Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has rolled out stricter rules for private school educators, introducing higher qualification and conduct standards along with a new 90-day restriction for teachers who resign in the middle of a school term.
Under the updated framework, all new teachers—across subjects including Arabic and Islamic Studies—must meet KHDA-approved academic and professional requirements before appointment. Current teachers may remain at their schools but must comply with the new standards by September 2028, or April 2029 for schools following an April academic year.
A key change prevents teachers and school leaders who leave mid-term, regardless of serving notice, from immediately joining another private school in Dubai. Instead, they must wait 90 days before resuming employment. This rule does not apply to those who leave at the end of a semester after serving their notice.
KHDA also released its Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff in Private Schools, which is effective immediately for new hires and transfers. The guide replaces the old appointment letter system with a mandatory Appointment Notice for each teacher, introduces compulsory exit surveys for departing staff, and enforces induction training on safeguarding, inclusion, UAE values, and ethics. Every educator must also sign a formal Code of Conduct.
Dr. Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, described the move as a crucial step toward stability and teacher support:
“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. By reinforcing clear expectations for recruitment, conduct, and accountability, the guides support school leaders, protect student well-being, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for exceptional education and talent. Just as we support our students, we must also support and retain the teachers who guide them.”
