In a surprising move, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that no inspections will be conducted for private schools in the emirate during the 2025–26 academic year.
This pause, which excludes only schools in their third year of operation, signals a shift in how Dubai will monitor educational quality. It forms part of KHDA’s evolving strategy under the Education 33 framework, aimed at ensuring every student receives a future-ready education.
What Will Replace KHDA School Inspections in 2025?
While full inspections are paused, KHDA will carry out targeted visits to focus on specific performance indicators. These visits will be informed by:
- Community feedback
- Each school’s submitted Self-Evaluation Form (SEF)
- Strategic priorities under the Education 33 Strategy
Schools must continue administering external benchmark assessments to ensure student progress is tracked consistently.
What Does the Pause Mean for School Fees?
What Does the KHDA School Inspection Pause Mean for School Fees?
Although full inspections are paused, school fee regulations will remain in place for the 2025–26 academic year.
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved an Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35% for all eligible for-profit private schools in the emirate. This ECI reflects operational costs—including staff salaries, support services, and rent—and is calculated based on audited financial data submitted by schools in partnership with Digital Dubai Authority.
Only schools rated Good or higher, and operating for more than three years, may submit applications for a fee adjustment up to—but not exceeding—2.35%. KHDA will review all applications to ensure alignment with approved criteria.
“The Education Cost Index for fee adjustments is based on a robust and transparent methodology that supports schools in Dubai to manage their resources while maintaining a high quality of education in line with the needs of students and parents,” said Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Licensing and Education Services at KHDA.
This regulation underscores KHDA’s sustainable approach to fee management, reinforcing Dubai Government’s goal of keeping private education transparent, efficient, and accessible.
Notably, Dubai’s private education sector continues to expand rapidly. Over the last two academic years, 15 new private schools have opened, with 20+ applications currently under review. The city now hosts 227 private schools, serving 387,441 students from 185 nationalities. Student enrolment surged by 12% in 2023–24 and grew by another 6% in 2024–25.
Why Is KHDA Pausing Full Inspections?
Fatma Ibrahim Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency at KHDA, explained the rationale behind the shift:
“Dubai’s private schools have consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to students’ learning and wellbeing.
The suspension of inspections next year will allow for greater collaboration and reflection on how we define and support quality in education.
Through targeted visits and ongoing engagement with schools, we will ensure that every child in Dubai continues to receive a high-quality education that aligns with the goals of our leadership and the Education 33 Strategy.”
A More Collaborative Path Ahead
The updated KHDA school inspections 2025 model signals a greater emphasis on trust, flexibility, and school-driven improvement. With schools empowered to showcase growth through self-evaluations and data, the focus now shifts to student wellbeing, academic rigour, and continuous innovation.
For parents, this means education providers will remain accountable—just with more agility. For schools, it offers breathing room to enhance internal development without the pressure of annual inspections.
About KHDA
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority is responsible for the growth, direction, and quality of private education in Dubai. Guided by the Education 33 Strategy, KHDA is working to build an agile, inclusive, and future-ready education system that supports lifelong learning and empowers every individual to thrive in a rapidly changing world. KHDA’s efforts contribute to the goals of the Dubai Plan 33 and its social and economic agendas and support the emirate’s vision to be a global leader in innovation, talent development, and quality of life.
For more information, visit the KHDA website or app to explore Dubai school ratings, news, and inspection frameworks.