Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced a new set of rules that will reshape how teachers are hired, managed, and regulated in private schools across the city. The updated guidelines bring greater clarity on staff appointments, resignations, safeguarding responsibilities, and professional conduct.
The new framework is part of KHDA’s wider effort to raise accountability in the education sector, reduce disruptive teacher turnover, and create safer, more consistent learning environments for students.
New appointment rules for teachers
Private schools in Dubai must now follow stricter standards when appointing new teachers and school leaders. Every appointment requires an official Appointment Notice, issued by KHDA, which confirms that the teacher meets all qualification and conduct requirements.
This Appointment Notice replaces the older Appointment Letter and applies specifically to one school. If a teacher transfers to another private school, the previous notice becomes void, and a new one must be issued.
Teachers currently employed in private schools have a grace period. Those who do not plan to change schools must align with the new requirements by September 2028, or by April 2029 for schools that follow an April-start academic year.
Teacher resignations and transfers
One of the most significant changes is a 90-day rule for resignations. If a teacher leaves their role mid-term, even after serving contractual notice, they must wait 90 days before joining another private school in Dubai. This measure is designed to prevent disruptions to students’ learning.
However, the rule does not apply to teachers who resign at the end of a term or semester, provided that their notice period is served correctly.
Teachers leaving a school are also required to complete an Exit Survey with KHDA before moving to another institution. This step aims to give the authority better insights into staff turnover and movement across schools.
Safeguarding and professional conduct
The new guidelines place strong emphasis on safeguarding and ethical behaviour. Before starting their role, teachers must complete induction training that covers child protection, inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and UAE values. They are also required to sign a formal Code of Conduct that outlines expected professional standards.
The rules make it clear that serious breaches — such as criminal convictions, child protection failures, or repeated professional misconduct — can result in deregistration. Once deregistered, a teacher cannot work at any KHDA-regulated private school or educational institution in Dubai.
Impact on teachers, schools, and families
For teachers, the new rules mean greater clarity but also stricter accountability. Career moves must be planned carefully, especially mid-term, while compliance with qualifications, safeguarding training, and conduct codes will be essential.
Schools will need to adapt hiring practices, update HR procedures, and ensure compliance with the Appointment Notice system. Regular monitoring of staff conduct, onboarding with induction modules, and timely submission of Exit Surveys will now be mandatory.
For parents and students, these measures are expected to bring more stability in classrooms, fewer mid-year teacher departures, and higher confidence in the professionalism and safety of school staff.
Long-term education strategy
By introducing these rules, the KHDA aims to establish a higher standard for teacher quality in Dubai’s private schools. The move aligns with the emirate’s long-term education strategy, which focuses on transparency, consistency, and safeguarding student well-being.
While the transition period allows time for schools and teachers to adjust, the expectation is clear: private education in Dubai must continue to reflect the city’s reputation for excellence and high standards.
KHDA’s new teacher rules signal a decisive step in improving Dubai’s private education sector. The focus on careful hiring, responsible resignations, safeguarding, and conduct will help raise the overall quality of education while ensuring children learn in stable and secure environments.
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