What Educators Need to Know About New KHDA Rules

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has released two important guides that reshape the recruitment, conduct, and accountability of teachers and school leaders in Dubai’s private schools.

The Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff in Private Schools in Dubai and the Staff Deregistration Technical Guide introduce stricter requirements around qualifications, safeguarding checks, notice periods, resignations, and professional behaviour.

These changes will impact both schools and parents — ensuring that teachers are properly vetted, trained, and accountable for the education and wellbeing of Dubai’s children.

The KHDA Appointment Notice: A Key Requirement

Teachers in Dubai must now receive an official Appointment Notice from the KHDA before they can begin working in a private school.

This approval is not transferable. If a teacher moves to another school, their previous Appointment Notice is cancelled and they must obtain a new one before starting their role.

Teacher conduct and compliance under new KHDA rules in Dubai.

As KHDA explains:

“Teachers must be given an Appointment Notice which is an official KHDA approval, that allows a teacher to work in one private school. It’s not transferable — so if a teacher moves schools, their old notice is cancelled, and they must get a fresh one before starting at a new school.”

Recruitment Checks Schools Must Follow

To strengthen safeguarding and teacher quality, schools are required to carry out strict due diligence before appointing staff. This includes:

At least two professional references, including one from the most recent employer.
Background and criminal record checks for all countries lived in.
Reviewing a candidate’s online and media presence for reputational risk.
Verifying CV accuracy and qualifications.
A formal panel interview with safeguarding-trained members.

Recognised Teacher Qualifications in Dubai

According to KHDA, teaching qualifications must come from one of the following recognised sources:

UAE universities accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Foreign university branches in Dubai free zones recognised by KHDA.
International universities accredited in their home country and recognised internationally.

Dubai educators discussing CV verification and safeguarding checks.

Deadlines for Current Teachers

Teachers already working in Dubai but who do not yet meet the new qualification standards have a grace period to comply:

September 1, 2028 for most schools.
April 1, 2029 for schools with an April academic calendar.

This transition period allows educators time to upgrade qualifications or complete training.

The KHDA 90-Day Rule

A major change is the introduction of the 90-day rule for teachers moving schools.

If a teacher resigns but does not meet all KHDA requirements — such as completing their notice period, leaving at the end of term, and submitting the mandatory exit survey — they will face a 90-day waiting period before a new Appointment Notice can be issued.

KHDA 90-day rule for teachers moving between private schools in Dubai.

Why the KHDA Exit Survey Matters

Every departing teacher must complete the exit survey before leaving.

KHDA says this step helps track the key reasons behind teacher turnover so that more effective, data-driven solutions can be implemented across Dubai’s education sector.

Deregistration: When Teachers Are Barred

The new deregistration system gives KHDA authority to bar individuals from working in any Dubai private school or education institution.

If a teacher is deregistered, their Appointment Notice is revoked, preventing them from applying for roles in schools, early childhood centres, universities, or vocational institutes.

What can lead to deregistration?

Serious issues such as criminal convictions, child protection breaches, or gross misconduct.
Repeated dishonesty, cultural insensitivity, or unprofessional social media behaviour, if severe or recurring.

Deregistration vs. Dismissal

It’s important to note that dismissal and deregistration are not the same.

Dismissal: A school terminates a teacher’s contract.
Deregistration: A KHDA decision that bars them from the entire education sector.

While deregistration often follows dismissal, it may also be applied independently based on evidence reviewed by KHDA.

Families confident in teacher quality under KHDA’s stricter recruitment standards.

Why These Rules Matter to Parents

For parents, the new KHDA rules mean:

Greater assurance that teachers are qualified and properly vetted.
More stability in staffing, reducing classroom disruptions.
Increased accountability for schools and educators.
Safer learning environments, with safeguarding and wellbeing at the forefront.

By raising standards across the sector, KHDA aims to ensure that Dubai’s private schools continue to attract and retain high-quality teachers, giving parents greater confidence in their child’s education.