Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has launched the UAE Award in Higher Education under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. This initiative aims to honor those who drive excellence and innovation across the higher education and scientific research sector within the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that investing in people is central to the UAE's vision for the future, with higher education being a key driver for building a competitive, sustainable knowledge-based economy. The award aims to encourage transformative innovation in learning methodologies and scientific research, aligning with the UAE's commitment to developing academic institutions, empowering national talent, and supporting high-quality scientific research.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah also noted that the UAE Award in Higher Education sends a clear message that the future is being shaped today within the country's universities, research centers, and institutes, with knowledge and innovation forming the foundation of sustainable progress. "We are committed to showcasing pioneering models that succeed in turning ideas into impact, theoretical learning into applied projects, and scientific research into solutions that support the nation's priorities and strengthen its global competitiveness," he stated.
The award seeks to elevate the UAE's higher education landscape by celebrating pioneering institutional and individual achievements and fostering a culture of innovation. It aims to incentivize forward-looking initiatives that bridge academic and scientific research outputs with national priorities, actively accelerating the UAE's transition toward a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.
Central to this mission is the cultivation of high-impact alliances between academia and the private sector. Through expanded student scholarships, work experience programs, and industry-aligned applied research, the award transforms academic insights into high-value commercial solutions that enhance the nation's global competitive standing.
The UAE Award in Higher Education is structured around four main categories that cover various dimensions of the UAE's higher education ecosystem. These include Leading Universities and Higher and Vocational Education Institutions (Leadership), Transformative Higher Education Projects (Readiness), Higher Education Pioneers (Pioneers), and Influential Higher Education Partners (National Impact).
The award adopts a comprehensive evaluation framework focused on measuring genuine impact, sustainability, and the quality of outcomes. The criteria emphasize institutional outcomes, the quality of learning and employment outcomes, and the economic and social impact of projects and initiatives.
Winners of the award will receive competitive financial prizes and prestigious honorary recognition for their exceptional contributions to advancing higher education, fueling scientific research, and driving national impact.
The inaugural cycle begins with institutional applications open from July to September 2026, followed by evaluation and judging phases, with results and winners' announcements slated for Q4 of 2026. Educational institutions and individuals can review the nomination terms and conditions on the ministry's website: www.mohesr.gov.ae.
