Starting an Educational Training Centre in Dubai – All You Need to Know

Establishing an Educational Training Centre in Dubai can be a relatively uncomplicated endeavor. However, it entails extensive documentation, meticulous planning, and securing approvals from diverse government authorities. The Education and Training sector in Dubai is steadily expanding, presenting promising opportunities for growth.

Approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is required for all education-related activities, including training centers, tuition institutes, and learning centers in Dubai.

The UAE is experiencing rapid population growth, particularly in the student population. As a result, there is a surging demand for learning centers. Private educational institutions that uphold world-class standards are becoming increasingly necessary in the UAE.

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Dubai is emerging as a prominent educational hub in the UAE, witnessing a surge in the number of private and foreign educational training centers. The educational landscape in Dubai is experiencing rapid growth and development.

Dubai Government launched the KHDA to ensure that education providers are offering educational courses of high standards. KHDA acts as a governing authority for schools and training centers in UAE.

The KHDA plays a pivotal role in providing top-notch technical and vocational education, catering to the wide-ranging educational requirements of Dubai’s residents and employers. By ensuring high-quality standards, they contribute to the growth and development of the local educational landscape.

Where should you set up your Educational Training Institute in Dubai?

Educational training institutes can be established either on the Mainland or in any of the Freezones of Dubai. There are variations in the trade license issuance process for training institutes registered in the Freezones compared to those in the Mainland.

The Freezone authority or the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the Mainland will assess the documents submitted and issues the trade license.

The subsequent phase entails finalizing the business plan and facility layout, followed by submission of these details to the KHDA for approval.

Additionally, the course materials, supporting documents, and profiles of teachers/instructors must be submitted to the KHDA. Following the assessment and review of the submission, the KHDA will then issue the necessary permits.

Steps for KHDA Approval – Explained

Prior to submitting the required documents to obtain the educational institution permit from KHDA, several preparations, including documentation, planning, and paperwork, need to be completed.

Enlisting the expertise of a Business Consultant proves invaluable in tackling this task, as it demands considerable effort and time if undertaken solo. A seasoned consultant can effectively streamline your endeavors, conserving both time and resources while minimizing wasteful efforts.

Now, let’s delve into the process of obtaining an education institution license. The issuance of the KHDA educational permit involves two steps. Just like any other business, the first step is to determine the preferred business jurisdiction for incorporating your training/learning center – Mainland or Freezone.

Upon receiving the necessary approval from the relevant Commercial Authority, proceed with applying for the trade/professional license accordingly. Subsequently, submit an application for the KHDA Permit to ensure compliance with regulations.

To obtain the KHDA Permit, it is necessary to submit the required documents, including the trade name approval, Registration Plan, and other relevant paperwork. Once your documents have been assessed, you will receive the initial approval from KHDA.

After obtaining your trade license, it’s time to select a suitable location for your physical office. Prepare the lease agreement and other necessary supporting documents, then resubmit them to the KHDA to secure your educational training permit.

2 Phased Process of KHDA Permit Approval Process

Phase 1

  • Application for a New Educational Service Permit
  • Trade Name Reservation and Initial Approval from relevant Commercial Authority
  • Training Institution Registration Plan
  • NOCs from Other Government Authorities
  • Course List and Teacher/Instructor Profile

Phase 2: The next stage

  • Trade/Professional License
  • Location Map
  • Lease Agreement
  • Environment, Health & Safety Standard Certificate

Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Dubai’s educational institutions and training centers fall under the governance of the KHDA. Within the KHDA, the Qualifications and Awards in Dubai (QAD) is responsible for overseeing the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The QAD endeavors to maintain exemplary standards of education in the technical and vocational domains.

Also, the training modules are aimed to enhance the skill and knowledge of the workforce in Dubai.

Key Responsibilities entrusted to the Educational Institutions by KHDA

Quality Assurance

Educational providers are required to adhere to the highest quality standards set by KHDA. Therefore, training institutions should always be prepared and cooperative during inspections, promptly providing the necessary information when requested by KHDA.

Advertising

Before embarking on any advertising or utilizing marketing materials for promotional purposes, as an educational provider, it is imperative to obtain prior approvals from KHDA. This ensures compliance and upholds the standards of excellence in our endeavors.

Licensing Private Educational Institutes

The registration of private schools in the UAE is overseen by the Ministry of Education, with the exception of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Education and Knowledge, and in Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, are entrusted with the responsibility of registering private schools in their respective Emirates.

What are the benefits of Setting Up an Educational Institute in Dubai?

Following are the benefits of an educational institute in Dubai:

1. Obtaining an educational institute license from a Freezone offers numerous advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, 100% profit repatriation, reduced operating expenses, and access to custom-built office space with excellent infrastructure facilities.

2. A Mainland Educational Company possesses the flexibility to select the perfect location for your institute throughout the UAE, ensuring optimal placement to meet your needs.

3. Ability to collaborate with foreign educational institutions in the UAE. Affiliate with the international curriculum and educational brands to launch your service effectively.

4. Commercial training institutes are tax-free and hence there is no corporate tax applicable.

5. Additionally, Mainland companies will give access to the local markets and the ability to contract with large companies, education institutes, government agencies, etc.

Teachers Licensing System (TLS)

The Ministry of Education in the UAE has introduced the Teachers Licensing System, which aims to provide licenses to principals, cluster managers, and teachers in both public and private schools. This initiative serves to enhance the quality of education and ensure professional standards are met across the board.

Teachers will undergo a test, and upon successfully passing, they will receive a license valid for one to three years. The duration will depend on their qualifications, test scores, and experience.

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To know more about the License Issuance of Educational and Training Centres in Dubai, talk to our experts right away!

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