New rules taking effect September 12 allow immediate closure and fines of up to Dh500,000.
Dubai: Unlicensed or unauthorised higher education institutions in the UAE will face immediate closure and an administrative fine of up to Dh500,000 under new rules coming into effect on September 12, as the government strengthens oversight of the sector.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will be responsible for imposing penalties and administrative measures on institutions that violate laws and regulations governing the services and activities under its jurisdiction.
The new violations schedule sets out penalties of up to Dh500,000, while entities or premises operating without the required licence or approval may face immediate closure.
The rules also place greater emphasis on protecting students when regulatory action is taken. Institutions must safeguard students’ academic and financial rights and ensure they can continue their education if enforcement measures affect a provider.
The ministry said the framework aims to strengthen regulatory oversight while allowing compliant institutions to continue growing and ensuring students are not disadvantaged by violations beyond their control.
Stronger enforcement measures will apply to institutions that continue operating after being ordered to close or repeat a violation after an imposed ban has expired.
In such cases, the ministry may order the immediate closure of the institution or premises and coordinate with local authorities, economic departments and other relevant agencies to prevent the illegal activity from continuing or being resumed under another form.
Institutions may also be required to refund students any fees or other payments collected without legal entitlement, in line with procedures established by the ministry.
The rules also provide for permanent bans against individuals behind institutions that repeatedly violate the regulations.
The offending institution, its owners and any individuals or entities with effective control over it may face permanent bans from establishing, owning, managing or controlling any higher education institution or technical and vocational education and training provider, either directly or indirectly.
