University students in the UAE can now have their graduation certificates attested electronically within just one hour, according to an announcement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. The new “automated attestation” service aims to simplify and expedite the process of verifying certificates for university graduates. The announcement was made during a press conference, with the presence of Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla, the Undersecretary for Academic Affairs of Higher Education.
The Importance of Attested Certificates
Having their certificates attested by the Ministry of Education is crucial for UAE students who wish to pursue higher education or apply for jobs within the country or abroad. The attestation serves as proof of the authenticity and validity of their academic qualifications.
A Digital Solution for Efficiency
The newly introduced automated attestation service is a proactive digital solution that aims to enhance the efficiency of the attestation process. It ensures that the final outcome aligns with the quality standards set by the UAE Digital Government Strategy. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts to improve the higher education system, which plays a vital role in cultivating a knowledgeable society with global competence.
Harnessing Technology for Education
Dr. Al Falasi highlighted the ministry’s commitment to utilizing advanced technological solutions to enhance their services and enable students to contribute to the comprehensive and sustainable development of the UAE. By leveraging technology, the ministry aims to improve various aspects of the education system, establishing the UAE as a top educational destination with excellent educational institutions.
Streamlined Access through a National Blockchain Platform
Dr. Sameera Almulla, the ministry’s Director of Certificate Equivalency Department, explained that the new initiative will grant students access to all attested university certificates through the national blockchain platform and the ‘UAE PASS’ app, in collaboration with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Digital Government. This ensures faster and more reliable access to the verified certificates.
Benefits for Universities and Students
The initiative was met with appreciation by university representatives, such as Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrolment Management at the American University of Sharjah. The service simplifies the process for students to attest their certificates, replacing the previous time-consuming procedures. In the first phase, six licensed universities, including the United Arab Emirates University, Mohammed Bin Rashid University Of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the University of Sharjah, Zayed University, and the American University of Sharjah, will benefit from the service. It is estimated that around 11,000 students will benefit in this initial phase, with plans to extend the service to all licensed higher education institutions in the country by 2024.
Positive Impact and Future Developments
Nadia Al Qabanji, IT Director at Zayed University, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its positive impact on both students and university operations. The simplified and faster attestation process will significantly benefit students, and universities are actively integrating the service to ensure its prompt availability. The Minister also hinted at forthcoming positive developments for universities and students, indicating further improvements to come.
In summary, the new automated attestation service introduced by the UAE Ministry of Education aims to expedite and simplify the certificate verification process for university students. The digital solution allows for electronic attestation within one hour, streamlining access to verified certificates through a national blockchain platform. The initiative benefits students, universities, and the overall higher education system in the UAE, aligning with the country’s vision of becoming a leading educational destination.
