Dubai Arabic teachers need separate KHDA approval to teach Islamic Education

Arabic language teachers in Dubai must obtain separate approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) before they can teach Islamic Education to Muslim children aged four to six, regardless of their qualifications or previous teaching approvals. The requirement is outlined in KHDA's Guide to Implementing Islamic Education in Early Childhood, which sets out rules governing teacher qualifications, subject knowledge and teaching methods appropriate for young children. Teachers assigned to Islamic Education must hold a KHDA-issued appointment notification explicitly authorising them to teach the subject, regardless of their specialisation or any approvals previously granted. Where one teacher is responsible for both Arabic and Islamic Education, the notification must explicitly approve the teaching of both subjects. The guide establishes requirements for approving teachers, grouping children, determining the language of instruction, monitoring learning progress and documenting compliance. The rules apply to private schools, kindergartens and early childhood centres in Dubai catering to children aged four to six, covering Arab and non-Arab Muslim children, including children of determination. Teachers must be Muslim, possess sufficient subject knowledge to meet Ministry of Education curriculum requirements, have early childhood education qualifications or training, and receive necessary professional development.