Training institute compliance in Dubai
Training institutes in Dubai operate under an Educational Services Permit from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). CAQA helps institutes prepare their permit application, document their courses, keep the permit current, and build the quality systems that support it.
Registration. Quality systems. Australian partnerships.
Who regulates training institutes in Dubai
- KHDA issues the Educational Services Permit for training institutes in Dubai, and lists the courses and activities each institute may offer.
- The permit is renewed every year, and adding a course or activity needs KHDA approval first.
- Institutes also hold a trade or commercial licence from Dubai Economy and Tourism or from a free zone authority.
- Higher education in Dubai, including in free zones, also falls under federal rules: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2025 and MoHESR licensure. See the UAE page.
Getting a KHDA permit
- Submit your proposed courses and activities to KHDA for review.
- Receive KHDA's Initial Approval, which is valid for six months.
- Obtain your trade or commercial licence from Dubai Economy and Tourism or a free zone, and submit it to KHDA.
- Receive the Educational Services Permit, then renew it each year and seek approval before adding courses.
Working with Australia
Dubai institutes often deliver Australian qualifications with an Australian RTO partner. The Australian RTO must notify ASQA when it starts offshore delivery in Dubai and report the location, and the agreement should set out who trains, who assesses and who keeps student records. Setting up in Australia needs an Australian company, fit and proper people and independently assessed financial viability. See entering the Australian VET market.
How CAQA helps Dubai institutes
- KHDA permit applications and course documentation
- Annual renewal and course amendment preparation
- Quality systems, policies and procedures
- Partnership and offshore delivery arrangements with Australian RTOs
We work with Dubai institutes remotely and on site by arrangement, and agree the consultant, scope, fees and time zone before work starts.
Questions from Dubai institutes
Which comes first, the KHDA approval or the trade licence?
KHDA's Initial Approval comes first; you then obtain the trade or commercial licence and submit it to KHDA.
How often is the KHDA permit renewed?
Every year.
Can we add a new course to our permit?
Yes, but only after KHDA approves it.
Sources
Countries we work in
Working in Australia? See our consultancy services.