Heriot-Watt University Dubai Receives Accreditation from UAE’s Higher Education Ministry

Sanaa Hasan February 6, 2025

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Heriot-Watt University Dubai Receives Full Accreditation from UAE Ministry of Higher Education

After two decades of leadership in the UAE’s higher education sector, Heriot-Watt University Dubai has announced that all of its current academic programs, including both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, have received initial accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research through the Commission for Academic Accreditation.

Accommodation at Dubai Campus | Heriot-Watt

Accreditation Achievement

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said, “Over the past eighteen months, we have worked with the CAA on the federal accreditation of our current undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The granting of Initial Programme Accreditation for all 71 programmes is a significant milestone for Heriot-Watt University Dubai.”

“Furthermore, this achievement reflects our commitment to academic excellence, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. It has been a complex yet rewarding process, made possible by the dedication of our faculty, staff, and colleagues across our global network. With this accreditation, our graduates can seamlessly pursue further degrees at CAA-accredited universities. It also enhances their opportunities to work in government and government-related sectors across the GCC and the MENA region. We are grateful to the CAA for their collaborative approach in supporting our efforts,” she added.

Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)

The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) is an agency under the UAE federal government responsible for quality assurance in the higher education sector. Its aim is to assure students, their families, employers, and other stakeholders that licensed educational institutions and their programs meet academic quality standards aligned with international best practices. Moreover, the accreditation of programs reaffirms Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s commitment to delivering high-quality British education to students in the region, following its initial institutional licensure from the UAE Ministry of Education in 2023.

Pioneer in Dubai’s Academic City

In the United Arab Emirates, Heriot-Watt University Dubai was the first British university to establish a campus in Dubai’s Academic City. Additionally, it began its educational journey with three programs and 120 students. Today, it hosts over 5,000 students and is recognized as one of the top British universities in Dubai, known for its focus on business management and its extensive network within the industry. The university continues to prepare its students by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences required by the job market, aiming to enable them to achieve excellence in their careers at both regional and international levels.