The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has permanently closed a training centre in the UAE after discovering a series of serious violations, including running an unlicensed nursery and promoting unaccredited educational programmes. Authorities said the facility operated illegally, putting students and young children at risk.

The crackdown followed thorough inspections that revealed multiple offences, from operating without proper educational licences to employing unqualified staff. The centre also failed to meet safety standards, according to the Ministry.

“This action underscores our zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed educational operators,” the Ministry said in a statement. “Parents and students must verify an institution’s legitimacy before enrolling to protect themselves and their children.”

Illegal Operations Uncovered

Investigators found that the centre:

• Operated without mandatory licences
• Ran unaccredited courses with no official recognition
• Maintained an unlicensed nursery
• Employed unqualified teachers and trainers
• Violated basic safety regulations

Legal Action Taken

The Ministry has permanently shut the centre, referred its administrators to the Public Prosecution, imposed financial penalties, and blocked its online platforms to prevent further enrolment. Social media accounts promoting the centre’s fake programmes have also been flagged.

A Warning to Parents

Authorities emphasised that unlicensed operators often use professional-looking websites, social media ads, or fabricated reviews to appear legitimate. Parents are urged to check official licences, programme accreditation, and staff qualifications before paying fees or signing contracts.

Red flags include unusually low fees, pressure to enrol immediately, vague answers about accreditation, and absence of a verifiable physical campus.

How to Verify Institutions

• Ministry Website: Check the database of licensed institutions and accredited programmes.
• Customer Happiness Centre: Call 800511 to confirm licence status, programme recognition, and any complaints.

Enrolling in unlicensed institutions can result in invalid certificates, wasted fees, and career setbacks, the Ministry said.

“Legitimate institutions welcome verification. If an operator hesitates or provides vague responses, it’s a major red flag,” the statement added.

Parents and students are reminded: take two minutes to verify licences before enrolling. It could save years of wasted time and thousands of dirhams.

Students across the UAE will enjoy a well-deserved nine-day mid-term break starting today (October 13), thanks to the Ministry of Education’s updated academic calendar. The extended pause offers families a chance to travel, explore local attractions, or simply relax at home before the second half of the semester begins.

The new rule will be applied to all public and private schools across the UAE following the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum. According to circulars sent to parents and staff, the mid-term break for students will run from Monday, October 13, to Friday, October 17, with classes resuming on Monday, October 20.

For teachers and administrative staff, the MoE has scheduled October 13–15 for professional development programmes, followed by their own break from October 16–19 — part of a new structure introduced this year.

The ministry said the schedule was designed to strike a balance between academic rigour and adequate rest, helping to improve student performance while maintaining quality education within a structured framework.

Schools have also encouraged parents to use the break productively, helping students reinforce what they’ve learned during the term.

The MoE reaffirmed its commitment to implementing academic plans that prioritise student well-being, consistency, and excellence across all UAE schools.

Public and private schools across the UAE that follow the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum have confirmed the mid-term break dates for the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, in line with the ministry’s approved academic calendar.

According to circulars issued to parents and staff, the mid-term break for students will take place from Monday, October 13, to Friday, October 17, with classes resuming on Monday, October 20, across all schools and grade levels.

For teachers and administrative staff, the ministry has introduced a new structure this year. From October 13–15, educators will participate in professional development programmes, followed by their mid-term break from October 16–19.

Focus on balance and performance

The Ministry of Education said the updated schedule is designed to balance academic rigour with sufficient rest, helping students perform better and ensuring that the school year remains smooth and productive.

In a statement, the ministry emphasised that the structured timetable aims to maintain educational quality, teacher development, and student well-being, all within a consistent national framework.

Schools have encouraged parents to make good use of the mid-term break by supporting children’s learning through light revision, reading, or enrichment activities that reinforce classroom lessons.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing a clear and stable academic structure that prioritises students’ interests and enhances the overall quality of education in the UAE.