The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates has announced significant reforms to its process for recognizing university qualifications.

Ahmed Ibrahim Al Saadi, the Acting Undersecretary for Higher Education Operations, revealed that the first phase of a project aimed at enhancing the qualification recognition system has led to a 30% reduction in processing time.

Furthermore, the number of required documents has been decreased by 71%.

Upon completion of their studies abroad, students can submit their qualification recognition requests through the ministry's online portal.

Once a request is received, it undergoes several stages of verification to ensure the accuracy of the submitted information and to confirm that the individual has indeed studied at the claimed institution and received the corresponding qualification.

This verification process involves collaboration with service providers, various governmental entities, and foreign universities.

Al Saadi emphasized the importance of the second phase of the recognition process, which focuses on validating the accreditation status of institutions outside the UAE.

The ministry has named Dataflow and QuadraBay as approved external agencies for credential verification, stating that they are trusted partners in this initiative.

The recognition of qualifications is accomplished in two main stages: the first is the verification of the qualification's authenticity, while the second is the formal recognition of the qualification itself.

The ministry is also planning additional projects aimed at facilitating electronic linkages with relevant organizations abroad in the future.