Overview of Dubai Educational Authorities & School Regulations
In Dubai, private education is regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), while Abu Dhabi schools fall under the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Dubai hosts over 220 private schools offering 17 different international curricula to over 300,000 students.
To register your child in a UAE school, parents must maintain a valid residence visa, Emirates ID, and a certified housing lease registered under Ejari Tenancy Rules. Parents sponsoring children must also meet the Family Visa Sponsorship Salary Thresholds of AED 4,000/month.
Select School Curriculum
British (UK Curriculum)
Typical Fees: AED 35,000 – AED 115,000 / yr
Focuses on IGCSE and A-Levels. Academic year runs Sept – June.
KHDA Inspection Ratings
- 🌟 Outstanding: Top 15% performing schools in Dubai.
- 👍 Very Good: Exceeds expected international standards.
- ✓ Good: Meets all KHDA curriculum & safety benchmarks.
Interlinked UAE Compliance Portals
Frequently Asked Questions (KHDA Rules)
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspects and rates all private schools in Dubai annually across six categories: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, and Very Weak. School fee increases are capped based on KHDA ratings.
Under Ministry of Education (MOE) regulations, children enrolling in FS1/KG1 must reach 3 years of age by December 31 of the academic year.
Required documents include the child's Emirates ID, passport, visa page, certified Transfer Certificate (TC) from the previous school, birth certificate, vaccination record, and parent's Ejari tenancy contract under our Ejari Tenancy Guide.
School fee increases in Dubai are governed by the Educational Cost Index (ECI) calculated by Dubai Statistics Center. Only schools rated 'Outstanding', 'Very Good', or 'Good' in annual KHDA inspections are eligible for fee adjustments.
KHDA VerifiedOfficial Education Source
• Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA Dubai): khda.gov.ae