Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced on Friday, October 9, 2026, four priority areas that will guide inspections of private schools across the emirate this academic year. The regulator said this year's visits will be more data-driven, supported by AI tools, and centred on students' real classroom experience rather than administrative checklists alone.
The four focus areas are: the quality of early childhood education, the quality of education provided to Emirati students, inclusive education and services for students with complex needs, and the teaching and learning of the Arabic language.
Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency at KHDA, said: "This year's visits are designed to be more flexible and responsive to each school's needs, with a focus on students' experience in the classroom." 81 per cent of students in Dubai's private schools are enrolled in schools rated "Good" or above, and no private school currently holds a "Very Weak" rating. Schools will also receive no more than 24 hours' notice ahead of an inspection visit, a notably shorter window than in previous cycles, intended to give inspectors a more accurate picture of day-to-day school conditions.
The announcement comes as Dubai's private school enrolment has crossed 406,000 students, a milestone that has reignited discussion among parents and education officials about the need for more affordable school options in key residential communities.