Dubai’s KHDA has launched new guidelines for teacher recruitment, mobility, and safeguarding to improve quality and accountability in private schools.
DUBAI: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has issued two new technical guides designed to raise standards across Dubai’s private education sector. The policies aim to strengthen recruitment, accountability, and safeguarding practices, ensuring every learner is supported by educators who meet consistent, high-quality standards.
The new guides — the Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff in Private Schools in Dubai and the Staff Deregistration Technical Guide — align with the emirate’s Education 33 Strategy, which places student wellbeing and educational excellence at the core of its reforms.
Dr. Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, said: “Empowering educators is central to the success of our Education 33 Strategy. These new guidelines represent a major step toward creating a stable and supportive environment for teachers and school communities, while ensuring all educators meet consistent, high-quality standards.”
Key updates include:
- Standardised teacher qualifications: New teachers must meet KHDA-approved criteria, with existing staff given until 2028 or 2029 (depending on the academic calendar) to comply.
- Mandatory Appointment Notices: Schools must now register teachers through KHDA to formalise their commitment and track mobility across schools.
- 90-day rule for mid-term resignations: Teachers leaving mid-term must wait 90 days before starting a new role in another private school.
- Exit surveys: Departing staff must complete a KHDA Exit Survey to help track turnover and improve retention.
- Safeguarding and professional training: All teachers must undergo induction on ethics, inclusion, UAE values, and safeguarding before starting their roles.
The Staff Deregistration Technical Guide introduces a clear framework for handling misconduct. Serious violations such as child protection breaches, criminal convictions, or gross misconduct can result in immediate deregistration, barring individuals from working in any KHDA-regulated education setting in Dubai.
The guides are effective immediately and apply to all KHDA-approved private schools, early childhood centres, universities, and training institutes in Dubai. They are available on the KHDA website, with briefing sessions scheduled for educators and school leaders.
