Reforming Quality Assurance Mechanisms in Higher Education in the UAE: A Strategic Framework for Institutional Improvement

Abstract

The present study reforming quality assurance (RQA) processes to improve the performance of institutions of higher learning (HEI) within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the procedures of developing a strategic framework to improve. Based on the quantitative data of 320 students pursuing different courses in different universities, the study evaluates how the quality of teaching, student support services and learning resources and employability-oriented education effects the overall student satisfaction. The result shows that the quality of teaching is the most crucial element of student satisfaction, with a strong focus being put on pedagogical excellence in institutional credibility and learning outcomes. Employability-oriented education came out as a good predictor of the perceived institutional value, which is in line with the vision of the UAE in building a knowledge-based and innovative economy. On the other hand, there were significant disparities in the support programs being offered to the students and this indicates that there is a need to ensure fair and equal availability of counseling, mentorship and academic advising services. The research also states that variations of discipline need more adaptable and context-relevant types of QA models than a centralized, universal standard. These observations highlight the need to have a balanced system that is well balanced between centralized compliance and Commission of Academy Accreditation (CAA) and decentralized and program level innovations. The research consists of the conclusion that a long-term sustainable enhancement of QA practices requires maintaining a feedback loop, educating faculty, basing decisions on data and involving stakeholders. It has been recommendable to increase faculty capacity building, formalize digital feedback system, reinstate student support systems and embed employability and career readiness into the curricula. The framework is expected to create the culture of a continuous improvement and accountability to make sure that the changes are in line with such national priorities as the UAE Vision 2031 and the National Strategy to Higher Education 2030. These studies in general offer a strategic roadmap that can be followed by the UAE universities to realize excellence using responsive, evidence based and innovation-oriented quality assurance systems.

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