Business setup · Professional services
How to Open a Training Institute or Education Business in Dubai
A training institute in Dubai is a business that needs both a trade licence and an Educational Services Permit from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). For mainland institutes, the trade name reservation and initial approval must be in place before applying, and KHDA allows up to six months from initial approval to complete the permit and licence.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts
- Dubai regulator
- Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
- Permit
- Educational Services Permit for training institutes
- Mainland prerequisite
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- Deadline
- Up to six months from initial approval to complete
- Abu Dhabi
- Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
What do you need to know first?
KHDA regulates private education and training in Dubai. Its Educational Services Permit for training institutes is required alongside the trade licence, with fees that depend on the number of training activities offered. Courses that fall under another government body, such as medical or cosmetic training, also need that body’s prior approval.
Institutes with classrooms open to the public are usually licensed on the mainland. In Abu Dhabi, private education and training are regulated by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) rather than KHDA, so the approval route differs by emirate.
Corporate trainers who teach only their own company’s staff, and online-only providers, may be treated differently from institutes that enrol the public. Describe your model precisely when you apply so the regulator can confirm the right permit.
Regulators
Which approvals are needed?
Where to set up
Which jurisdictions suit this activity?
Visas: Trainers and administrative staff need employment visas; some subjects require attested qualifications for trainers.
Process
Step by step
-
01
Define courses
List the training activities and any regulated subjects.
-
02
Initial approval
Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval.
-
03
Premises
Lease classroom space that meets requirements.
-
04
KHDA permit
Apply for the Educational Services Permit.
-
05
Issue licence and hire trainers
Complete the licence and sponsor trainers.
Checklist
What should you prepare before applying?
Settle these before you pay any government fees.
- 01
List the courses and check which ones another authority regulates.
- 02
Choose classroom premises that meet the regulator’s requirements.
- 03
Collect attested qualifications for your trainers.
- 04
Apply for initial approval and diarise the six-month KHDA window.
- 05
Prepare course outlines and fee schedules.
Frequently asked
Questions about education & training in the UAE
Do I need KHDA approval to run training courses in Dubai?
Yes. Training institutes in Dubai need KHDA’s Educational Services Permit in addition to a trade licence.
How long do I have to get the KHDA permit?
KHDA allows up to six months from the date of initial approval to complete the Educational Services Permit and licence procedures.
Do medical or beauty courses need extra approval?
Yes. Courses regulated by another government body need that authority’s prior approval before KHDA issues the permit.
Who regulates training in Abu Dhabi?
The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) regulates private education and training in Abu Dhabi.
Can I run online courses from a free zone?
Some free zones license online education and training, but delivering in-person training in Dubai still requires KHDA approval. Check your model before licensing.
Do trainers need attested certificates?
Often yes. Trainers’ qualifications may need attestation for the permit and for their employment visas.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Regulators update their rules. These are the authoritative references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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