Administrative Resolution No. (31) of 2026

The Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai,

After perusal of:

• Federal Law by Decree No. (30) of 2025 Concerning the Governance of the National Educational Curriculum;
• Law No. (2) of 2021 Concerning the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai;
• Executive Council Resolution No. (35) of 2020 Regulating Early Childhood Centres in the Emirate of Dubai and its amendments;
• Executive Council Resolution No. (17) of 2025 Approving the Organisational Structure of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai; and
• Administrative Resolution No. (48) of 2025 Concerning the Teaching of Arabic in Early Childhood,

Does hereby issue this Resolution.

Definitions

Article (1)

The words and expressions mentioned in this Resolution have the same meanings respectively assigned to them in the above-mentioned Executive Council Resolution No. (35) of 2020.

Curriculum Requirements and Controls

Article (2)

The Curriculum offered by a Centre must comply with the following requirements and controls:

1. The Curriculum must be aligned with the standards and requirements prescribed for the National Educational Curriculum, as determined in accordance with the above-mentioned Federal Law by Decree No. (30) of 2025, and with the standards and requirements applicable to Curricula accredited by internationally recognised educational accreditation bodies or to Curricula based on educational frameworks grounded in scientific principles and supported by recent studies, provided that due regard is given to the standards related to the child's growth and development, health, safety, and emotional and social well-being.
2. The Curriculum must include the teaching of the Arabic language as a subject, in accordance with the technical standards prescribed in the above-mentioned Administrative Resolution No. (48) of 2025.
3. The Curriculum, and the objectives, principles, and values on which it is based, must be appropriate to the age group and abilities of the children enrolled in the Centre.
4. The Curriculum must include Care and Education activities and experiences in a safe and diverse environment, based on best educational and pedagogical practices, with a view to fostering the child's sense of stability and belonging, encouraging exploration through play, and contributing to the development of the child's physical, linguistic, cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
5. The Curriculum must be designed to take into consideration the differing needs of children, enabling them to achieve integrated developmental progress and enhancing their physical, cognitive, psychological, and emotional readiness for the transition to school.
6. The Curriculum must include tools and mechanisms for the assessment of the child's learning and developmental indicators, enabling the measurement of the child's growth and development and early detection of any developmental difficulties that require intervention.
7. The Curriculum must promote the safe and purposeful use of electronic and digital devices, ensuring that technology is employed in safe and age-appropriate ways for the child, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the KHDA on the optimal use of electronic and digital devices, with a view to supporting active learning and developing the child's thinking, creativity, and communication skills, while avoiding excessive exposure to digital screens.
8. The Curriculum must not contain any content that is prejudicial to public order or morals, or to the customs and traditions observed in the UAE, or that violates the legislation in force in the Emirate.
9. The Curriculum must promote respect for, and appreciation of, the UAE national identity, human values, and the principles of tolerant Islamic Sharia.

Issuing Implementing Instructions

Article (3)

The Chief Executive Officer of the Education Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency of the KHDA will issue the instructions required for the implementation of this Resolution.

Publication and Commencement

Article (4)

This Resolution will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day on which it is published.

Aisha Abdulla Miran Director General Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai

Issued in Dubai on 7 May 2026 Corresponding to 20 Thu al-Qidah 1447 A.H.

Footnote ¹ ©2026 The Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.