With Dubai’s education regulator preparing to reintroduce school quality assurance visits in the 2026-27 academic year, school leaders and educators have welcomed what they describe as a more developmental approach to evaluating teaching and learning across the emirate. Rather than focusing solely on ratings, schools say the renewed framework reflects what already happens inside classrooms every day through continuous improvement, professional dialogue, and a sustained focus on student outcomes.
School Inspections Return After Two-Year Pause
School inspections in Dubai’s private schools were paused for two consecutive academic years. No inspections were carried out in 2024-25, and the pause continued into 2025-26. The only exception during this period was for newly established schools in their third year of operation, which continued to receive inspections to ensure they were meeting required standards and receiving support where necessary. The return of quality assurance visits is expected to provide schools with valuable opportunities to review performance and continue improving educational outcomes.
Short-Notice Visits to Reflect Everyday School Life
A significant change in the updated framework is the introduction of short-notice visits, typically with no more than 24 hours’ notice. The aim is to provide regulators with a more accurate understanding of day-to-day teaching and learning rather than a carefully prepared snapshot of school life designed specifically for an inspection.
School leaders believe this approach will offer a more authentic picture of classroom experiences and school culture.
‘Preparing Every Single Day’
Leaders across Dubai’s education sector said the new approach aligns with the long-standing practices of high-performing schools, where preparation is focused on students rather than inspection schedules.
Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, said the philosophy of continuous improvement is already deeply embedded across schools.
“The best schools do not prepare for inspections; they prepare for students every single day. We welcome KHDA’s renewed focus on quality assurance visits that reflect the authentic everyday experience of teaching and learning, because sustained excellence is built through continuous improvement, not periodic preparation. At GEMS Education, quality assurance is a year-round commitment.”
He added that internal quality assurance systems already play a critical role in maintaining standards across schools, reinforcing the view that improvement is an ongoing process rather than a periodic exercise linked to inspections.
Greater Focus on Feedback and Development
Under the updated system, eligible private schools will either undergo a full inspection or a shorter monitoring visit. The objective is to apply the approach that best reflects everyday learning within each school rather than using a single model for all institutions. Educators also highlighted the importance of feedback-driven development, noting that the return of quality assurance visits will strengthen collaboration between schools and regulators.
Schools Welcome Professional Dialogue
Tara Lambert, Head of Primary at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, said schools are ready to engage positively with the renewed process.
“We welcome the resumption of KHDA quality assurance visits and look forward to continuing our close partnership with the regulator. We see quality assurance visits as a valuable opportunity for professional dialogue and continuous improvement. We welcome initiatives that support transparency, continuous improvement, and high-quality education across Dubai’s school sector.”
Supporting Continuous Improvement Across Dubai Schools
The reintroduction of school inspections marks a shift towards a more developmental and collaborative model of quality assurance. By focusing on authentic classroom experiences, professional dialogue, and ongoing improvement, Dubai’s education sector aims to strengthen educational standards while ensuring that student learning remains at the heart of every school’s priorities.
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