The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in the UAE has launched a national framework aimed at enhancing collaboration between universities and various economic sectors. This initiative, highlighted during the virtual event 'Bridging Economic Sector and Academia', seeks to align academic programs with labor market needs, thereby improving educational outcomes and graduate competitiveness. Key components of the framework include the Industry Sabbatical Programme, which has garnered significant interest, with 84% of surveyed academic staff expressing enthusiasm for participation. The pilot phase of this program is scheduled to commence in June 2026, involving about 150 academic staff from three higher education institutions. Additionally, the initiative aims to create sustainable partnerships that enable universities to understand market demands better and integrate practical skills into curricula. The event also focused on establishing a governance policy for work experience and enhancing the involvement of industry experts in educational processes. This comprehensive approach is expected to foster a more agile higher education ecosystem in the UAE, ultimately preparing students for future job markets.