Academics have affirmed that the launch of the "UAE Higher Education Award", under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Council, represents a strategic step that strengthens the journey of developing higher education and scientific research in the country.
The award entrenches a culture of excellence and innovation, and motivates universities, researchers, and students to develop high-quality initiatives, contributing to the preparation of national competencies capable of leading the economy of the future.
They told Al Bayan that the award reflects the wise leadership's commitment to investing in people as the cornerstone of development and the foundation of a knowledge society, affirming that it will contribute to enhancing the quality of educational and research outputs, and supporting the role of universities in producing knowledge and linking it to national priorities and development requirements.
Professor Dr. Essam Eddin Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, affirmed that the launch of the award embodies the UAE's ambitious vision for the future of higher education and scientific research, and reflects the country's orientation towards strengthening the role of universities in producing knowledge and supporting innovation.
He said that the award, with its four categories — "Leadership, Readiness, Pioneers, and National Impact" — forms a comprehensive national framework for honouring outstanding institutional and individual models and entrenching a culture of excellence within the higher education system.
He added that linking the outputs of higher education and scientific research to national priorities and economic sectors represents an important direction for transforming knowledge into added value and sustainable developmental impact.
He noted that the award enhances the importance of the role of academic institutions in transforming knowledge and scientific research into tangible results that serve society and support the journey of national development.
For his part, Dr. Karim Al Saghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, affirmed that the award represents a strategic step reflecting the UAE's vision to elevate the higher education system and promote a culture of innovation and excellence across the sector.
He explained that the significance of the award is not limited to honouring achievements, but extends to motivating higher education institutions to develop the quality of education and scientific research, strengthen partnerships with various sectors, and prepare graduates who possess the skills and knowledge needed to lead the economy of the future.
He noted that Ajman University views the award as an incentive to continue developing its institutional and academic performance, and to enhance its impact in the areas of education, research, innovation, and community service, in alignment with national priorities and to strengthen the alignment of educational outputs with the needs of the labour market.
In turn, Professor Dr. Amer Qasim, Vice Chancellor of Al Ain University, praised this national initiative, affirming that it embodies the UAE's vision to develop the higher education system and enhance the readiness of universities to keep pace with global changes and the requirements of sustainable development.
He explained that the award represents a strategic step towards elevating the quality of education, enhancing the competitiveness of higher education institutions, and preparing national cadres who possess the skills and knowledge needed to lead the economy of the future.
He added that Al Ain University continues to update its academic programmes to meet current and future labour market needs, alongside integrating sustainability concepts into education, scientific research, and community service, in alignment with the country's orientations and development goals.
For her part, Professor Dr. Fatima Taher, Director of Research and Community Service at Zayed University, affirmed that the launch of the "UAE Higher Education Award" reflects the standing that higher education and scientific research enjoy among national priorities, noting that universities have become an essential partner in achieving the UAE's vision and shaping its future.
She said that the award represents a motivating force for academic faculty members, researchers, and students to deliver further achievements, enhance the impact of scientific research, and build effective partnerships between universities and the public and private sectors, serving society and the national economy.
She added that the award provides a national platform to highlight academic and research success stories, and to motivate students and researchers to offer innovative solutions to future challenges.
Academic researcher and media professional Randa Al Hammadi affirmed that the award represents a genuine investment in people and in shaping the future, and reflects the UAE's vision to build a globally competitive educational system.
She said that the initiative promotes a culture of scientific research and innovation, and encourages students, researchers, and academic institutions to achieve the highest standards of quality and excellence, contributing to the building of a knowledge economy that supports the country's development journey.
Academic and legal advisor Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Qadi affirmed that the award marks a milestone in the journey of higher education in the country, noting that it goes beyond the concept of recognition to become a strategic tool for developing the educational system in a manner that keeps pace with the UAE's future aspirations.
He explained that the award will support the orientation of universities, academic cadres, and students towards adopting innovative practices, linking scientific research to the needs of society, the labour market, and development projects, thereby strengthening the building of a knowledge economy based on innovation.
The "UAE Higher Education Award" constitutes a qualitative addition to the higher education system in the country, enhancing the standing of UAE universities in the global academic landscape and supporting the transition towards a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.