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KHDA: Early childhood education operators in Dubai to benefit from new investment guide

by Eddie Rayner

A new guide to support investors in Dubai’s early childhood education and care sector has just been released. Designed to promote growth and quality in the sector, the guide includes detailed information on educational and operational requirements of opening or expanding an early childhood education sector in Dubai.


New guide includes detailed guidelines for setting up or expanding early childhood centres in Dubai


Mohammed Darwish, CEO of Permits and Compliance at KHDA said: “The benefits of high-quality education and care are well-documented, both to children’s development and to society as a whole.  We have high expectations of Dubai’s early years education sector, and this guide gives operators the information they need to offer high-quality provision. We plan on working closely with our partners in this sector to ensure that children are able to learn and thrive in an environment that puts their wellbeing at heart.”


Application processes have been streamlined, making for a quicker and more efficient experience


In line with Dubai Government directives, the process to open or expand an early education centre has been streamlined, with reduced documentation requirements and faster processing times.

Guidelines for early childhood centres include:

  • New centres need to have dedicated education and care plans and have a clear governance structure in place
  • All staff employed must have suitable attributes, qualifications, knowledge and experience for their role
  • Staff caring for children aged 45 days to 35 months should have expertise in baby and toddler care and development

More than 200 nurseries and early childhood centres, including 15 new centres that opened in 2021, currently cater to children from 45 days old up to six years of age. To read the full guide, visit the KHDA website’s publication page.


The guide serves existing customers better; makes it easier for operators to invest in Dubai


Admission Guidelines for Early Years Education

A child must be aged between 45 days and six years to be admitted to an early childhood centre in Dubai.

Grade/StageMinimum AgeMaximum Age
Early Learning Stage45 days1
12
23
Pre-KG/FS 134
KG 1/ FS 245
KG 2/ Year 156
Age of the students as of August 31

To read and download the full guide, visit:

https://beta.khda.gov.ae/getattachment/About-Us/Whats-New/How-to-open-or-expand-an-early-childhood-centre-in/ECC-Investor-Guide-En.pdf.aspx?lang=en-GB