The improved standard of living in the UAE, as well as the increased demand for educational administrations has created favorable conditions for the establishment of private educational organizations. The Ministry of Education oversees enrollment in non-public schools in the UAE except in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai and Sharjah are the authorities concerned in the respective emirates. The Private Education Authority is responsible for the enlistment of private schools in a particular emirate. Only UAE nationals and organizations where a national owns 51% of the stake can start a school. All educational activities in the UAE are regulated by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD), and the Knowledge. Additional permits are needed before one can start any educational institute in the UAE. The confirmation of the academic plan, which indicates the schedule, training programme in KHDA, CAA, or MOCD (for nurseries), cost, inspection of the premises and equipment, and compulsory insurance of third parties, are to be taken care of.
There are several types of educational institutions and related licenses available in the UAE. They are:
⦁ Nursery and Kindergarten: Nurseries (0–3) are licensed by the MOCD. KHDA oversees kindergartens (ages 3-6).
⦁ Primary and Secondary Schools: Licensing of a branch under local institutions or an overseas programme is done by KHDA.
⦁ Children’s Development Centers: Schools of music, dance, craftsmanship, and extracurricular education are likewise managed by KHDA.
⦁ Universities and Colleges: They fall under KHDA’s control. It is possible to open foreign branches, government colleges, or universities.
How to get a license for a training institute
The Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) is focused on laying out strategies and principles that successfully direct specialized and professional educational establishments in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. ACTVET is also responsible for the licensing of mentors, trainers, and tutors. Licenses for the organization of advanced training and for personal professional accreditation are issued by the KHDA.
How to start a training institute in Abu Dhabi
Companies planning to offer training programmes within Abu Dhabi are expected to meet various standards, including those for physical resources like a suitable training center and hardware and equipment as well as human resources like adequately qualified and experienced training professionals.
An outline of the stages to set up a training institute in Abu Dhabi:
Firstly, it is essential to register the name of the trade with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Then the Abu Dhabi endorsing body for technical and vocational training (ACTVET) will review the documents, inspect the training facilities, and conduct interviews with the institute’s owners and directors. Once ACTVET’s requirements are met, the standard process to finish setting up the trade license will be completed. Once the Trade License is received, ACTVET will issue its own license, after which the institute will be considered a Licensed Education Training Provider (LETP), and the institute can begin its operation.
How to open a school in the UAE
These are the prerequisites to be followed by a private school to obtain a license.
⦁ The school’s location should be appropriate for the necessary activities, according to the related executive regulation.
⦁ The school building has to be apt for educational and training activities and should be compliant with all health and safety, and security requirements.
⦁ School functions will be restricted to related educational and training activities.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to set up a private school:
1. The candidate must be a UAE resident.
2. His age should not be less than 25.
3. He should have full civil capacity.
4. He should not have been sentenced to prison for a misdeed, shame, or doubt about wrongdoing unless he/she is subject to regulatory review.
5. He must be capable of paying the financial liabilities of the school.
Licensing higher educational institutes
The Ministry of Education is responsible for authorizing higher educational institutes in all emirates. Authorizing higher educational institutes is dependent upon the accompanying circumstances:
⦁ Endorsement of the skilled authority in each emirate (i.e., the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi and KHDA in Dubai)
⦁ Security endorsement by the competent authority
⦁ Fulfilling the standards required for the license.
The process for licensing higher educational institutes goes through certain stages. They are:
⦁ Account creation on the MOE website, and filling out the online application form
⦁ Evaluating the application
⦁ Conducting a meeting with the officials from the educational institutes
⦁ Visit and evaluation of the educational institute by an external committee
⦁ An assessment report will be prepared and shared with the institute.
⦁ The institute will then reply to the report.
⦁ If proposals made by the committee are not implemented, the report will be returned to the institute again.
⦁ The institute will respond to the committee after satisfying all suggestions.
⦁ A letter of recommendation for licensing will finally be sent to the deputy minister’s office.
If you are looking for expert guidance and assistance in setting up an educational institution in Abu Dhabi in a hassle-free manner, connect with Plus UAE today! One of our specialists will get in touch with you to serve you in the most effective manner that will save your money and time, and help in fulfilling your dream of establishing an educational institution.