Heriot-Watt University Dubai secures UAE accreditation for undergrad, postgrad programmes

Heriot-Watt University Dubai announced on Thursday that all its current undergraduate and postgraduate programmes have received Initial Programme Accreditation from the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

The accreditation marks a milestone for the university, which has been a key player in the UAE’s higher education sector for two decades.

“Over the past eighteen months, we have worked with the CAA on the federal accreditation of our current undergraduate and postgraduate programmes,” said Professor Dame Heather McGregor, provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai. “The granting of Initial Programme Accreditation for all 71 programmes is a significant milestone. This achievement reflects our commitment to academic excellence, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. It has been a complex yet rewarding process, made possible by the dedication of our faculty, staff, and colleagues across our global network.”

Supporting Heriot-Watt University Dubai students’ education journey

“With this accreditation, our graduates can seamlessly pursue further degrees at CAA-accredited universities. It also enhances their opportunities to work in government and government-related sectors across the GCC and the MENA region. We are grateful to the CAA for their collaborative approach in supporting our efforts,” she added.

The CAA serves as the UAE federal government’s quality assurance agency for higher education, ensuring that licensed institutions and their programmes adhere to internationally recognised academic quality standards.

This programme accreditation follows the university’s Initial Institutional Licensure, granted by the UAE’s Ministry of Education in 2023.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai was the first British university to establish a campus in Dubai’s Academic City, initially offering three programmes with a student population of 120.

Today, the university has over 5,000 students and is recognized as one of the top UK universities in Dubai for business and industry collaboration. It continues to equip students with the skills and experience necessary to excel in their respective fields both regionally and internationally.