Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed launches UAE Higher Education Award to recognise innovation and excellence.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has introduced a new national award recognising institutions, educators and partners contributing to the advancement of higher education and scientific research in the country.
The UAE Award in Higher Education was launched by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.
Investing in people
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said that investing in people remains central to the UAE’s vision for the future, with higher education serving as a key driver in building a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy.
He said the award aims to promote transformative innovation in teaching methods and scientific research, while supporting the UAE’s continued efforts to strengthen academic institutions, empower national talent and advance high-quality research in line with its ambition to become a global hub for knowledge and innovation.
He added that the award reflects the message that the future is being shaped today within the country’s universities, research centres and institutions, with knowledge and innovation serving as the foundation for sustainable development.
“Building on this, we are committed to highlighting pioneering models that transform ideas into real-world impact, convert academic knowledge into practical projects, and turn scientific research into solutions that advance national priorities and enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness,” Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said.
Building the vision
The award aims to strengthen the UAE’s higher education sector by recognising pioneering achievements by institutions and individuals, promoting a culture of innovation and supporting forward-thinking initiatives. By linking academic and scientific research outcomes with national priorities, the initiative seeks to accelerate the country’s shift towards a resilient, knowledge-based economy.
A central focus of the award is fostering stronger partnerships between academia and the private sector. Through expanded scholarship opportunities, work experience programmes and industry-focused applied research, the initiative aims to transform academic knowledge into impactful solutions that enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.
The platform will also support the measurement of excellence, encourage the sharing of best practices across universities and institutions, scale successful academic models and strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for talent and educational innovation.
Four key categories
The award is structured around four categories representing different aspects of the UAE’s higher education ecosystem:
- Leading Universities and Higher and Vocational Education Institutions (Leadership): Recognises universities, higher education institutions, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers that demonstrate outstanding academic standards and set benchmarks for excellence.
- Transformative Higher Education Projects (Readiness): Highlights initiatives that support sustainable development and strengthen the higher education sector’s ability to anticipate and respond to future global trends.
- Higher Education Pioneers (Pioneers): Celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to education, research, global competitiveness, entrepreneurship and startup culture.
- Influential Higher Education Partners (National Impact): Recognises leaders, strategic partners and international universities that contribute to national higher education objectives through effective leadership, cross-sector collaboration and academic partnerships.
Together, these categories recognise excellence, innovation, impactful collaboration and future readiness across the UAE’s higher education landscape.
How entries are judged
The award applies a comprehensive evaluation framework focused on measuring real-world impact, sustainability and the quality of outcomes, while considering the unique objectives of each category.
Judges will assess institutional performance, learning and employment outcomes, the economic and social impact of initiatives, future readiness, and the ability to deliver measurable, scalable and sustainable results.
The evaluation will also consider successful partnerships with economic and industrial sectors, applied scientific research, innovative solutions aligned with national priorities, and the use of emerging technologies to transform knowledge into practical value and lasting impact.
Prizes on offer
Winners of the UAE Award in Higher Education will receive financial rewards alongside prestigious recognition celebrating their contributions to advancing higher education, supporting scientific research and creating national impact.
Key dates to know
The first cycle of the award will accept institutional applications from July to September 2026, followed by assessment and judging stages. The final results will be approved, with winners announced in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Educational institutions and individuals can access the nomination criteria, terms and conditions, and participation guidelines through the awards section on the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research website.
