UAE universities that intentionally make assessments easy for students to pass could face regulatory action under a new higher-education framework taking effect on 12 September.
Cabinet Resolution No. 143 of 2026 introduces requirements covering institutional licensing, programme accreditation, examination security, practical training, academic integrity and the accuracy of published information.
Penalties will be applied according to the seriousness of a breach and can reach Dh500,000. Persistent or serious violations could also affect an institution’s accreditation, admissions or operating licence.
Professor Amjad Qandil of the Commission for Academic Accreditation said: “The only solution for AI is to embrace it.” Universities are being encouraged to design assessments that test analysis, discussion and practical understanding rather than answers that can easily be generated using artificial intelligence.