Dubai Tightens Teacher Rules with New KHDA Standards and 90-Day Resignation Policy

Dubai has introduced stricter rules for private school teachers, including new qualification requirements and a 90-day waiting period for mid-term resignations. The measures, announced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), are designed to strengthen staffing, improve teacher quality, and ensure greater stability across schools.

All new teachers, including those teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies, must meet KHDA-approved standards for qualifications, experience, and conduct. Current teachers already in service have until September 2028 to meet the requirements, while schools following the April academic calendar have until April 2029.

A key rule requires teachers and school leaders who resign in the middle of a term or semester—regardless of whether they serve their notice—to wait 90 days before joining another private school in Dubai. This restriction does not apply to those leaving at the end of a term after completing their notice period.

The KHDA has also launched its Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff in Private Schools in Dubai, which takes immediate effect. The guide introduces several new measures:

• Appointment Notices: Every teacher and leader must now have a KHDA-issued Appointment Notice, replacing the older Appointment Letter, to formalize their role.

• Exit Surveys: Departing educators must complete a KHDA Exit Survey before joining another school, helping track turnover trends.

• Mandatory Training: All teachers must complete induction programs covering safeguarding, inclusion, UAE values, and ethics, along with signing a Code of Conduct.

Dr. Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, said the changes are designed to build “a stable and supportive environment for teachers and school communities” while positioning Dubai as a global hub for high-quality education.

The KHDA guide is now available online, with upcoming briefing sessions for school leaders, HR teams, and governing boards to help with smooth implementation.