New rules: Teachers face 90-day break before switching Dubai private schools
Deregistration policy bans teachers guilty of misconduct from reappointment
DUBAI – The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has released two new technical guides aimed at reshaping staffing practices in Dubai’s private education sector.
The Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff in Private Schools in Dubai and the Staff Deregistration Technical Guide are designed to enhance quality, accountability, and transparency in recruitment and conduct, ensuring that all learners are supported by educators who meet consistent professional standards.
The measures are aligned with the goals of Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy, particularly its Doing Great, FlexiReg Framework, and All Rise initiatives. Together, these place student wellbeing and teaching quality at the centre of educational transformation while promoting an agile and future-ready system.
Dr Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, said the initiative underlines the authority’s commitment to building a stable environment for both teachers and students. She emphasised that the guidelines not only protect learners but also support the retention of qualified educators and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for education and talent.
Teacher appointment rules
The appointment guide introduces a framework for hiring and retaining teachers, immediately
applicable to all Dubai private schools. It is designed to raise the quality of teaching and reduce the mid-year turnover of staff.
Key features include standardised qualification requirements that apply to all new teachers, including those teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies. Existing teachers have until September 2028 to meet the revised standards, while schools following an April academic calendar must comply by April 2029.
Another change is the introduction of the Appointment Notice, which formalises the commitment of each teacher or school leader to a particular institution. This replaces the previously issued Appointment Letter and must be obtained for every new hire or transfer within Dubai’s private schools.
The guide also sets out a 90-day rule for mid-term resignations. Any teacher or school leader leaving during an academic term, whether or not they serve their notice, must wait 90 days before joining another private school in Dubai. Those who resign at the end of a term and serve their full notice are not subject to this restriction.
Teachers and school leaders exiting their roles must also complete a KHDA Exit Survey before a new Appointment Notice can be issued. This requirement is intended to give insight into teacher turnover trends and help schools and the regulator address retention challenges.
All educators will additionally be required to complete induction training before assuming a role. Training covers safeguarding, inclusion, UAE values, and professional ethics. Teachers must also sign a Code of Conduct affirming their professional responsibilities.
Deregistration policy
The Staff Deregistration Technical Guide details the process through which KHDA can prohibit an individual from working in any KHDA-regulated private education setting. Once deregistered, the person’s Appointment Notice is revoked and they are barred from taking up teaching or administrative roles in schools, universities, early childhood centres, or vocational institutions within Dubai.
Serious offences such as criminal convictions, child protection breaches, and gross professional misconduct can lead to immediate deregistration. Other behaviours, including repeated dishonesty, inappropriate use of social media, and cultural insensitivity, may also trigger deregistration if deemed severe or recurring.
The guide reinforces the expectation that all education staff participate in regular training on ethics, safeguarding, and conduct. The aim is to ensure that learning environments across Dubai remain safe, respectful, and inclusive for all students.
Implementation support
Both technical guides are now accessible on the KHDA website. To support adoption, KHDA will host briefing sessions with educators, HR professionals, and governing boards. These will provide clarity on the new policies and ensure schools across Dubai are aligned with the standards.