Abu Dhabi School of Management obtains international quality accreditation

Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) has become the latest higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates to obtain global quality accreditation through the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) - the UK’s independent quality body and a global leader in quality assurance for higher education.

ADSM has obtained global accreditation having successfully completed QAA’s International Quality Review (IQR). IQR is a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against international quality assurance standards set out in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

The review took place onsite between 24 and 26 May 2022 and was carried out by a team of three independent reviewers appointed by QAA. The review team confirmed that ADSM meets all 10 of the internal quality assurance standards in the ESG.

The review team also identified a number of features of good practice including:

• the clear and extensive links between the School’s vision, mission and strategic planning process and the quality assurance system through all processes and at all levels
• the development and implementation of the ADSM Internal Quality Review process as an internal mechanism for ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the School’s processes and policies
• the approach to student engagement through interactive, co-creative teaching and learning, and the linkage of teaching and research is a living embodiment of the school’s vision and mission
• the thoughtful, committed, collaborative engagement of the College with students through the delivery and ongoing enhancement of the Academic Support Centre.

Dr Abdullah El-Kwafi Abonamah, President of Abu Dhabi School of Management commented: 'The positive outcome from this intensive review assures all our community, and especially students, their families, and their employers, that international standards of qualifications are being met and sustained at ADSM.'

Vicki Stott, QAA’s Chief Executive said: 'I would like to warmly congratulate Abu Dhabi School of Management on this fantastic achievement. Obtaining IQR accreditation demonstrates ADSM’s compatibility with international best practice in quality assurance, providing a platform for enhanced collaboration with UK and international higher education institutions.'

QAA’s IQR accreditation applies for five years, subject to a satisfactory mid-cycle review. ADSM will be able to display QAA’s IQR Accreditation badge, demonstrating that their quality assurance processes are comparable with international best practice. ADSM is also eligible to become a QAA International Member. International Quality Review is carried out in QAA’s capacity supporting the development of higher education quality internationally, including activity to support QAA Members and collaboration with international partners.

By securing global accreditation from QAA, international institutions can clearly spotlight their quality standards around the world, and more easily start a dialogue with institutions outside their own country.

You can read Abu Dhabi School of Management's full IQR report on our website. You can also find out more about the IQR process and QAA International Membership.

If you are interested in your institution signing up and wish to discuss this further, contact the QAA Global team at accreditation@qaa.ac.uk