KHDA - Knowledge & Human Development Authority (Dubai)

 educational, board of education / local education authority

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What is KHDA?
We are an education authority, created to improve schools and other human resource sectors in Dubai. We work to promote lifelong learning to fulfill Dubai’s aspirations.

Our mission is to assure quality and to improve accessibility to education, learning and human development, with the engagement of the community.

We do not work alone. We coordinate with many different partners – students, parents, teachers, the private sector and other Government bodies.

Our work plans are derived from the Government’s strategy and carried out in a transparent manner to make sure everything we do benefits our highest priority – Dubai’s students.

Why does KHDA exist?
Dubai has a unique education landscape. For example, 85% of our children attend private schools, and in higher education, we have more branch campuses than anywhere else in the world.

KHDA identifies and implements evidenced-based strategies that are tailored to Dubai. We keep in mind Dubai’s current economic and social development as we work to raise the quality of education to the highest international standards.

What is KHDA’s legal framework?
Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority was established by decree 30/2006 to develop all knowledge and human resource sectors in Dubai.

Article 5 of the decree 30/2006 spells out the objectives of the KHDA:

The Authority will undertake the planning, provision and development of knowledge and human resource requirements in cooperation and coordination with the concerned federal entities in the country as detailed below:

1. Participate in the development of a comprehensive strategy for knowledge and human resources development, and supervise its implementation in coordination with the concerned government entities.

2. Work with concerned government entities in developing the educational outcomes at all levels and in accordance with market requirements.

3. Establish and manage all educational and vocational institutions by assessing their performance in accordance with the laws in the country.

4. Provide training programs for educational and administrative staff in schools and educational institutions, in cooperation with Ministry of Education and in accordance with adopted laws in the country.

5. Encourage private education and training institutions to provide distinguished education and training services.

6. Participate in developing and implementing strategies to attract qualified and experienced workforce from outside the country for the local market.

7. Attract internationally recognized private educational institutions, study and research centres and human resources development institutions to establish their presence in Dubai.

8. Provide training, awareness and developmental programs for UAE nationals to ensure effective participation in the economy of the country

9. Develop and establish scholarships policies and regulations and allocate the scholarship fund in accordance with these regulations.

10. License and regulate private schools and other educational institutions, including appraisal and attestation, and setting standards and criteria for the aforementioned services in accordance with and compatible to, the general policies of the concerned federal ministries.

11. Supervise all educational services and institutions (such as schools, universities, institutions, and training centers) within the free zones in Dubai, including appraisal and attestation, and setting the necessary standards and criteria for the aforementioned services.