In Dubai, the people who shape the future teachers are now held to a higher standard than ever before. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced new technical guides that will transform how private schools across the emirate recruit, support, and retain their educators. The move is part of a broader vision to raise the bar on professionalism, safeguard student well-being, and make Dubai an even stronger global hub for quality education.
The Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff in Private Schools and the Staff Deregistration Technical Guide are not just policies on paper they are a roadmap to ensure stability in schools, reduce turnover, and provide teachers with the support they need to thrive.
A New Era for Teacher Recruitment
From now on, every new teacher in Dubai’s private schools will need to meet KHDA-approved qualifications, experience, and conduct standards including educators of Arabic and Islamic Studies. Even existing teachers must align with these requirements by 2028, creating a consistent baseline of quality across all schools.
The traditional Appointment Letter is being replaced with an official Appointment Notice, a document that formally ties teachers and school leaders to their institution. If a teacher chooses to move to another Dubai private school, a new Appointment Notice will be mandatory, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.
To discourage abrupt mid-term departures, KHDA has introduced a 90 day cooling off period for teachers who resign before a term ends. This change aims to reduce disruption for students while promoting commitment within the teaching community.
Furthermore, every educator leaving a school must now complete a KHDA Exit Survey, giving the regulator valuable insights into turnover trends and helping schools improve their work environment.
Training, Ethics, and Well Being at the Core
The new framework doesn’t just regulate hiring it sets expectations for professional growth. Teachers must complete training modules on safeguarding, inclusion, UAE values, and professional ethics. Signing KHDA’s Code of Conduct is now compulsory, reinforcing a culture where student safety and respect come first.
Deregistration: Zero Tolerance for Misconduct
Alongside recruitment reforms, KHDA has unveiled its Staff Deregistration Guide, which ensures educators guilty of severe misconduct can no longer teach in any KHDA regulated institution. This includes cases of criminal conviction, breaches of child protection, or repeated unprofessional behaviour.
Once deregistered, a teacher loses their Appointment Notice and cannot reapply in Dubai’s education system, safeguarding students and upholding trust across schools.
Building a Future Ready Education System
These measures are directly aligned with Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) Strategy, which puts student well-being and educational quality at the centre of its long term goals. KHDA believes that just as students need nurturing, teachers need stability, clear expectations, and recognition for their vital role in society.
Briefing sessions for educators, HR leaders, and school boards will soon begin, ensuring every institution understands and complies with the new rules.
As Dr. Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, explained, the message is clear: “Just as we support our students, we must also support and retain the teachers who guide them.”
By reinforcing professionalism and raising the bar for teaching quality, Dubai is not just regulating schools—it is shaping a future where education thrives on trust, accountability, and excellence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official updates from KHDA. Readers are encouraged to visit the KHDA website for the complete guidelines and implementation details.
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