New resolution issued on private schools in Dubai

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued the Executive Council Resolution No. 02 of 2017 on private schooling in Dubai.

The new Resolution establishes the legal framework to further the interests of parents, school operators and investors in Dubai. It enhances access to high quality education in Dubai, provides assurance to the community, and supports good practices by providing greater transparency, in line with Dubai’s strategic plan. The Resolution also aims to encourage investment in private schooling and best international practices. It authorizes Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, KHDA, to oversee the private schooling sector in Dubai.

The Resolution applies to all organisations that offer private schooling in Dubai, including those in private development zones, free zones and Dubai International Financial Centre.

The Resolution also ensures that all private schools employ qualified teachers; have a clear student safety and policy; take responsibility for student safety on school premises, buses and during school trips; and have a professional development plan for faculty and staff.

The Resolution gives KHDA the authority to support students and facilitate integration of students with special education needs in private schools; set the requirements and standards that deliver quality education; receive and investigate complaints; issue initial permits and licenses for private schools; determine the adequacy of a proposed location and academic plan for new schools; specify the terms, conditions, policies and procedures required for curriculum accreditation, schools certificates’ equivalency and attestation; manage a database for private schools in Dubai; forecast and plan the emirates’ future educational needs; inspect schools and ensure compliance; and levy penalties in case of violations.

Schools must obtain approval for the appointment of school operators; the school and campus engineering design and technical specifications; the appointment and replacement of school principals and faculty; amendments to education permits; student registration; extra-curricular activities; counselling, social, media and psychological services; fundraising activities and receiving donations; setting and adjusting tuition fees; offering tuition discounts; the academic calendar; amendments or adjustments to the curriculum; setting an ethics and professionalism charter; and changing school name, address, buildings or facilities.

The Resolution prohibits any interference in the school’s affairs from any party other than the operator or the principal. This Resolution is valid from the date it is published in the Official Gazette. All private schools in Dubai must adhere to the articles of this Resolution within one year.

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