UAE Tackles Misleading Educational Ads

False Promises or Real Knowledge: UAE Cracks Down on Misleading Educational Ads

Over recent years, the educational sector in the United Arab Emirates has witnessed dynamic development, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where world-class universities, technology institutes, and vocational centers offer opportunities for youth and those interested in adult education. However, this has been paralleled by an increase in the number of educational and training institutions that do not always meet strict regulatory expectations.

The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) conducted a significant audit of digital advertising activities between June and September 2025. The examination covered more than 2,500 adverts published by a total of 118 different educational and training institutions across the country. The aim of the action was to filter out promotions that contained misleading information or did not comply with legal requirements.

20 Banned Ads and 67 Institutional Visits

According to the Ministry's report, although most advertisements complied with regulations, 20 ads had to be blocked for not adhering to the respective regulatory requirements. Simultaneously, 67 site inspections were carried out at higher education institutions to ensure that the courses truly met quality and accreditation expectations.

The ministry emphasized that such inspections are not limited to isolated cases but are part of a comprehensive, ongoing quality assurance system. The goal is not only to filter out rule-breakers but also to protect students and parents from non-accredited, often exaggerated, or false educational offers.

Monitoring Using Digital Tools and Feedback

The authorities do not rely solely on manual data collection during inspections; they also monitor content appearing on various online platforms using advanced digital tools. Additionally, feedback from students, parents, and other stakeholders plays a key role in filtering out problematic advertisements.

The ministry stated that continuous supervision and field visits allow for rapid and proactive intervention. The objective is not to restrain the educational offer but to ensure that all students and parents can make informed decisions when selecting an institution or course.

How to Protect Yourself?

The authorities particularly highlighted the importance of choosing educational institutions that are officially authorized and whose programs are approved by the Academic Accreditation Commission (CAA). The presence of accreditation guarantees that the training meets not just national but international standards as well.

Interested parties can easily verify the credibility of an institution or course through the ministry's official website or by directly contacting the Customer Service Center at 800511.

Risks of Increased Demand

Dubai and other UAE cities attract more and more international students each year who are interested in local and international higher education opportunities. While this trend is beneficial for the economy and a knowledge-based society, it also increases the risk of some institutions attempting to exploit demand with deceptive marketing campaigns.

It is common, for example, for some courses to promise globally recognized diplomas without actual accreditation. In other instances, false information is provided about tuition fees, scholarships, or employment opportunities. These are factors that can cause significant long-term losses for deceived students.

Strengthening Regulation in the Future

The ministry indicated that additional reforms could be expected alongside the current supervisory system. They plan to enforce stricter regulations on digital adverts and introduce mandatory transparency standards for educational institutions.

The goal is for not only advertising campaigns but the entire institutional operation – faculty background, infrastructure, quality of course materials – to meet the requirements. Through such measures, the UAE can remain a leading player in the regional education market while ensuring the protection of students' interests.

Summary

The actions of the UAE Ministry of Education send a clear message to all participants: education is not a business trick but a matter of trust. Curbing misleading ads, continuously monitoring institutions, and strictly adhering to accreditation procedures all aim to ensure that those wishing to study in the country can develop in a safe, quality, and transparent educational environment. Dubai and the entire UAE aim not only to be at the forefront of infrastructure but in knowledge as well – and strengthening regulation is essential for this.

(Source of the article is the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) announcement.)