As global job markets evolve rapidly, UAE Higher Education institutions are stepping up to ensure graduates are ready for the future. In a key initiative, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) partnered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to host a vital panel on best practices for student career readiness.
Held at HCT’s Baniyas Campus in Abu Dhabi, the session gathered academic leaders from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Zayed University (ZU). The focus: how to better align academic pathways with real-world workforce needs.
UAE Higher Education Institutions Champion Strategic Collaboration
Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary at MoHESR, opened the session by stressing the need for integrated strategies across UAE Higher Education. According to him, a united academic framework is critical to building an agile education system that meets fast-changing labour demands.
He praised HCT’s success in designing applied learning models that connect classroom theory with on-the-job skills. Dr. Al Mualla reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to industry-aligned academic journeys, backed by training programmes and employer partnerships.
Bridging Degrees with Demand in the UAE Job Market
Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary for Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MOHRE, noted the initiative’s strategic importance. He emphasized that cooperation between UAE Higher Education and industry directly boosts Emirati workforce competitiveness.
He explained that these efforts are part of broader programmes aimed at upskilling graduates. Key focus areas include:
- 🔍 Vocational training
- 🤖 AI and digital transformation
- 🌱 Green and knowledge economy careers
These are growth sectors with high talent demand and global relevance.
HCT’s Model: A Case Study in Career-Driven Education
Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, HCT’s President and CEO, highlighted the college’s leadership in applied education. He noted the launch of new learning models focused on data-driven curriculum planning, employer input, and student outcomes.
An interactive workshop during the event spotlighted three pillars:
- Applied Education in Action: Curriculum designed for hands-on learning in fields tied to national priorities.
- Career Readiness & Economic Value: Tools to measure how HCT graduates impact the job market.
- Power of Partnerships: Collaboration with private and industrial sectors to generate internships and job pipelines.
Strengthening UAE Higher Education Through Data & Integration
Participants discussed integrated employment monitoring systems. These track graduate outcomes, in-demand skills, and help shape future programmes. Attendees included subject-matter experts from:
- 🎓 Student affairs
- 📊 Strategic planning
- 🧑💼 Career guidance
- 🖥️ IT and data analysis
Together, they explored how UAE Higher Education institutions can become engines of innovation, productivity, and workforce resilience.
🔗 Internal Links to Explore
- Role of Universities in Preparing the Future Workforce
- Emirates Group Scholarship Programme Supports Emirati Students
- Synergy University Dubai Announces Strong Graduate Success