Announcements

No KHDA inspection for Dubai school next year: Would it impact rating and fees?

Published

9 months ago

June 26, 2024

Private schools in Dubai will not be subject to comprehensive inspections throughout the 2024-25 academic year, as per a new directive from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The only exception to this policy applies to newly established schools that are entering their third year of operations during the upcoming academic year. This recent decision was communicated to all Dubai schools via a circular issued by the KHDA. The authority aims to streamline the inspection process, focusing on institutions at a critical stage of their development while temporarily relieving more established schools from the full inspection regimen.

The KHDA circular reads, “We would also like to inform you of an important update to school inspections during the 2024-25 academic year. Full school inspections will not be conducted across all private schools in Dubai, except for new private schools that will be in their third year of operation during the academic year.”

Dubai private schools will not undergo full inspections during the next academic year, except those who are in their 3rd year of operation. Dedicated quality assurance visits will ensure schools are working on their improvement plans to support students' learning needs.
— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) June 24, 2024

However, schools may request a comprehensive inspection from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB). Such requests will be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Schools are required to submit their requests by July 5, 2024. The KHDA issued, “Schools with approved requests will be notified during Term 2 of the 2024-25 academic year.”

Dubai schools traditionally undergo annual inspections, during which they are evaluated and assigned ratings. However, these inspections were suspended during the pandemic. The ratings, which span from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Weak’, are determined based on a defined set of criteria.

What is the current status of the ongoing inspection of schools under the KHDA?

The latest circular also mentions, “DSIB will conduct other visits that target specific focus areas and include ongoing monitoring activities. Schools will be notified ahead of time on the areas of focus and priorities for the next academic year.”

All schools are required to regularly update their ‘Self-Evaluation Form’ and online school profile over the course of the next academic year. It is imperative for schools to ensure that all necessary information is readily available for review by DSIB. Additionally, schools must consistently administer all critical external benchmark assessments.

Belrehif stated, “The School Self-Evaluation Form is an essential part of schools’ ongoing cycle of review and improvement planning and helps them measure how well they are doing in different performance indicators outlined in the UAE School Inspection Framework.”

Impact on School Rankings and Fees

The ability of schools to increase their fees is contingent upon their most recent evaluation by the DSIB. Schools that receive higher ratings are typically allowed to impose more substantial fee hikes. In April 2024, the KHDA introduced an Education Cost Index (ECI) set at 2.6 percent which would enable schools to modify their tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year accordingly. The private schools in Dubai had been granted permission to raise tuition fees by up to 5.2 percent, as determined by their latest KHDA inspection outcomes.

In a recent interview, Fatma Belrehif, DSIB CEO, announced, “The School Fees Framework is the mechanism by which schools can adjust their fees annually. The rate by which schools can adjust their fees is tied to each school’s most recent inspection rating. Any fee adjustment by schools must be approved by the KHDA. Schools will be notified in case of any changes or updates to the fee framework.”

How does this circular affect schools and parents?

Schools: Schools may need to adapt their internal quality assurance processes, relying more on self-evaluation and external feedback to maintain and improve standards.

Strategic Planning: With the absence of formal inspections, schools might focus on alternative ways to attract and retain students, such as enhancing their curriculum, extracurricular offerings, or investing in teacher development.

Performance Monitoring: Schools will need to find new methods to monitor and report their performance, potentially increasing collaboration with parent-teacher associations and using third-party evaluators.

Parents: Guardians and Parents may find it more challenging to assess the quality and performance of schools without the KHDA’s annual inspection reports. They might need to rely on word-of-mouth, online reviews, and direct engagement with schools to make informed decisions.

Engagement and Feedback: The halt in inspections could encourage more proactive engagement between parents and schools. Parents may need to take a more active role in communicating their expectations and concerns to ensure their child’s educational needs are met.

Financial Considerations: With the potential stability in school fees, parents might experience a degree of financial predictability. However, they should stay informed about any changes schools might implement to maintain quality in the absence of inspections.

As the educational community awaits further details and guidance from the KHDA, stakeholders are keenly observing how this decision will shape educational practices and policies in Dubai for the upcoming academic year.

Related Topics:#dubaisschools #education #khda #khdainspection #uaenews

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Dubai announces first business free zone for sports and entertainment

Published

1 week ago

March 11, 2025

Staff Reporter

ISEZA is set to be the UAE’s first dedicated sports and entertainment business cluster within the Free Zone environment.

It will serve as an industry-focused business hub facilitating licensing for distinct sports and entertainment business activities, fostering a unique collaborative ecosystem to support and accelerate the industry’s growth.

https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1899372779822035311

Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the Emirates’s economy. The UAE has also been a pioneer in Economic Zones development, with over 40 Free Zones focusing on various industries. ISEZA will serve as a dedicated hub to support the thriving sports and entertainment business sector in the UAE and the wider Middle East.

The Zone will provide a unified platform for licensing businesses across established sectors, such as sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation and media and broadcasting, while also supporting growth in emerging areas like e-sports, AI-driven sports tech, fan tokens. The Zone will be home to a diverse range of industry players including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners and investors, sports and talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers and creative industries professionals.

ISEZA will offer comprehensive corporate and legal support tailored to its members, working closely with key UAE authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, UAE National Olympic Community, and others.

Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset & Investment Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasised DWTC’s long-standing legacy in hosting major sporting events and live entertainment. He stated, “The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. ISEZA members will benefit from our award-winning Free Zone’s prime location in the heart of the city’s business district, streamlined business setup, and access to valuable networking opportunities through our diverse events and exhibitions calendar. By attracting sports and entertainment-focused businesses, we are reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub and contributing to the growth of the sports sector in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

The Zone will also attract international and regional sports organizations, such as sports federations, associations and leagues, both in established and emerging sports. With its exceptional global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and favourable tax regime, Dubai offers a strong competitive advantage for hosting global sports organizations.

ISEZA CEO, Mr. Damir Valeev, added “Our project is aligned with Dubai’s strategic vision of being a global destination for sports, entertainment and tourism. This initiative will have a major social impact creating a unique environment for hosting sports exhibitions, museums, academic programs and community projects in Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo areas. Driven by the UAE’s vision of business development with higher social impact, we believe it will further contribute to the promotion of active sports and healthy lifestyle in the UAE overall”.

Located in One Central, in Dubai’s dynamic business district, next to the Dubai Museum of the Future, ISEZA will shape the future of sports & entertainment industry growth in the years to come and will become a new center of gravity for the industry entrepreneurs, professionals, enthusiasts, and talents.

Announcements

UAE corporate tax update: Penalty of Dh10,000 for businesses missing deadline

Published

1 week ago

March 10, 2025

Michael Gomes

The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reaffirmed the importance of Corporate Tax registration for all natural persons conducting business in the country. If your total turnover exceeds Dh1 million in the 2024 calendar year or any subsequent year, you are considered a Taxable Person and must register for Corporate Tax by March 31 of the following year to remain compliant.

Key Compliance Requirements:

Who Needs to Register? Any individual (natural person) conducting a business or business activity in the UAE whose turnover exceeds Dh1 million.
Deadline for Registration: March 31, 2025, for those exceeding the turnover threshold in 2024.
Corporate Tax Return Submission: Due by September 30, 2025.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to register by the deadline will result in an administrative penalty of Dh10,000.

Registration Process:

VAT or Excise Tax registrants can log into their EmaraTax account to submit their Corporate Tax registration.
Once approved, a corporate tax registration number will be issued.

Businesses in the country must register for corporate tax on time to avoid paying penalties.

(Source: Wam)

Announcements

RTA Unveils ‘360 Vision’ to redefine smart mobility in Dubai

Published

1 week ago

March 10, 2025

Sudhashree Dash

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the next-generation 360 Services Policy, aimed at enhancing customer experience by providing integrated, seamless, and proactive digital services without requiring in-person visits. As part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts, RTA is shifting its services to self-service models, enabling customers to access them smoothly via shared digital platforms, such as the “Dubai Now” app.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasised RTA’s commitment to developing a modern and smart service ecosystem that efficiently meets customer expectations. This drive aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the quality of life in Dubai, positioning it as the world’s best city to live in, and establish it as the smartest city globally.

Al Tayer also attributed the development of the policy to the continuous follow-up and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. He highlighted RTA’s commitment to leveraging smart technologies to enhance its services and improve the customer experience. As a result, RTA has transformed its services into smart solutions accessible through various digital platforms, ensuring they are innovative, user-friendly, and easily accessible.

Al Tayer added: “RTA has completed Phase II of the ‘360 Services Policy,’ through which driver and vehicle licensing services had been transformed into fully digital, proactive, and integrated services. This phase, which accounts for 40% of RTA’s total services, has enhanced service efficiency, improved the customer experience, and raised the customer happiness index to 98.9%. It had also led to a 96% improvement in service accessibility, zero waiting time for 82 services, and the elimination of in-person visit requirements for 63 services. Additionally, service process steps had been reduced by 36%, while new digital options have expanded service availability by 61%. Digital adoption also surged to 96% in Q4 of 2024.

“In 2024, RTA collaborated with 32 partners from the public and private sectors to achieve service integration, leading to the enhancement of 71 services, which can now be accessed without prior requirements. RTA will embark on Phase III of the policy this year, which, according to the plan, will involve the development of all RTA services. This phase will further enhance the customer experience and contribute to achieving the targeted customer happiness indicators.”

( By- WAM)