes, as a minimum, procedures for dealing with cases of financial, operational, or regulatory distress, suspension of admissions, discontinuation of any academic program, suspension or revocation of the Institutional Licensure, and the mechanisms for transferring students or enabling them to complete their studies, and for preserving their academic records and financial rights. 2. Where necessary in the regulatory interest or to ensure academic continuity and student protection, the Ministry may require a Higher Education Institution subject to this Article to enter into cooperation, transfer, or academic completion arrangements with one or more licensed Higher Education Institutions. 3. The implementing guides to the Framework shall prescribe the requirements relating to financial or insurance guarantees, or any other means necessary to ensure the implementation of the Academic Continuity and Student Protection Plan.

-- 15 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 16

Article (8) Amendments to the Institutional Licensure Higher Education Institutions shall comply with the following: 1. Obtain the prior approval of the Ministry and, in the case of Higher Education Institutions holding a Local Permit, also that of the Competent Local Authority, before implementing any of the following material amendments: a. Changing the name, designation, status, or institutional classification of the Higher Education Institution. b. Adding any new Academic Units to the Higher Education Institution or closing any existing Academic Unit. c. Establishing a new branch of the Higher Education Institution within the State. d. Changing the premises of the Higher Education Institution. e. Changing the Chair or any member of the Governing Board, except for Higher Education Institutions whose Governing Boards are constituted by government resolutions. f. Changing the approved mode of education delivery of the Higher Education Institution, where such change affects the Institutional Licensure or the Institution’s operating model, without prejudice to the Program Accreditation requirements prescribed by the Ministry. 2. Obtain the prior approval of the Ministry and, in the case of Higher Education Institutions holding a Local Permit, also that of the Competent Local Authority, before carrying out any consolidation or merger with another Higher Education Institution.

Article (9) Assignment of the Institutional Licensure 1. The Institutional Licensure may not be transferred or assigned, whether expressly or implicitly, except after obtaining the approval of the Ministry. 2. Where the Higher Education Institution holding the Institutional Licensure also holds a Local Permit, it shall obtain the prior approval of the Competent Local Authority before submitting an application to the Ministry for approval of the transfer or assignment.

-- 16 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 17 3. Any disposition resulting in the transfer of effective control over the Higher Education Institution or over its material decisions, or in the transfer of ownership of its educational or operational assets, shall be deemed an assignment or transfer, where such disposition is likely to affect the Institutional Licensure or the Institution's ability to fulfil its regulatory obligations toward students or personnel.

Article (10) Suspension and Revocation of the Institutional Licensure The Ministry may, based on the outcomes of applying the National Framework for Classification, Performance Quality, and Oversight issued in implementation of the Law, take the following measures in respect of a Higher Education Institution: 1. Reconsider the Institutional Licensure before the expiry of its term, based on the results of the evaluation or inspection, the risk matrix, non-compliance, the inability to offer programs or continue offering them during the term of the Institutional Licensure, or the existence of circumstances that threaten students' rights or institutional sustainability. 2. Suspend or revoke the Institutional Licensure, depending on the seriousness of the violation and its Risk Category, without prejudice to the Ministry's right to impose the administrative penalties prescribed under the Regulation of Violations, Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures issued by Cabinet Resolution pursuant to Article (20) of the Law, particularly in any of the following cases: a. Violation of the controls, conditions, or requirements prescribed under the Law, the Framework, or the resolutions and implementing guides issued in implementation thereof. b. The Higher Education Institution's failure to provide the Ministry with the data necessary to conduct the evaluation for the purpose of renewing the Institutional Licensure within the period specified in Article (6) of this Framework. 3. The revocation or suspension of the Institutional Licensure, or the expiry of its term without renewal in accordance with the provisions of the Law and the Framework, shall result in the automatic revocation of the Program Accreditation of all academic programs offered by the Higher Education Institution, provided that the necessary measures are

-- 17 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 18 taken to address the circumstances of enrolled students in accordance with Article (7) of this Framework. 4. Where the Institutional Licensure is revoked, the Ministry shall take the following measures: a. Issue a decision revoking the Institutional Licensure and notify the Higher Education Institution thereof. b. Coordinate with the Competent Local Authorities, the economic departments, and other relevant concerned authorities so that they may take the measures falling within their respective competence in accordance with the decision revoking the Institutional Licensure and the provisions of the Law. c. Revoke the Program Accreditation of all academic programs offered by the Higher Education Institution, with effect from the date of revocation of the Institutional Licensure. d. Revoke the accreditation of any professional or training programs offered by the Higher Education Institution, with effect from the date of revocation of the Institutional Licensure. e. Collect all fines, fees, and any other amounts payable by the Higher Education Institution in accordance with the mechanisms prescribed by the Ministry. f. Require the Higher Education Institution whose Institutional Licensure has been revoked to: 1. Develop a plan, to be approved by the Ministry, for academic continuity, the protection of enrolled students, and their transfer to licensed Higher Education Institutions (Teach-out/Transfer Plan), and implement the plan in accordance with the timetable and mechanisms approved by the Ministry. 2. Deliver to the Ministry, or to such entity as it may designate, all student records, documents, certificates, and related academic, administrative, and financial data, including paper and electronic records, databases, and the means of access necessary to verify them and ensure their continued use. 3. Refund all fees paid by students for academic semesters or periods subsequent to the effective date of the revocation decision, including tuition fees and fees for

-- 18 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 19 educational services that were not provided, in full and without any deduction or withholding, in accordance with the mechanisms prescribed by the Ministry. 4. Settle all entitlements of its personnel within a period not exceeding sixty (60) days from the date of notification of the decision revoking the Institutional Licensure. 5. Where a Higher Education Institution submits an application to the Ministry for the revocation of its Institutional Licensure, no decision may be made in the application until the Institution has discharged all the obligations set out in paragraph (f) of Clause (4) of this Article and obtained the approval of the Ministry. Where the Higher Education Institution holds a Local Permit, it shall, before submitting the application for revocation of its Institutional Licensure, obtain the approval of the Competent Local Authority.

Article (11) Program Accreditation 1. A Higher Education Institution shall obtain Program Accreditation for a program before offering it and shall renew its accreditation in order to continue offering the program. 2. Obtaining Institutional Licensure shall be a prerequisite for the Ministry to commence the Program Accreditation procedures for the academic programs offered by the Higher Education Institution. 3. To obtain Program Accreditation for a new program, a Higher Education Institution shall submit an application to the Ministry that satisfies the requirements, conditions, and procedures issued by the Ministry. 4. Where a Higher Education Institution is unable to obtain Program Accreditation for at least one program within the term of the Institutional Licensure specified in Paragraph (d) of Clauses (2) of Article (5) of this Framework, the Institutional Licensure shall be revoked in accordance with the provisions of this Framework, without prejudice to the Ministry's right to take any of the measures referred to in the Law, the resolutions, and the guides issued in implementation thereof.

-- 19 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 20

Article (12) Data, National Registers, and Electronic Integration 1. Without prejudice to the provisions of Clause (9) of Article (4) of this Framework, Higher Education Institutions shall: a. Establish Real-Time Electronic Integration with the national systems and registers established or approved by the Ministry and provide them with accurate and up-to- date data and information necessary for the purposes of the continued validity and renewal of the Institutional Licensure, Program Accreditation, classification, oversight, and performance evaluation. b. Ensure the accuracy, integrity, completeness, and traceability of data, and retain records, documents, and data in accordance with the retention, archiving, and retrieval periods and mechanisms prescribed by the Ministry. c. Provide appropriate technical and regulatory controls for the protection, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, and provide immediate notification of any cyber incident, outage, or loss of data that is likely to affect students or the Higher Education Institution's regulatory obligations. d. Enable the Ministry to access the data, records, and information necessary to verify compliance with the Law, this Framework, and the implementing guides to the Framework, including in cases of closure, revocation, suspension, or the transfer of records to another entity approved by the Ministry. 2. The implementing guides to the Framework shall prescribe the data governance rules, integration requirements, information security, records retention and archiving, continuity of access thereto, and any other controls relating to the transfer, hosting, or processing of data. 3. The obligations referred to in Clause (1) of this Article shall apply to the Competent Local Authority once the technical readiness required for Real-Time Electronic Integration with the Ministry has been achieved, as specified in Clause (9) of Article (4) of this Framework.

-- 20 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 21

Article (15) Grievances Grievances submitted against the decisions, procedures, penalties, or measures issued by the Ministry pursuant to this Framework shall be determined in accordance with the procedures and time limits prescribed by the Law and the resolutions issued in implementation thereof. Grievances relating to measures imposed by the Competent Local Authority on Higher Education Institutions in free zones shall be governed by the local legislation in force in the Emirate, without prejudice to the coordination and notification obligations prescribed by the

-- 21 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 22 Law and this Framework, with due regard to the need to take such urgent measures as are necessary to protect students, ensure the continuity of studies, preserve academic records, and safeguard financial rights.

Article (16) Final Provisions 1. Subject to the provisions of Article (11) of this Framework, no Higher Education Institution, whether new or existing, may offer, deliver, advertise, or accept applications for admission to any academic program unless such program is accredited by the Ministry in accordance with the provisions of the Law and this Framework. 2. During the period of suspension of the Institutional Licensure or the period of suspension of admission to any of their academic programs, Higher Education Institutions may not advertise such programs or accept applications for admission thereto. 3. Higher Education Institutions shall make accurate, clear, and up-to-date disclosure regarding the status of their Institutional Licensure, the accreditation status of their academic programs, and any material restrictions or conditions imposed thereupon, on all platforms, including their websites, social media accounts, means of communication, advertisements, contracts, and correspondence relating to students. 4. The grant of a Local Permit to a Higher Education Institution shall not confer thereupon any right to operate in the field of higher education, carry out educational activities, or provide higher education services in the State unless it has obtained an Institutional Licensure from the Ministry. Nor shall the Local Permit confer thereupon any right to offer, advertise, accept applications for admission to, or deliver any academic program unless such program is accredited by the Ministry in accordance with the provisions of the Law, the resolutions issued in implementation thereof, and this Framework. 5. The Ministry shall issue the implementing, procedural, and technical guides and the forms necessary for the implementation of this Framework.

-- 22 of 24 --

Cabinet Resolution of 2026 Regarding the National Framework for the Licensure of Higher Education Institutions 23

Article (17) Transitional Provisions 1. The implementing guides, resolutions, forms, and procedures in force on the date of entry into force of this Resolution shall continue to apply, to the extent that they do not conflict with its provisions, until they are amended or superseded by implementing guides, resolutions, forms, or procedures issued in accordance with the provisions of the Law. 2. Higher Education Institutions existing prior to the entry into force of the Law shall regularize their status in accordance with the provisions of this Framework within a period not exceeding one (1) year from the date of entry into force of the Law. This period may be extended for similar periods by a decision of the Minister, in coordination with the Competent Local Authorities.