Latest news with #KHDA
What's On
2 days ago
- Business
- What's On
New schools opening in UAE in 2025 and 2026
From British to IB schools, here's a look at the new schools opening in the UAE across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in 2025 and 2026. Dubai schools opening this month GEMS School of Research and Innovation GEMS School of Research and Innovation is a premium, forward-thinking institution located in Dubai Sports City, offering education from Foundation 1 through to Year 13. The school is designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and advanced research skills. Set on an impressive campus valued at just under Dhs4 million and spanning 47,600 square meters, the state of the art facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated science and technology labs, innovation hubs, and extensive sports and arts amenities. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and cutting-edge educational practices, GEMS aims to foster a dynamic and inspiring environment where students can excel academically and personally. Opening: August 2025 Location: Dubai Sports City Tuition fees: Dhs116,000 to Dhs206,000 annually Dubai British School (DBS) The school's performance and educational practices are exceptionally high, consistently surpassing expectations set by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the regulatory authority overseeing private education quality in Dubai. This strong commitment to excellence ensures a supportive learning environment that fosters academic achievement and holistic development. Dubai British School Mira will be the fourth branch in the Dubai British School family, joining the well established Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Park campuses. Like its sister schools, DBS Mira follows the National Curriculum for England, providing an internationally recognized education framework. Notably, the Emirates Hills campus has maintained an 'Outstanding' KHDA rating since 2017, reflecting the school's long-standing dedication to superior teaching standards, student progress, and wellbeing. Opening: August 2025 Location: Mira, Dubai Tuition fees: From Dh51,477 (FS1) to Dh77,217 (Year 13) Victory Heights Primary School Victory Heights Primary School in City of Arabia is a standalone primary institution catering to students from Foundation Stage to Year 6. It is closely affiliated as a sister school to the highly regarded Victory Heights Primary School in Dubai Sports City, which has earned an 'Outstanding' rating from the KHDA. The school is committed to delivering high-quality education with a focus on nurturing young learners through a balanced curriculum and a supportive, community-driven environment. Opening: August 2025 Location: City of Arabia, Dubailandteach Tuition fees: Dh40,000 to Dh57,000 annually BC Academy BC Academy is a boutique private school located in Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah, offering a personalised and student-focused learning experience. Situated on a spacious 20,000 square meter campus, the school has the capacity to accommodate up to 700 pupils. BC Academy is known for its commitment to small class sizes, tailored teaching approaches where students can thrive academically and socially. Opening: 2025 Location: Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah, Dubai Dubai English Speaking School Academic City (DESSC) DESSC is a primary-only school in Academic City that follows the English National Curriculum. It offers a strong foundation in core subjects while fostering creativity and personal growth in a supportive environment. The school focuses on high teaching standards and well-rounded development to prepare students for future academic success. Opening: August 2025 Location: Academic City, Dubai Tuition fees: Dh55,250 to Dh63,750 Image: Unsplash Dubai schools opening in 2026 Ash Mount School Ash Mount School, launched by Interstar Education, is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School serving students aged 3 to 18 in the Mudon community. The school offers a comprehensive IB curriculum designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are equipped to succeed in a global society. Ash Mount School focuses on fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal growth within a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Opening: August 2026 Location: Mudon, Dubai Harrow International School Dubai Harrow International School Dubai is the city's first Harrow school and is operated by the renowned education provider Taaleem. Located on a vast 50,000 square meter campus along Hessa Street, the school has capacity for up to 1,800 students. It offers a world-class British curriculum with an emphasis on leadership, character development, and academic excellence, reflecting the prestigious heritage of the original Harrow School in the UK. Opening: 2026 Location: Hessa Street, Dubai Image: Supplied Abu Dhabi schools opening Gordonstoun School Gordonstoun School's first overseas campus is opening on Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone for this renowned Scottish independent school. Known globally for its unique approach to education combining academic excellence with outdoor learning and character development, Gordonstoun Abu Dhabi aims to offer the same values-driven, holistic education. The campus will provide a rigorous academic programme alongside extensive opportunities for personal growth and leadership. Opening: 2027 Location: Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi Harrow International School The new Harrow International School on Saadiyat Island is an extension of the prestigious Harrow brand, operated by Taaleem. With a capacity for 1,800 students, the school offers the distinguished British curriculum alongside a strong emphasis on leadership, character building, and academic excellence. Designed with state-of-the-art facilities, it serves the growing demand for premium international education in Abu Dhabi's cultural district. Opening: 2026 Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Yasmina American School Yasmina American School is an affordable option within the Aldar Education portfolio, offering a high-quality American curriculum education in Abu Dhabi. It serves families seeking a US-style education with a focus on academic rigor, holistic development, and extracurricular opportunities. As the second school in Aldar's American curriculum group, Yasmina aims to provide accessible education that prepares students for success in local and international contexts. Opening: August 2025 Location: Abu Dhabi Image: Supplied Sharjah schools opening Reigate Grammar School Reigate Grammar School is a branch of one of the UK's most historic and highly ranked private schools, known for its academic excellence and extensive extracurricular programme. Located in the Masaar community of Sharjah, this new campus will have the capacity to accommodate up to 2,700 students when it opens in 2027. Offering a British curriculum, the school combines traditional values with modern teaching methods and state-of-the-art facilities, catering to families seeking a prestigious UK education within the UAE. Opening: 2027 Location: Masaar, Sharjah Rushmore American School Rushmore American School is a new K–12 institution offering a comprehensive US curriculum education, set to open in 2025 in the Al Suyoh residential area of Sharjah. The school aims to provide a rigorous American education framework designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills from early childhood through to high school graduation. With a focus on academic excellence and holistic student development, Rushmore will serve the growing demand for quality US curriculum options in Sharjah. Opening: 2025 Location: Al Suyoh, Sharjah With a diverse range of curriculum choices and state-of-the-art facilities, the UAE's education landscape continues to expand, offering families even more opportunities to find the right fit for their children in the coming years. Images: Unsplash
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Dubai's 23 best-ranked schools with annual tuition fees
Parents in Dubai have the choice of dozens of highly rated private schools. Twenty-three schools in the emirate have been rated as 'outstanding' with 48 considered 'very good' by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), according to its latest report. The authority regulates and periodically inspects the emirate's schools, and their scale also includes ratings of 'good', 'acceptable' and 'weak'. The inspections mainly focus on two criteria – wellbeing and inclusion. Schools must also meet the requirements of the National Agenda Parameter which examines their performance in international assessments and progress towards meeting those targets. The parameter also looks at the results of external assessments for key subjects. Pause in inspections The authority released a report rating 209 schools in 2024 and announced that they would be pausing full inspections for the 2025-26 academic year for most schools. Only schools in their third year of operation would be subject to a comprehensive inspection, the authority clarified in May. It said the pause was part of an 'evolving approach to supporting quality education in the emirate'. The inspections were also paused during the 2024-2025 academic year. However, schools will have to continue measuring students' academic progress through external benchmark assessments and submit self-evaluation forms as required. KHDA will monitor school progress with targeted visits focused on specific criteria, Fatma Ibrahim Belrehif, chief executive of the Education Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency at KHDA, said in May. Demand is higher than ever. Dubai's private school operators told The National last year that they were planning to expand campuses and launch more schools to keep up with demand from the growing population. More than two million more people are expected to be living in the emirate within six years. Here are the 23 schools rated as 'outstanding': Deira International School, Dubai Festival City Curriculum: British/International Baccalaureate (IB) Fees: From Dh44,616 in Foundation Stage 1 to Dh89,889 in Year 13 The school operates under the Al Futtaim Education Foundation and was founded in 2005. Dubai English Speaking College, Academic City Curriculum: British Fees: Dh84,326 for Years 7 to 11 and Dh90,633 in sixth form Part of the Dubai English Speaking Schools group, the institution offers the UK curriculum to Year 7 and above. Dubai English Speaking School, Umm Hurair Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh43,084 in FS1 to Dh53,320 in Year 6 The primary school (for children aged three to 11) in Oud Metha has maintained its top rating since 2018. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, Al Safa Curriculum: British Fees: Dh44,200 in FS1 and Dh55,714 for Foundation Stage 2 to Year 6 The primary school, founded in 1996, has been rated 'outstanding' since 2010. GEMS Wellington International School Curriculum: British/International Baccalaureate (IB) Fees: From Dh47,527 in FS1 to Dh103,399 in Year 13 This school offers the UK curriculum from Foundation Stage to Year 11 and the IB Diploma Programme courses and careers programme in Years 12 and 13. Horizons English School, Al Wasl Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh43,849 in FS1 to Dh58,825 in Year 6 The primary school is part of the Cognita group. Jumeirah College, Al Safa Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh78,496 in Year 7 to Dh98,681 in Year 13 This GEMS Education school offers Year 7 to 13 and has been consistently rated 'outstanding' since 2010. Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Al Barsha Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh69,625 in FS1 to Dh105,288 in Year 13 The school follows the British curriculum and offers the IB Diploma programme too. Safa Community School, Al Barsha Curriculum: British Fees: Dh54,437 in FS1 to Dh89,440 in Year 13 The school, founded in 2014, improved from 'very good' to 'outstanding' in the latest inspections. Victory Heights Primary School, Dubai Sports City Curriculum: British Fees: Dh40,138 in FS1 to Dh54,733 in Year 6 The primary-only school was founded in 2012 and offers after-school care options. Dubai British School, Emirates Hills Curriculum: British Fees: Dh53,027 in FS1 to Dh79,541 in Year 13 This Taaleem group school features two campuses that are walking distance away from each other – one for nursery to Year 2 and the other for Years 3 to 13. Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park Curriculum: British Fees: Dh64,160 in Year 1 to Dh83,015 in Year 13 Another Taaleem institution, the school achieved its 'outstanding' rating after the 2024 inspection. GEMS Dubai American Academy, Al Barsha Curriculum: American/IB Fees: Dh66,185 in KG1-2 and Dh93,300 for grades 1 to 12 Founded in 1997, the American school has been consistently rated 'outstanding' since 2011-12. GEMS Modern Academy, Nad Al Sheba Curriculum: Indian/IB Fees: Dh38,246 in KG1 to Dh56,706 in Grade 12 (Indian) and Dh73,876 in Grade 12 (IB) This school is the only Indian curriculum school on this list and offers a dual curriculum pathway that allows a choice between Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and IB programmes. Jumeirah English Speaking School, Jumeirah Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh54,129 in FS1 to Dh65,097 in Year 6 JESS was founded in 1976 and is a primary-only school (FS1 to Year 6), Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh54,129 in FS1 to Dh104,544 in Year 13 The Arabian Ranches branch of JESS offers both primary and secondary schooling. Kings School Al Barsha Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh57,999 in FS1 to Dh105,873 in Year 13 Part of the Kings Schools group, the Al Barsha institution was founded in 2014. Kings School Dubai, Umm Suqeim Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh47,179 in FS1 to Dh71,801 in Year 6 This primary school is next to Burj Al Arab. Dubai College, Al Sufouh Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh97,415 in Year 7 to Dh110,305 in Year 13 The secondary-only campus was established in 1978. Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills Curriculum: IB Fees: From Dh44,979 in KG1 to Dh79,696 in Grade 12 Established in 2005, the school offers the complete IB continuum curriculum from KG1 to Year 13. Lycee Francais International, Oud Metha Curriculum: French Fees: From Dh29,488 in preschool to Dh62,363 in the final year This French international school got its first 'outstanding' rating after the 2023-2024 inspection cycle. Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha Curriculum: French Fees: From Dh31,276 in preschool to Dh50,700 in the final year This French school is a partner institution of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and also offers the full French curriculum from preschool to Grade 12. Repton School, Nad Al Sheba Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh57,178 in FS1 to Dh102,753 in Year 13 This British-curriculum school has a boarding option for students in Years 7 to 13. The fees mentioned are for the 2025-2026 academic calendar and taken from the official websites of the schools and cross-checked on the KHDA school fact sheets where the latest information was not available. These amounts do not include other fees including and not limited to registration fees, transportation, extra-curricular activities, or other administrative fees.
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Dubai's 23 best-ranked schools and how much they charge
Parents in Dubai have the choice of dozens of highly rated private schools. Twenty-three schools in the emirate have been rated as 'outstanding' with 48 considered 'very good' by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), according to its latest report. The authority regulates and periodically inspects the emirate's schools, and their scale also includes ratings of 'good', 'acceptable' and 'weak'. The inspections mainly focus on two criteria – wellbeing and inclusion. Schools must also meet the requirements of the National Agenda Parameter which examines their performance in international assessments and progress towards meeting those targets. The parameter also looks at the results of external assessments for key subjects. Pause in inspections The authority released a report rating 209 schools in 2024 and announced that they would be pausing full inspections for the 2025-26 academic year for most schools. Only schools in their third year of operation would be subject to a comprehensive inspection, the authority clarified in May. It said the pause was part of an 'evolving approach to supporting quality education in the emirate'. The inspections were also paused during the 2024-2025 academic year. However, schools will have to continue measuring students' academic progress through external benchmark assessments and submit self-evaluation forms as required. KHDA will monitor school progress with targeted visits focused on specific criteria, Fatma Ibrahim Belrehif, chief executive of the Education Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency at KHDA, said in May. Demand is higher than ever. Dubai's private school operators told The National last year that they were planning to expand campuses and launch more schools to keep up with demand from the growing population. More than two million more people are expected to be living in the emirate within six years. Here are the 23 schools rated as 'outstanding': Deira International School, Dubai Festival City Curriculum: British/International Baccalaureate (IB) Fees: From Dh44,616 in Foundation Stage 1 to Dh89,889 in Year 13 The school operates under the Al Futtaim Education Foundation and was founded in 2005. Dubai English Speaking College, Academic City Curriculum: British Fees: Dh84,326 for Years 7 to 11 and Dh90,633 in sixth form Part of the Dubai English Speaking Schools group, the institution offers the UK curriculum to Year 7 and above. Dubai English Speaking School, Umm Hurair Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh43,084 in FS1 to Dh53,320 in Year 6 The primary school (for children aged three to 11) in Oud Metha has maintained its top rating since 2018. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, Al Safa Curriculum: British Fees: Dh44,200 in FS1 and Dh55,714 for Foundation Stage 2 to Year 6 The primary school, founded in 1996, has been rated 'outstanding' since 2010. GEMS Wellington International School Curriculum: British/International Baccalaureate (IB) Fees: From Dh47,527 in FS1 to Dh103,399 in Year 13 This school offers the UK curriculum from Foundation Stage to Year 11 and the IB Diploma Programme courses and careers programme in Years 12 and 13. Horizons English School, Al Wasl Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh43,849 in FS1 to Dh58,825 in Year 6 The primary school is part of the Cognita group. Jumeirah College, Al Safa Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh78,496 in Year 7 to Dh98,681 in Year 13 This GEMS Education school offers Year 7 to 13 and has been consistently rated 'outstanding' since 2010. Nord Anglia International School Dubai, Al Barsha Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh69,625 in FS1 to Dh105,288 in Year 13 The school follows the British curriculum and offers the IB Diploma programme too. Safa Community School, Al Barsha Curriculum: British Fees: Dh54,437 in FS1 to Dh89,440 in Year 13 The school, founded in 2014, improved from 'very good' to 'outstanding' in the latest inspections. Victory Heights Primary School, Dubai Sports City Curriculum: British Fees: Dh40,138 in FS1 to Dh54,733 in Year 6 The primary-only school was founded in 2012 and offers after-school care options. Dubai British School, Emirates Hills Curriculum: British Fees: Dh53,027 in FS1 to Dh79,541 in Year 13 This Taaleem group school features two campuses that are walking distance away from each other – one for nursery to Year 2 and the other for Years 3 to 13. Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park Curriculum: British Fees: Dh64,160 in Year 1 to Dh83,015 in Year 13 Another Taaleem institution, the school achieved its 'outstanding' rating after the 2024 inspection. GEMS Dubai American Academy, Al Barsha Curriculum: American/IB Fees: Dh66,185 in KG1-2 and Dh93,300 for grades 1 to 12 Founded in 1997, the American school has been consistently rated 'outstanding' since 2011-12. GEMS Modern Academy, Nad Al Sheba Curriculum: Indian/IB Fees: Dh38,246 in KG1 to Dh56,706 in Grade 12 (Indian) and Dh73,876 in Grade 12 (IB) This school is the only Indian curriculum school on this list and offers a dual curriculum pathway that allows a choice between Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and IB programmes. Jumeirah English Speaking School, Jumeirah Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh54,129 in FS1 to Dh65,097 in Year 6 JESS was founded in 1976 and is a primary-only school (FS1 to Year 6), Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh54,129 in FS1 to Dh104,544 in Year 13 The Arabian Ranches branch of JESS offers both primary and secondary schooling. Kings School Al Barsha Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh57,999 in FS1 to Dh105,873 in Year 13 Part of the Kings Schools group, the Al Barsha institution was founded in 2014. Kings School Dubai, Umm Suqeim Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh47,179 in FS1 to Dh71,801 in Year 6 This primary school is next to Burj Al Arab. Dubai College, Al Sufouh Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh97,415 in Year 7 to Dh110,305 in Year 13 The secondary-only campus was established in 1978. Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills Curriculum: IB Fees: From Dh44,979 in KG1 to Dh79,696 in Grade 12 Established in 2005, the school offers the complete IB continuum curriculum from KG1 to Year 13. Lycee Francais International, Oud Metha Curriculum: French Fees: From Dh29,488 in preschool to Dh62,363 in the final year This French international school got its first 'outstanding' rating after the 2023-2024 inspection cycle. Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha Curriculum: French Fees: From Dh31,276 in preschool to Dh50,700 in the final year This French school is a partner institution of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and also offers the full French curriculum from preschool to Grade 12. Repton School, Nad Al Sheba Curriculum: British Fees: From Dh57,178 in FS1 to Dh102,753 in Year 13 This British-curriculum school has a boarding option for students in Years 7 to 13. The fees mentioned are for the 2025-2026 academic calendar and taken from the official websites of the schools and cross-checked on the KHDA school fact sheets where the latest information was not available. These amounts do not include other fees including and not limited to registration fees, transportation, extra-curricular activities, or other administrative fees.
Khaleej Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
New Dubai schools opening in 2025–26: Your admission cheat sheet
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not just growing — they're reimagining the school experience. From cutting-edge campuses to curriculum innovation, the race to expand capacity and offer diverse learning pathways is in full swing. Fuelled by government vision and rising parental expectations, the surge in new school openings is reshaping the educational landscape. In Dubai alone, more than 16,000 new seats were added in the 2024–25 academic year, pushing private school enrolment past 387,000 students and counting. This momentum is set to continue. As part of the Education 33 (E33) strategy, authorities plan to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033 across both emirates, aiming to add nearly 50,000 school seats. The focus isn't just on growth; it's also about improving access, affordability, and the overall student experience, with future-ready learning at the core. Already, four new schools are confirmed to open in Dubai in 2025 and two more in 2026, with over 20 applications currently under KHDA review. These schools will bring much-needed capacity, especially for primary-aged children, and will be located in key residential hubs such as Dubai Sports City, City of Arabia, Academic City, Emirates Hills, and Jumeirah Park. Whether you're a new resident or simply looking for the right fit for your child, navigating the admissions landscape can be overwhelming. This cheat sheet breaks down everything you need to know about the new schools opening in 2025–26: from curricula and location to tuition fees, helping you make informed choices during this period of rapid expansion. Summary table: New schools opening in 2025–26 Dubai British School Mira to open in August 2025, expanding Taaleem's DBS network Opening: August 2025 Grades: FS1 to Year 6 initially, expanding to Year 13 Curriculum: National Curriculum for England Fees: Dh51,477–Dh58,836 annually Location: Reem and Mira communities Operator: Taaleem Highlights: Inclusive ethos, strong academics, and part of the 'Outstanding'-rated DBS Emirates Hills network Victory Heights Primary School to open new campus in City of Arabia Opening: August 2025 Grades: FS1 to Year 6 Curriculum: British Fees: Dh40,000–Dh57,000 annually Capacity: 850 students Location: City of Arabia, Dubailand Operator: Interstar Advisory Services Highlights: Outstanding KHDA rating, play-based learning, focus on oracy Images: Supplied by Interstar Education (VHPS) Dubai English Speaking School to open new campus in Academic City in 2025 Opening: September 2025 Grades: FS1 to Year 6 Curriculum: National Curriculum for England Fees: Dh51,477–Dh77,217 annually Capacity: 1,250 students (six to seven classes per year group) Location: Academic City, opposite DESSC Operator: Not-for-profit (DESS) Highlights: Capped class sizes (20 in FS, 23 in Years 1–6), forest school, swimming pool, and adventure playground Images: From DESS website GEMS School of Research and Innovation set to become a premium educational institution in Dubai Sports City Opening: TBC (expected 2025) Grades: Initially up to Year 6 Curriculum: English National Curriculum Fees: Starting at Dh152,000; upper years exceed Dh200,000 Location: Dubai Sports City Operator: GEMS Education Highlights: Innovation labs, AI-focused curriculum, Olympic pool, 200-seat basketball arena, fencing, and martial arts dojo Class Size: Max 16 in early years, 20 by Year 6 Incentive: 20% founding discount for FS1–Year 6 Harrow International School Dubai to open in 2026 Opening: 2026 Grades: Early Years to Year 6 (initially) Curriculum: British (Harrow approach) Fees: Dh80,000–Dh100,000 for primary years Location: Along Hessa Street, near Emirates Hills Operator: Taaleem Capacity: Up to 2,000 students Highlights: STEAM labs, Centre for Performing Arts, neuroarchitectural design, values-based leadership programme Ash Mount School set to bring full IB curriculum to Dubai's Mudon in 2026
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How to qualify for UAE Golden Visa for educators: Eligibility, application process, everything you need to know
Earlier reserved for investors, Dubai's Golden Visa has now expanded to include teachers, principals, and academic leaders via KHDA/ Representaive Image What Is the UAE Golden Visa ? The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program launched in 2019 to attract and retain exceptional talent in key sectors such as investment, science, medicine, entrepreneurship, and now, education. It offers qualified individuals a 5- or 10-year renewable residency in the UAE, granting them the ability to live, work, study, and travel without the need for a local sponsor. In October 2024, the UAE took a significant step forward by expanding this prestigious program to include teachers, principals, early childhood center (ECC) managers, and academic faculty in Dubai. This new eligibility reflects the nation's recognition of the vital role educators play in shaping future generations and aligns with the Dubai Education Strategy 2030 (E33), a vision to position the city as a global leader in education. The Vision Behind the Policy The Golden Visa for educators was announced under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. It represents more than just a visa extension, it is part of a strategic move to stabilize the education sector, reduce staff turnover, and attract the world's most talented teaching professionals. Although the program is currently being implemented by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, it is open to educators already residing in the emirate as well as those applying from overseas who are hired by Dubai-based educational institutions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Price May Surprise You) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Who Can Apply? Eligible candidates for the Dubai Golden Visa in education include: Private school teachers (licensed by KHDA) Principals and school leaders Early childhood center (ECC) managers Academic heads of higher education institutions Full-time faculty and senior academic administrators at KHDA-licensed universities All applicants must be nominated by their institution (school, ECC, or university), with the nomination endorsed by the institution's board of governors. The nomination must highlight the candidate's specific contributions and excellence. Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies and Why For ECC Managers, Principals, and Academic Heads of HEIs Educational Qualifications Academic heads must hold an advanced degree (PhD, master's, or equivalent professional certifications such as CPA or fellowships). School Rating Performance (Principals only) Must have improved the school's DSIB rating to 'Good' or higher, and maintained or enhanced that rating. Leadership and Impact Documented positive feedback from students, staff, and parents, along with clear evidence of leadership success and improved school environment. Student Success Proof of improved student outcomes, including academic achievements and graduation rates. Research Contributions (HEI only) Must include published research, grants, collaborations, or creative projects such as exhibitions or consultative papers. Recognition and Awards Prestigious national or international education awards, fellowships, or grant-based recognition support eligibility. Community Work Contributions to the wider community through partnerships, education projects, or social initiatives. Nomination from Board of Governors A formal letter of nomination detailing the individual's impact and leadership excellence is required. For Teachers and University Faculty The Application Process: Step-by-Step 1. Nomination The application begins with a formal nomination submitted by your institution through the KHDA platform, including a letter of recommendation from the board of governors. 2. Gather Required Documentation Documents include: Valid passport and Emirates ID Attested educational certificates and teaching credentials Teaching license (as required by UAE authorities) Employer verification letter DSIB rating reports (for principals) Testimonials from students, parents, and staff Documentation showing community involvement, research, and student progress Award certificates 2. Submit Your Application Applications can be submitted through: GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) ICP Smart Services Authorized agents like VFS Global or Rayad Group Fees range from AED 2,800 to AED 4,000 depending on visa type. 3. Medical Examination & Biometrics A standard UAE medical fitness test and biometric data submission are required. Application Review & Approval A dedicated committee evaluates the application before forwarding it to KHDA for coordination with immigration authorities. Processing time is approximately 30 days. Family Sponsorship & Add-ons After approval, educators can sponsor family members—spouses, children, and in some cases, parents. No additional investments are needed. Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa for Educators The UAE Golden Visa offers a suite of personal, professional, and financial advantages that few other residency schemes in the world can match: Ten-Year Residency A renewable long-term visa valid for up to a decade, providing unmatched career and life stability. No Employer Sponsorship Required Applicants can apply independently, without needing to be tied to a specific job or employer. Legal Work Authorization in UAE Visa holders can freely work, teach, or engage in business within Dubai and across the UAE. Tax-Free Income The UAE offers zero income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax, maximizing your earnings. Residency for Spouse and Children Visa holders can sponsor spouses and children of any age for residency. Sponsorship for Domestic Helpers Golden Visa holders can sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers, including drivers, nannies, and household staff. Free Esaad Privilege Card Introduced in 2022, the Esaad card grants exclusive discounts at over 7,000 businesses in the UAE and across 92 countries. Formerly reserved for government employees, it is now available to all Golden Visa holders. Access to Premium Healthcare Visa holders and their families have access to world-class medical services, with discounts at selected providers via the Esaad card. Multiple Entry Flexibility The Golden Visa is a multiple-entry visa, allowing easy travel in and out of the UAE without reapplying. Renewable Residency After the initial term, visa holders are eligible for renewal, provided criteria continue to be met. Annual Nomination Window Dubai's Golden Visa program for educators has a specific nomination window each year: Nominations are accepted each year between mid-October and mid-December. Educators are encouraged to begin preparations early to ensure timely submission.
