Dubai Announces Stricter Eligibility Criteria and 90-Day Resignation Rule for Teachers
New KHDA Teacher Requirements 2025 Now in Effect
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced significant new measures to strengthen staffing in private schools across the emirate. These changes, effective immediately, include stricter qualification requirements, enhanced conduct standards, and a mandatory 90-day waiting period for teachers who resign mid-term.
🎯 Key Impact
All new teachers must now meet KHDA-approved qualifications, experience, and conduct standards. The new Technical Guide for Appointing Teaching Staff aims to improve teacher quality and reduce mid-year turnover across Dubai’s private schools.
🔄 Major Changes Overview
📚 Enhanced Qualifications
All new teachers, including those teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies, must meet KHDA-approved qualification and experience standards before appointment.
⏰ 90-Day Resignation Rule
Teachers leaving mid-term must wait 90 days before taking up new teaching roles at other Dubai private schools, regardless of notice period completion.
📋 Mandatory Appointment Notices
Schools must apply for Appointment Notices for every teacher and school leader, replacing the previous Appointment Letter system.
📊 Exit Survey Requirements
All departing staff must complete KHDA Exit Surveys before new Appointment Notices can be issued, helping track turnover trends.
📅 Implementation Timeline
🚀 Immediate Effect: New qualification and conduct requirements apply to all new and transferring educators
🍂 September 2028: Existing teachers at current schools must meet new requirements (September academic year schools)
🌸 April 2029: Deadline for schools beginning academic year in April
🎓 Mandatory Training Requirements
All educators must complete comprehensive induction training before beginning any teaching role. This training covers:
- 🛡️ Safeguarding protocols – Protecting student welfare and safety
- 🤝 Inclusion practices – Supporting diverse learning needs
- 🇦🇪 UAE values – Understanding local culture and expectations
- ⚖️ Professional ethics – Maintaining high standards of conduct
Additionally, all teachers must sign a Code of Conduct as part of their appointment process.
✅ Get KHDA Compliant Training with Z PD
Ensure your teaching staff meets the new KHDA requirements with our comprehensive e-learning courses. We offer all 6 KHDA mandatory professional development courses designed to help educators excel in Dubai’s private schools.
📚 Explore KHDA Training Courses 💬 Contact Our Team💡 What This Means for Schools and Teachers
🏫 For Schools:
- Enhanced recruitment processes with stricter vetting requirements
- Improved staff stability through reduced mid-year turnover
- Mandatory briefing sessions to understand implementation requirements
- Need to ensure all staff complete required training and documentation
👩🏫 For Teachers:
- Higher qualification and experience standards for new appointments
- Mandatory professional development and induction training
- 90-day waiting period if leaving mid-term (does not apply to end-of-term departures)
- Required completion of exit surveys when changing schools
“These new guidelines represent a major step toward creating a stable and supportive environment for teachers and school communities, while ensuring all educators meet consistent, high-quality standards.” – Dr Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA
🌟 Supporting Dubai’s Educational Excellence
These measures align with Dubai’s vision to maintain its position as a global destination for exceptional education. By reinforcing clear expectations for recruitment, conduct, and accountability, the guidelines support school leaders, protect student well-being, and strengthen the overall quality of private education in the emirate.
The KHDA has made the complete Technical Guide available on their website, with planned briefing sessions for schools, HR professionals, and governing boards to support smooth implementation.
🚀 Stay Prepared with Z PD
As these new requirements take effect, ensure your teaching staff is fully prepared and compliant. Our KHDA-aligned professional development courses provide the training and certification needed to meet these enhanced standards.