Ministry sets UAE Award in Higher Education nomination deadline as September 30

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has set September 30, 2026, at noon as the deadline for nominations for the inaugural UAE Award in Higher Education.

The award, announced earlier this year, will recognise institutions, individuals and partners that have excelled in higher education and scientific research. It will take place 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.

The ministry has invited higher education institutions, technical and vocational education and training institutions, and their staff to take part. Nominations opened in June. Applications and supporting evidence will be assessed in October, with winners due to receive their awards in December 2026.

The ministry said winners across the categories would receive financial and honorary incentives. It urged applicants to review the award’s criteria, participation requirements and category-specific forms on its website before submitting their nominations.

The award is intended to strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for knowledge and innovation, while improving competitiveness among higher education and TVET institutions. The ministry said it would support transformational projects, high-impact academic and student talent, institutional partnerships with economic and industrial sectors, applied research and knowledge-based solutions.

The four main categories are Leadership, Readiness, Pioneers and National Impact. They cover institutional performance, innovation, future readiness, scientific research and strategic partnerships. Leadership focuses on sustainable institutional impact, while Readiness recognises projects that advance the sector. Pioneers highlights academic staff, students, entrepreneurship leaders and supporting institutions. National Impact recognises leaders, strategic partners and international universities that have contributed to UAE higher education through effective leadership and partnerships.