Dubai tightens approval rules for Islamic education teachers in early years

Dubai has introduced new approval and qualification requirements for teachers delivering Islamic education to Muslim children aged four to six, setting clearer standards for staffing, language of instruction and student assessments across private schools, kindergartens and early childhood centres.

Under the new framework issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), teachers must obtain a specific appointment notification authorising them to teach Islamic education, regardless of their academic specialisation or any previous teaching approvals. Teachers handling both Arabic and Islamic education must secure approval for each subject separately. The requirements, outlined in KHDA’s Guide to Implementing Islamic Education in Early Childhood, establish minimum qualification levels for educators. Teachers in early childhood institutions must hold at least a Level 3 qualification, while those teaching the same age group in schools must meet a minimum Level 6 requirement.

Teachers must also be Muslim, demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Ministry of Education’s Islamic education curriculum and possess relevant early childhood teaching experience or training. Institutions that cannot recruit teachers meeting the prescribed qualification standards must obtain KHDA approval for alternative staffing arrangements. The guidelines also address the language of instruction, taking into account children's linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Muslim Arab children holding passports issued by Arab countries must receive Islamic education in Arabic. Non-Arab Muslim children, however, may be taught in the language adopted by their institution.

Parents of children holding non-Arab passports can request Arabic-language instruction, subject to the institution's approval. Schools and early childhood centres may organise Arab and non-Arab children into mixed or separate learning groups, provided the prescribed language requirements are followed. Beyond staffing and classroom arrangements, the framework places emphasis on learning outcomes and monitoring children's progress. Institutions must follow learning outcomes approved by the Ministry of Education, maintain individual progress records and make appropriate accommodations for children of determination.

At the start of each academic year, institutions must communicate their teaching arrangements and student groupings to both KHDA and parents, ensuring transparency over how Islamic education is delivered. They are also required to maintain supporting records, including teachers' qualifications, appointment approvals, lesson plans and student assessments.

KHDA may examine these documents through compliance reviews conducted independently or jointly with the Ministry of Education, placing greater accountability on institutions to ensure that Islamic education meets the prescribed standards.