Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has recently strengthened staffing in private schools by enacting new requirements for qualifications, experience, and conduct, as well as a 90-day regulation for teachers who quit in the middle of the term.
Every new teacher, especially those teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies, must have credentials, experience, and conduct requirements recognized by the KHDA. The new requirements must be met by April 2029 for schools that start the academic year in April, and by September 2028 for current instructors who stay at their current school.
Regardless of whether they finish their notice period, educators and school administrators who depart in the middle of a term or semester are required to wait ninety days before accepting a position as a teacher at another private school in Dubai. Teachers who finish their notice periods and depart at the end of a term or semester are exempt from this provision.
KHDA's Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff in Private Schools in Dubai, which is applicable to all private schools and takes effect immediately for new and transferring educators, coincides with the new measures. The goal of the guide is to lower mid-year turnover and enhance teacher quality.
Other features are:
Appointment Notices: Required for all teachers and leaders, replacing KHDA’s Appointment Letter, and reissued if moving schools.
Exit Surveys: Departing staff must complete a KHDA Exit Survey before a new Appointment Notice is issued, aiding turnover analysis.
Training & Conduct: Educators must undergo induction on safeguarding, inclusion, UAE values, and ethics, and sign a Code of Conduct.
