Dubai's KHDA to resume school inspections

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will resume private school inspections starting from the 2026-27 academic year, with schools notified no more than 24 hours prior to the checks.

The authority previously suspended inspections for two years to allow schools greater flexibility to strengthen its improvement processes and build on the findings of annual school inspections that had been carried out since the 2007–08 academic year. 

Under the renewed approach, each eligible school will receive one of two types of inspections. The first includes a full check conducted by a team of specialists, with an overall school rating published after the visit.

The second is a shorter visit conducted by a smaller team of experts focusing on specific objectives, where a concise report outlining the strengths and recommendations for improvement will be shared without an overall inspection rating. 

The move aims to support continuous school improvement, enhance student outcomes and wellbeing and strengthen parents’ confidence in the quality of education in Dubai, the education regulatory body announced on Wednesday.

"The differentiated approach recognises that schools are at different stages of their improvement journey," said Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency. "It allows us to focus more closely on the areas that matter most for students, while ensuring feedback is grounded in the day-to-day reality of school life."

The quality assurance visits will continue to be guided by the 2015-2016 UAE School Inspection Framework.