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The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) is the federal authority responsible for policy, standards and quality across K–12 and higher education. It licenses institutions, accredits academic programs, administers student services, and supports research, innovation and well-being in line with the UAE’s national agenda.
Education is central to the UAE’s social and economic progress. The MOE designs strategies and regulations for both public and private institutions and continually invests in systems, people and technology to raise learning outcomes nationwide.
ABOUT THE UAE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
The MOE sets federal education policy, issues and renews licenses for schools and universities, and defines national curriculum and learning standards. The ministry is led by the UAE Minister of Education; in recent years H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi has served in this role, while H.E. Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri has led public education and advanced technology policy and chairs the Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE). Together with education councils and regulators in each emirate, the MOE aligns the system to future skills and global benchmarks.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION IN THE UAE
The MOE’s strategy advances innovation, digital fluency and learner well-being, preparing graduates for a knowledge-based economy. Key goals include quality assurance, technology enablement, and a strong link between learning outcomes and future skills.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
- Enhance the quality and efficiency of educational institutions and the education workforce; align graduate outcomes with future job-market skills.
- Achieve global competitiveness in academics, research and innovation.
- Adopt advanced technologies, data and AI to accelerate learning outcomes and system performance.
- Guide and empower students to embody positive citizenship and support their holistic well-being.
Ministry of Education Main Objectives
- Ensure good governance and accountability across public and private education providers.
- Provide safe, supportive and sustainable learning environments.
Enabling Objectives
- Attract and empower top talent; deliver efficient services and robust digital infrastructure.
- Foster a culture of innovation anchored in agility, proactiveness and readiness.
Ministry of Education UAE SERVICES
The MOE offers a wide range of e-services for students, parents, schools, universities and education professionals. Most can be completed digitally via the official MOE portal, from licensing and attestation to registrations, EmSAT and student support.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Universities, colleges, training centers and students can use MOE services for licensing, accreditation and academic documentation. Highlights include:
INITIAL LICENSING OF A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION (UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE)
Applicants seeking to establish a new university or college may apply for initial licensing through the MOE e-services portal. The process covers institutional governance, faculty qualifications, facilities, financial plans and quality assurance frameworks.
LICENCE RENEWAL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Licensed institutions renew online by submitting governance, academic and compliance documents. Processing typically takes 2–6 months, depending on completeness and review cycles.
CHANGING THE HEADQUARTERS OF AN INSTITUTE OR TRAINING CENTRE
Institutions may request a change of headquarters online. Once documentation is complete, updates are usually finalized within about 15 working days.
- Charges: AED 2,000
STUDY PROGRAM ENQUIRY
Students can request official confirmation that a particular institution and study program are accredited by the MOE. This service supports Emiratis, residents and students with special needs, and is commonly used to verify program recognition before enrollment.
GENERAL EDUCATION
The MOE regulates K–12 education and supports public and private schools with licensing, renewals, student registration and inclusive education services.
REQUEST TO OPEN A PRIVATE SCHOOL
Investors and education providers can apply online to open a private school. Applications cover governance, curriculum, facilities, safety compliance, staffing and financial plans.
- Charges: AED 700 (application) | AED 10,000 (private school licence issuance)
RENEW SCHOOL LICENCE, OR INSTITUTE OR PRIVATE CENTRE REQUEST
Schools and centers renew via the online portal by submitting the required compliance and quality assurance documentation for timely review and approval.
REGISTRATION OF NEW EMIRATI STUDENTS AND NON-NATIONAL STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Student registration in public schools is open to UAE nationals and eligible expatriates during designated periods. Applicants typically create an account on the Al Manhal System, upload documents and receive updates within about five working days.
ADMISSION FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Families can apply online for admission to special education support centers and inclusive programs. Services include learning accommodations, therapies and individualized education plans (IEPs).
LICENCE FOR NURSERIES AND CHILDREN ROOMS
Prospective operators can apply online to license nurseries and daycare centers. Applications generally include the educational plan, facility blueprints, staff rosters and qualifications, plus approvals from relevant external authorities (e.g., municipality and civil defense).
- Charges: Fees vary by grade level, capacity and institution type. Typical ranges: private schools AED 3,000–10,000; nurseries/daycare AED 3,000–5,000.
EQUIVALENCY SERVICES
Because families and graduates often move to the UAE from different education systems, MOE provides equivalency services to recognize foreign qualifications for further study, licensing and employment.
Common services include:
- Equivalency for university degrees issued by foreign institutions (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate). Typical charges include AED 100 for Bachelor’s and AED 200 for Doctorate.
- Equivalency certificate for Grade 12 (foreign curricula) completed in UAE private schools.
- Equivalency certificate for Grade 12 (foreign curricula) completed outside the UAE.
- Equivalency attestation verification.
- Equivalency requests for Grades 9–11 (foreign curricula) for UAE private schools.
- Request to reconsider a committee decision following an equivalency rejection.
ATTESTATION AND ACCREDITATION SERVICES
- Issuance and attestation of study continuity certificates.
- Verification services for school certificates and related documents.
- Attestation of academic qualifications issued by accredited private higher education institutions in the UAE (for teaching staff and students).
- Initial accreditation of an academic program.
- Attestation of university qualifications and accreditation processes for higher education.
- Attestation/issuance of school certificates.
OTHER SERVICES
Additional MOE e-services support students and institutions throughout the academic journey:
- Grade or cycle reductions (where applicable).
- Social and psychological care services for students.
- Registration in Continuous Integrated Education (Home Schooling Stream).
- EmSAT tests request and information.
- Licence cancellation requests.
- Requests to add stages or grade levels.
- Private school curriculum amendment requests.
- Requests to amend or add to a private school building.
- Enquiries and payment of private school fees.
- Activity amendments for institutes/centers (add/delete services).
- Concede school licence application.
- Change of institutional or school name.
- Change of school location.
- Issuing a new licence for a private institution.
- Changes to boards of directors and senior officials in private institutions.
- Student data update services.
- Assessment and evaluation for students with special needs.
SCHOLARSHIPS
MOE scholarships support UAE nationals to pursue priority degrees at top universities inside and outside the UAE. Selection typically considers academic merit, English-language proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL where required), EmSAT or equivalent standardized tests, program relevance to national skills needs, and candidate interviews. Scholarship benefits may include tuition coverage, stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances, subject to program terms. Some awards carry post-graduation service obligations in the UAE.
HAPPINESS CENTRES
MOE Happiness Centres serve students, parents, teachers and institutional representatives across all emirates. Services include guidance on licensing, registration, attestation, equivalency, EmSAT, scholarships and special education support. Many services can be completed online; centres assist with complex cases and documentation.
Digital Participations Policy
The MOE’s Digital Participation Policy governs the responsible use of online platforms and tools for stakeholder engagement and service delivery. It defines participation guidelines, privacy and security expectations, moderation standards, and roles and responsibilities for digital channels.
Child Protection Unit
The MOE implements child protection mechanisms in educational institutions in accordance with Federal Law No. (3) of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law). The Child Protection Unit promotes safe school environments, mandates reporting protocols, and coordinates with relevant authorities. To report concerns, call 80085 or submit a report via the MOE’s official channels. Schools are required to train staff on safeguarding, maintain clear escalation procedures, and support students’ right to safety and education.
Related education regulators
In addition to the MOE’s federal mandate, certain emirates run local regulators: the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) oversees education in Abu Dhabi, and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) regulates private schools and training institutes in Dubai. MOE collaborates with these bodies to align standards and ensure quality across the system.
Contact and location
- MOE Contact Centre: 800-51115
- Headquarters (Dubai): Al Nahda Road, near Al Qusais Metro Station, next to Al Tawar 1 Centre
Whether you are a parent, student, educator or investor, MOE’s e-services streamline licensing, documentation, registration and support. Always consult the official MOE portal for the latest requirements, fees, dates and submission instructions, as policies and timelines may be updated.
FAQs
What does the UAE Ministry of Education do?
The MOE sets national education policy, regulates and licenses schools and universities, accredit programs, manages degree equivalency and attestation, administers EmSAT, and provides student services, scholarships and child protection mechanisms.
How do I attest or equalize my academic certificates in the UAE?
Use the MOE e-services to request attestation or equivalency. Upload the required documents (e.g., transcripts, accredited institution proof, legalized certificates) and pay applicable fees. Processing times vary by case; you can track status online.
Can expatriate students enroll in UAE public schools?
Yes, subject to eligibility criteria and seat availability. Registration is completed via the MOE portal (Al Manhal System) during announced periods by submitting identification, residency and academic records.
How can I open or renew a private school or nursery licence?
Apply online through MOE e-services. New applications cover governance, curriculum, facilities, safety, staffing and financials. Typical fees include AED 700 for the application and AED 10,000 for school licence issuance; nursery/daycare fees generally range from AED 3,000–5,000. Renewals require updated compliance documents.
What is EmSAT and who needs it?
EmSAT is the UAE’s national standardized test used for university admissions and placement in certain programs. Public and many private-school Grade 12 students, and some applicants to UAE universities, may be required to take relevant EmSAT modules.
How do I report a child protection concern in a school?
Contact the MOE Child Protection Unit via the hotline 80085 or submit a report through official MOE channels. Schools also maintain designated safeguarding leads and internal reporting procedures.
How can I contact the MOE and where is the headquarters?
Call the MOE Contact Centre at 800-51115. The MOE headquarters is located on Al Nahda Road in Dubai, near Al Qusais Metro Station, next to Al Tawar 1 Centre.
