هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية

Overview

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is the educational quality assurance and regulatory authority of the Government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2006, KHDA is responsible for overseeing the growth and quality of private education and learning in Dubai. Its mission is to assure quality and access to education through community engagement, with a vision to transform Dubai into a world-class education city. KHDA supports a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, schools, universities, training centres, investors, and government partners, to co-create a global and innovative education sector.

History and Legal Framework

KHDA was formed on 28 December 2006 by the Government of Dubai to regulate and oversee the private education sector in the emirate. The authority operates under the legal framework provided by various laws and regulations established by the Dubai Executive Council. In 2016, the organisational structure of KHDA was formalised through Executive Council Resolution No. (54), which outlined the authority's responsibilities and governance structure. This resolution enabled KHDA to effectively manage and regulate the private education sector, ensuring alignment with Dubai's educational goals and policies.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

According to KHDA's official portal, the authority's mission is "to assure quality and access to education with the engagement of the community." Its vision is "Dubai: A World-Class Education City." The objectives of KHDA include:

• Enhancing the quality and accessibility of education in Dubai.
• Promoting innovation and excellence in educational practices.
• Supporting the development of human capital through education and training.
• Fostering community engagement in educational initiatives.
• Ensuring the alignment of educational offerings with the needs of the economy and society.

KHDA's role in higher education encompasses regulating and accrediting higher education institutions, ensuring the quality of academic programs, and supporting the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

KHDA operates under the governance of the Government of Dubai, with its organisational structure approved by the Dubai Executive Council. The authority is headed by a Director General, supported by a team of senior officials and staff. KHDA's structure includes various divisions and units responsible for specific areas such as policy development, quality assurance, licensing, and stakeholder engagement. The authority functions with a degree of operational independence to effectively manage the private education sector, while aligning its activities with the broader strategic objectives of the Government of Dubai.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

KHDA plays a pivotal role in accrediting and evaluating the quality of higher education institutions in Dubai. The authority ensures that institutions meet established standards and operate in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. KHDA's responsibilities include:

• Licensing new higher education institutions and academic programs.
• Conducting regular inspections and evaluations of accredited institutions.
• Providing guidance and support to institutions to enhance educational quality.
• Developing and implementing policies and frameworks for quality assurance.
• Promoting transparency and accountability in the higher education sector.

Through these activities, KHDA ensures that Dubai's higher education institutions maintain high standards and contribute to the development of a skilled and competitive workforce.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

KHDA actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and recognition of Dubai's higher education sector. The authority is a full member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), adhering to its guidelines for good practice. KHDA has also established partnerships with various international organisations to promote best practices in quality assurance and to facilitate cross-border recognition of qualifications. These collaborations support KHDA's efforts to position Dubai as a global hub for education and to ensure that its higher education institutions meet international standards.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

KHDA's initiatives have a significant impact on the higher education landscape in Dubai. The authority's efforts have led to record-breaking growth in student enrolment, with a 20% increase in the 2024–25 academic year, bringing the total number of students to 42,026 across 41 private higher education institutions. This growth reflects Dubai's increasing appeal as a destination for higher education. KHDA's focus on quality assurance, innovation, and community engagement continues to shape the future of higher education in the emirate, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, employers, and society.

Summary

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a key regulatory body in Dubai, responsible for overseeing the private education sector, including higher education institutions. Established in 2006, KHDA's mission is to assure quality and access to education through community engagement, with a vision to transform Dubai into a world-class education city. The authority's governance structure, accreditation processes, and international collaborations play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Dubai, contributing to the development of a skilled and competitive workforce.

FAQs

• What is KHDA?
  KHDA is the educational quality assurance and regulatory authority of the Government of Dubai, responsible for overseeing the growth and quality of private education in the emirate.
• When was KHDA established?
  KHDA was established on 28 December 2006 by the Government of Dubai.
• What is KHDA's mission?
  KHDA's mission is "to assure quality and access to education with the engagement of the community."
• What is KHDA's vision?
  KHDA's vision is "Dubai: A World-Class Education City."
• What role does KHDA play in higher education?
  KHDA is responsible for accrediting and evaluating the quality of higher education institutions in Dubai, ensuring they meet established standards and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce.
• Is KHDA involved in international collaborations?
  Yes, KHDA is a full member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and has established partnerships with various international organisations to promote best practices in quality assurance.
• How has KHDA impacted higher education in Dubai?
  KHDA's initiatives have led to significant growth in student enrolment and have enhanced the quality and competitiveness of higher education in Dubai, positioning the emirate as a global hub for education.

Organization Name

هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية

Knowledge and Human Development Authority

Acronym

KHDA

Year of Establishment

2006

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Block 8, Academic City; PO Box 500008
Dubai
Dubai United Arab Emirates

Phone

+971 4 364 0000

Fax

+971 4 364 0001

List of UAE universities in Pakistan recognized by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA):

• Abu Dhabi University, Established 2017
• American University in Dubai, Established 1995
• Amity University Dubai, Established 2011
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (Bits Pilani) Dubai Campus, Established 2011
• British University in Dubai, Established 2004
• City, University of London, Established 2007
• Curtin University, Established 2017
• De Montfort University, Established 2021
• Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Established 2017
• EM Normandie Business School, Established 2023
• ESCP Business School, Established 1
• ESMOD French Fashion Institute, Established 2007
• Emirates Aviation University - Institute of Applied Research & Technology, Established 1991
• Georgetown University Dubai, Established 2023
• Heriot-Watt University, Established 2005
• Hult International Business School, Established 2007
• Institute of Management Technology - Dubai, Established 2006
• Islamic Azad University (IAU), Established 2003
• Istituto Marangoni Dubai, Established 2022
• LUISS Libera Universita Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli (DWTCA Branch), Established 2024
• London Business School, Established 2006
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Established 2003
• Middlesex University Dubai, Established 2004
• Moscow University for Industry and Finance (Synergy), Established 1
• Murdoch University, Dubai, Established 2008
• Plekhanov Russian University of Economics - Dubai, Established 2024
• Rochester Institute of Technology- Dubai, Established 2008
• SAE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, Established 2005
• S P Jain School of Global Management, Established 2012
• SKEMA BUSINESS SCHOOL
• Saint Joseph University Dubai, Established 2008
• Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Established 2003
• Strathclyde Business School UAE, Established 1
• Symbiosis International University, Established 2024
• The University of Manchester Worldwide, Established 2006
• University Paris II Panthéon-Assas, Established 2019
• University of Birmingham Dubai, Established 2018
• University of Bradford, Established 2008
• University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Established 2011
• University of Wollongong in Dubai, Established 2002

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Knowledge and Human Development Authority's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Knowledge and Human Development Authority's X page

LinkedIn

Knowledge and Human Development Authority's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Knowledge and Human Development Authority's YouTube channel

Instagram

Knowledge and Human Development Authority's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Knowledge and Human Development Authority's Wikipedia article

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