KHDA resumes school inspections in October with 24-hour notice model

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is resuming school inspections after a two-year pause, introducing a new model with 24-hour notice to schools. The authority will conduct two types of visits: Quality Assurance 1 (QA 1), a full inspection of entire schools, and Quality Assurance 2 (QA 2), targeted visits for schools needing improvement in specific areas. Schools entering their third year of operation will undergo QA 1 inspections. KHDA will use school data, including learning outcomes, parental complaints and leadership evaluation, to determine which schools receive which visit type. Inspections will focus on four priority areas: early childhood education, quality of education for Emirati students, inclusive education for students of determination, and Arabic language teaching. A school's inspection rating may influence its eligibility for fee increases if approved by Dubai's leadership. Schools can appeal inspection ratings within two months, followed by one month for KHDA review. The exact inspection start date has not been announced, but data collection begins in October.