Dubai's New Teaching Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide

Teaching in Dubai: New KHDA Regulations and Expectations for Educators

Education has always played a key role in Dubai's development, as the emirate aims to build a world-class knowledge-based society. In recent years, the number of private schools has been steadily increasing, and consequently, the demand for teachers has grown. To ensure quality education, the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced two new guidelines that elevate the system for selecting, evaluating, and holding teachers and school leaders accountable.

Stricter Requirements for Teacher Appointments

The first document, titled "Technical Guidelines for Teacher Appointments in Private Schools in Dubai," specifies that a teacher can only work in a private school if they have an official "Appointment Notice" from KHDA. This document is only valid for a specific institution, is non-transferable, and upon changing schools, the educator must apply for a new notice. This measure ensures transparency and trackability in the movement of the teaching workforce.

The Selection Process: Not Just Paper-Based

KHDA's new regulations place significant emphasis on checking the background and professional history of teachers. Before hiring a teacher, a school is obliged to:

request at least two professional references, one of which must be from the last employer,

conduct criminal background checks in every country where the teacher has lived,

review the teacher's online presence, including social media,

verify the authenticity of the resume,

and conduct a formal interview with at least one person trained in child protection present.

With these measures, Dubai aims to ensure that every teacher is not only professionally but also morally exemplary.

What Qualifications Are Needed?

KHDA accepts various degrees, provided they are from recognized institutions. These include:

degrees from universities accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education,

diplomas from foreign university campuses in Dubai’s free zones recognized by KHDA,

and degrees from internationally recognized foreign universities.

It is important to note that current teachers in Dubai must also meet these new expectations—however, they are given a grace period: until September 1, 2028, or in the case of schools that start in April, until April 1, 2029.

90-Day Rule for School and Job Changes

If a teacher decides to leave a school but does not observe the notice period, does not leave at the end of the academic year, or does not complete the mandatory KHDA exit questionnaire, the authority imposes a 90-day waiting period. During this time, they cannot apply for a new Appointment Notice and, therefore, cannot work at another school. This rule encourages teachers to switch jobs with dignity and proper procedure.

Why is the KHDA Exit Questionnaire Important?

The exit questionnaire is an important tool for KHDA to gather data about the reasons behind teachers' departures. By documenting individual stories, they can also identify systemic issues, thus improving the educational environment in the long run.

What is Deregistration?

Deregistration is not the same as termination of employment. It is a formal KHDA decision that results in the loss of a teacher’s right to work in any educational institution in Dubai—be it a school, kindergarten, university, or vocational center. Deregistration carries serious consequences and is applied only in well-founded cases.

What Leads to Deregistration?

Severe offenses, such as child protection violations or criminal convictions, automatically lead to deregistration. Repeated falsehoods, cultural insensitivity, or inappropriate behavior on social media can also be reasons—especially if these occur frequently and damage the reputation of the school or the education sector.

The Difference Between Termination and Deregistration

While deregistration often follows a school termination, the two concepts are not the same. A teacher can be dismissed without KHDA deregistering them, allowing them to seek opportunities at another institution. However, if KHDA determines that a teacher's behavior, attitude, or past could pose a threat to students or the educational quality, they can independently decide on deregistration.

Why Does This Matter to Parents?

KHDA aims to create a safer, more transparent, and predictable educational system. With the new regulations, parents can rest assured that their children are learning from well-qualified, morally suitable teachers who have been thoroughly vetted. The regulation of teacher movement also promotes stability during the school year, reduces the chances of educational interruptions, and increases parental trust in Dubai's education system.

Conclusion

Dubai's new KHDA regulations impact teachers, schools, and parents alike. The aim is clear: to establish a transparent, high-quality, and safe educational system. The new requirements not only scrutinize teachers' professional backgrounds more closely but also take into account ethics, cultural sensitivity, and online presence. All of this contributes to keeping Dubai's private schools attractive to international families and strengthens the quality of education in the emirate in the long run.

(The source of the article is a statement from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).)