Opening or Enrolling in a School in the UAE: Who Regulates What

How school oversight works across the UAE

1. 1

   Start with KHDA if the school is in Dubai

   The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has the authority to inspect schools in the emirate and is responsible for the growth and quality of private education in Dubai. It supports schools, parents, students, educators, investors and government partners to create a high-quality education sector focused on happiness and wellbeing.

   Documents:School detailsInspection records
2. 2

   Know that oversight is shared in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah

   In the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, the responsibility of overseeing the schools is shared between the ministry and the respective local educational authorities. So the local authority is not the only body involved.

3. 3

   Check the curriculum rules for private schools

   KHDA's scope extends to all schools, although private schools are not managed directly nor are they obliged to follow a specific curriculum beyond Arabic language, social studies, and Islamic studies. However, they must adhere to the ministry's general regulations.

   Documents:Curriculum plan
4. 4

   For Sharjah, note the separate authority

   The Government of Sharjah issued an Emiri Decree to establish the Sharjah Private Education Authority. The source we work from does not carry a clean decree number or year, so confirm those details on the authority's website rather than relying on a figure we cannot verify.

   Documents:Emiri Decree reference
5. 5

   For the other emirates, look to the MoE

   Schools in Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Fujairah operate under MoE through local branches or educational zones. If your school sits in one of these emirates, that is where the oversight runs.

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