KHDA and DED join hands to toughen up licensing for education providers

The Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will work hand-in-hand to exchange information and inspect institutions.

The aim is to ensure that every education provider - including early learning centres, schools, universities and training institutions - meets the required standard to hold both a commercial licence and an education permit.

The two arms of the Government have signed a legally binding agreement which covers six areas of their activities. These include a two-way exchange of data relevant to licensing; agreement on initial approval for licence with KHDA or DED sharing any information regarding validity of the service provider; choosing a commercial name; access to DED's online system; joint on-site inspections and visits sharing each other's experience; and collection of educational tariffs by DED on behalf of KHDA.

Mohammed Darwish, KHDA's Chief of Licensing, said, "We are hopeful that most education providers will comply with and adhere to the Government authorities' guidelines, rules and regulations."

Mr Darwish added, "We want the message to be clear: Only those providers who produce quality outcomes will be allowed to operate in Dubai."

Mr Mohammed Shael, CEO, Business Registration and Licensing Division, DED, explained, "The agreement is part of DED's initiatives to work with different organisations to encourage the growth of business sectors in the Emirate and provide a suitable environment for their development. This agreement is especially important as it pertains to the education sector, which plays a vital role in Dubai's economy based on knowledge and learning."

There are about 500 education providers in Dubai who will come under the terms of this agreement.

Mr Darwish said, "Providers will only be allowed to do what they are permitted to do. We are also in the process of signing similar agreements with other authorities so that sharing information will lead to an even better regulating process. The compliance team at KHDA will carry out site visits, sometimes without notice, and joint teams will visit those institutions which are deemed to be in violation of our regulations."

The DED already follows an international framework which defines activities for commercial licensing. KHDA will have the freedom to suggest additions to that framework.