In a major policy shift, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has introduced stricter guidelines for degrees obtained via online learning, distance education, and correspondence courses. While such degrees will now be considered for recognition, they must meet strict criteria set by a dedicated ministerial committee.

However, vocational certificates and training programme diplomas won’t make the cut, along with degrees from courses catering to niche student groups.

Degree Verification Gets a Makeover

To streamline the process, the ministry has roped in two external agencies — Dataflow and QuadraBay — to handle degree verification and equivalency certification.

Applicants must first verify their qualifications with these authorised partners, ensuring their documents are legitimate. Only after this step can they apply for official recognition from the ministry.

The entire process is online and takes around 30 working days. Those who wish to challenge a decision have three months to lodge an appeal.

Strict Criteria for Recognition

Each case will be reviewed individually, but the bottom line is clear:

• The awarding university must be accredited in its home country.
• Study methods must comply with the university’s official guidelines.
• No shortcuts—vocational certificates, short-term training programs, and degrees from specialist courses will not be recognised.

What Will It Cost You?

The ministry has set fees for degree recognition:

• Dh100 for a bachelor’s degree
• Dh150 for a postgraduate degree
• Dh200 for a doctoral degree

The cost of initial verification varies based on the country of study, and payments can be made online via e-Dirham or postpaid cards.

Five Key Rules for Recognition

To qualify, applicants must:

1. Follow the study programme as outlined by their university.
2. Meet all ministry recognition requirements.
3. Ensure their university is accredited in the home country.
5. Stick to the UAE’s online study limits—no more than 18 credit hours per semester for distance learning.
6. For medical and engineering degrees, postgraduate applicants must hold a related bachelor’s degree.

This move is set to impact thousands of students and professionals seeking UAE recognition for their qualifications. For those with degrees from unconventional routes, the message is clear: Meet the criteria or risk rejection.

(Source: GT)

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the next-generation 360 Services Policy, aimed at enhancing customer experience by providing integrated, seamless, and proactive digital services without requiring in-person visits. As part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts, RTA is shifting its services to self-service models, enabling customers to access them smoothly via shared digital platforms, such as the “Dubai Now” app.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasised RTA’s commitment to developing a modern and smart service ecosystem that efficiently meets customer expectations. This drive aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the quality of life in Dubai, positioning it as the world’s best city to live in, and establish it as the smartest city globally.

Al Tayer also attributed the development of the policy to the continuous follow-up and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. He highlighted RTA’s commitment to leveraging smart technologies to enhance its services and improve the customer experience. As a result, RTA has transformed its services into smart solutions accessible through various digital platforms, ensuring they are innovative, user-friendly, and easily accessible.

Al Tayer added: “RTA has completed Phase II of the ‘360 Services Policy,’ through which driver and vehicle licensing services had been transformed into fully digital, proactive, and integrated services. This phase, which accounts for 40% of RTA’s total services, has enhanced service efficiency, improved the customer experience, and raised the customer happiness index to 98.9%. It had also led to a 96% improvement in service accessibility, zero waiting time for 82 services, and the elimination of in-person visit requirements for 63 services. Additionally, service process steps had been reduced by 36%, while new digital options have expanded service availability by 61%. Digital adoption also surged to 96% in Q4 of 2024.

“In 2024, RTA collaborated with 32 partners from the public and private sectors to achieve service integration, leading to the enhancement of 71 services, which can now be accessed without prior requirements. RTA will embark on Phase III of the policy this year, which, according to the plan, will involve the development of all RTA services. This phase will further enhance the customer experience and contribute to achieving the targeted customer happiness indicators.”

( By- WAM)

The UAE is marking International Women’s Day today (March 8) with a powerful statement – women’s empowerment is moving full speed ahead.

From smashing global gender rankings to securing top government roles, Emirati women are taking centre stage in the country’s unstoppable progress.

Breaking Barriers and Making History

The UAE has skyrocketed to 7th place globally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index (GII), issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), securing its spot as the top performer in the region.

And that’s not all – the government is putting women in key leadership positions, with the recent appointment of Sana bint Mohammed Suhail as Minister of Family under the newly established Ministry of Family.

Women’s health is also getting a major boost with the launch of the National Policy for the Promotion of Women’s Health, ensuring top-quality healthcare for women across all stages of life.

Boardrooms, Business and Beyond

In a game-changing move for women in business, the Ministry of Economy now requires private joint-stock companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors – a huge win for gender equality in corporate leadership!

Meanwhile, the General Women’s Union has rolled out the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, giving young female entrepreneurs and business owners the tools they need to thrive in the UAE’s booming economy.

Women at the Forefront of Global Change

The UAE isn’t just focusing on local success – it’s shaping the global conversation on women’s rights.

Last year, the country co-authored a historic UN resolution with the UK, ensuring equal access to education for girls worldwide. It’s also one of the biggest donors to UN Women, contributing a whopping $46 million to support women’s initiatives across the globe.

When it comes to peace and security, the UAE is leading the charge. During its 2022-2023 tenure on the UN Security Council, the country pushed for greater female representation in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.

Plus, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace, and Security has already trained hundreds of female cadets from the Arab region, Africa, and Asia, ensuring women have a powerful role in global security.

A Future Powered by Women

Since its founding, the UAE has made huge strides in gender equality – from equal pay laws to women holding half of the seats in the Federal National Council. And with its unstoppable drive, the future is looking brighter than ever for Emirati women.

(Source: Wam)