Will your Dubai school hike fees next year? How KHDA's 24-hour inspections and ratings come into play

Dubai parents are relieved that school fees have been frozen for the 2026-27 academic year. However, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is bringing back school inspections, which could affect whether fees can be increased next year.

Inspections will now start with two types: Quality Assurance 1 (QA 1) and Quality Assurance 2 (QA 2). QA 1 is a full inspection of the entire school, while QA 2 is a targeted visit focusing on specific areas of improvement.

Schools entering their third year of operation will undergo a comprehensive QA 1 inspection, covering overall performance, teaching standards, and learning outcomes. Those in their first or second year will receive a specialized visit.

Inspections will focus on four areas: early childhood education, the quality of education for Emirati students, inclusive education for students with special needs, and Arabic language teaching. Schools will receive 24 hours' notice of an inspection, aiming to observe everyday teaching and interactions.

The most recent inspection result will determine a school's eligibility for a fee increase, regardless of whether it is undergoing QA 1 or QA 2. Schools in their third year will use their latest rating, while those in their first or second year will be assessed based on ratings from up to two years ago.

The six overall ratings are Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, and Very Weak. Currently, there are no Very Weak-rated schools in Dubai. If a school receives an improved rating during inspection, it may be eligible for a fee increase, depending on KHDA's fee framework.