Dubai launches new rating system for global varsity branches

The initiative helps the government and decision-makers develop a clear vision for higher education.

Branches of international universities in Dubai will be star-rated, it was announced on Tuesday (July 2). The campus rating system will help students make well-informed higher education choices.

According to The Executive Council, it also helps educational institutions identify strengths and opportunities for improvement and attract investors. "The initiative helps the government and decision-makers develop a clear vision for higher education," the council added.

This came as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved the system. "The Dubai Government has placed the highest priority on developing higher education and increasing the competitiveness of our local universities. This is part of our efforts to build a knowledge-based economy," Sheikh Hamdan said. "We continue to develop plans and strategies for improving Dubai's high-quality educational offerings and facilitating the establishment of more campuses of prestigious international universities. We are striving to further boost Dubai's global competitiveness in this domain by ensuring the highest quality standards."

The rating system, which was developed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), is based on the "highest benchmarks" adopted by countries seeking to attract international students. The "scientific system" allow students to make educational choices based on "clear objective data".

It supports Dubai's efforts to develop its research and development sector by providing a star-rating framework based on a quality system (QS) adopted by 1,000 institutions in 80 countries. Moreover, the system will help enrich the quality of life of students by promoting high quality amenities and applying the concept of happiness in line with the vision of Dubai Government to create an inclusive and tolerant society.

Sheikh Hamdan said the "ambitious vision" of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has helped the emirate take advantage of its strategic location and its status as a bridge between the East and the West "to become a magnet for talent and a global higher education destination". "The leadership's vision, which focuses on developing a knowledge-based economy, has enabled Dubai to provide a congenial environment for achieving academic excellence," Sheikh Hamdan added.

6-level star rating and what it means

• 1 star: Offers good education for students and possesses the capabilities to achieve progress and development
• 2 stars: Offers good education for students and shows progress with regard to key standards
• 3 stars: Offers high quality education and has demonstrated strong key standards
• 4 stars: Offers excellent quality of education and shows strong results across all system standards
• 5 stars: Offers world-class education and has demonstrated strong standards in all system categories. Graduates are highly sought after by employers.
• More than 5 stars: Meets all the standards of a five-star rated institution in addition to being recognised as one of the world's leading higher learning institutions.

What the system assesses

• Key standards: Quality of teaching, recruitment, research and development, best practices and global experience
• Secondary standards: Quality of educational programmes and the learning environment
• Optional standards: Culture, arts, quality of life, creativity and social responsibility

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/education/dubai-launches-new-rating-system-for-universities