This service enables investors to obtain an Educational Services Permit to operate an Early Childhood Centre in Dubai.

Investors

AED 10,000

34 working days. The processing period of 34 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents, in accordance with the terms and conditions of each stage.

Description: Securing Initial Approval is the first step for an investor in establishing an Early Childhood Centre (ECC) in Dubai.

Customer base: Investors

Service fee: No fees

Service timeline: 14 working days. The processing period of 14 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

Service channels: Email

Required documents:

• Valid Trade Name Reservation Certificate issued by the relevant licensing authority
• Valid Initial Approval from the relevant licensing authority
• Education and Care Plan in accordance with KHDA guidelines titled "How to open or expand an early childhood centre in Dubai - A Guide for Applicants."

 

Terms and Conditions:

• The Early Childhood Centre must submit an Education and Care Plan that complies with the approved curriculum standards.
• KHDA reserves the right to request any additional documents, data, or information it considers necessary.
• KHDA shall review the submitted amendments and issue its decision on the Education and Care Plan within a period not exceeding ten (10) working days from the date of receipt of the amendments.
• The applicant must submit the necessary amendments to the Education and Care Plan within twenty-five (25) working days from the date of notification. The investor is allowed to submit amendments up to three (3) times. If the applicant fails to meet the submission deadline at any point, the KHDA reserves the right to reject the application.
• Once all necessary approvals and conditions are met, the KHDA shall issue its decision on the Initial Approval within a maximum of four (4) working days from the date the application is deemed compliant with the requirements specified in the Executive Council Resolution.
• The Initial Approval remains valid for one year from the date of issue and may be extended for a further six months by submitting an extension request. KHDA may approve the extension if the provided justification is deemed acceptable.

 

The process:

• Submit the necessary documents by email to rpc@khda.gov.ae.
• KHDA will verify the documents and review the Education and Care Plan, allowing up to three (3) attempts to submit.
• The Initial Approval will be issued if all conditions are met, authorising the applicant to proceed with obtaining a Commercial License from the relevant licensing authority.

 

Description: This stage allows Early Childhood Centres (ECCs) in Dubai to secure KHDA’s approval for appointing a qualified individual as the Centre Manager.

Customer base: Investors

Service fee: No fees

Service timeline: 10 working days. The processing period of 10 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

Service channels: Email

Required documents:

• Candidate's CV
• Certificate of Good Conduct
• Certified copies of academic certificates and qualifications
• Copy of the candidate's passport including a valid UAE visa page

 

Terms and conditions

Investors must ensure that the proposed Centre’s Manager:

• Holds a bachelor's degree, ideally in Early Childhood Education. A higher qualification or a professional leadership certification (e.g., Level 5 certificate in early childhood centre leadership) is preferred or currently being pursued. The relevant authorities must properly attest certificates issued in the country of issuance and must meet KHDA standards.
• Has a minimum of three years of experience working in an Early Childhood Centre.

 

The process
 

• Submit the required documents by email to rpc@khda.gov.ae.
• The application will be reviewed, and the candidate might be invited for an interview if necessary.
• If the application is approved and the candidate passes the interview (if conducted), an appointment letter will be issued.

 

 

Description: This stage enables investors to request a KHDA compliance visit to verify the readiness of the building before obtaining the Educational Services Permit necessary to operate an Early Childhood Centre (ECC) in Dubai.

Customer base: Investors

Service timeline: 10 working days. The processing period of 10 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

Service channels: KHDA Portal and Email

Required documents

• Copy of a valid Commercial Licence.
• Approvals from relevant government entities, including certificates confirming:
  • Approved building plan issued by Dubai Municipality or the relevant licensing authorities (if available)
  • Building Completion Certificate from Dubai Municipality  or the relevant licensing authorities (if available)
  • Environment, Health & Safety certificate (EHS) from Civil Defence
  • Clinic Facility Licence from Dubai Health Authority (if applicable)

Terms and Conditions:

• A valid Initial Approval issued by KHDA.
• KHDA’s approval of the Centre Manager’s appointment
• Approval from Dubai Municipality or the relevant licensing authorities stating that the proposed site and building are appropriate for educational purposes and suitable for establishing the Early Childhood Centre.

The process

• Submit all required documents and ensure that all necessary approvals have been secured from the relevant government authorities.
• KHDA evaluates the application and notifies the applicant of any required amendments.
• KHDA carries out an on-site compliance visit to verify the ECC’s building readiness.
• Once all conditions and requirements are fulfilled, the service fee must be paid to issue the Educational Services Permit.
• The Educational Services Permit is issued, authorising the operation of the Early Childhood Centre.