Dubai Private School Teachers Face Stricter Regulations Under New KHDA Guidelines

Dubai: Teachers and school leaders in Dubai’s private education sector will now adhere to tighter regulations when joining or transferring between schools, under new rules issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The updated framework aims to raise teaching quality, reduce staff turnover, and provide classroom stability, ensuring students experience consistent learning throughout the academic year.

KHDA’s New Technical Guide

The reforms are outlined in KHDA’s Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff, which introduces higher standards for recruitment, professional conduct, and accountability. Schools must now conduct:

Thorough background checks

Multiple reference verifications

Detailed interviews assessing qualifications, experience, safeguarding, and appropriate use of technology

KHDA says these measures align with international best practices and are designed to protect students while maintaining Dubai’s position as a global education hub.

Appointment Notice: Linking Teachers to One School

A key update is the Appointment Notice, an official document that formalizes employment at a single school. Teachers cannot work at multiple schools simultaneously. If moving schools, the previous notice is canceled, and a new one must be issued before employment begins.

This system reduces mid-term disruptions, ensuring smoother classroom operations and continuous learning for students.

Exit Surveys to Monitor Teacher Turnover

KHDA has made it mandatory for teachers leaving a school to complete an Exit Survey. The data collected helps:

Identify reasons for turnover

Address workforce challenges

Support policies aimed at improving staff retention

The 90-Day Rule

Teachers and school leaders transferring between schools must now:

Serve their full notice period as per their contract

Complete the current academic term or semester

Submit the KHDA Exit Survey

Failing to meet these requirements triggers a 90-day waiting period before a new Appointment Notice can be issued. This period starts from the resignation or departure date. The waiting period may be waived if the only pending step is the Exit Survey.

Deregistration Policy: Accountability First

The new rules also introduce a deregistration mechanism. If a teacher is dismissed for misconduct, poor performance, or capability issues, KHDA must be notified. In serious cases, teachers may be placed on a Deregistration List, barring them from teaching in Dubai private schools.

This ensures student safety, protects the integrity of the education sector, and prevents repeat malpractice.

Why These Changes Matter

Dubai’s private schools employ thousands of teachers worldwide. Frequent mid-year departures have historically disrupted learning and increased pressure on school operations. The new framework is expected to:

Enhance teaching standards across curricula

Minimise classroom disruptions

Strengthen student safeguarding

Build long-term trust in Dubai’s education system

Looking Ahead

KHDA’s reforms strike a balance between career flexibility for teachers and stability for schools. As Dubai cements its status as a leading global education destination, these measures are set to ensure high-quality teaching, consistent learning outcomes, and stronger accountability across the emirate’s 200+ private schools.