Dubai Sets New Safeguarding Rules for Private Schools Covering AI Misuse and Online Risks

The Policy Framework for Safeguarding and Learner Protection in Dubai's Private Educational Institutions applies to nurseries and early childhood centres, private schools, universities and training and vocational institutes, and covers both in-person and virtual learning, according to details reported by Gulf News. It protects learners aged 21 and under; for those aged 18 to 21, institutions must identify concerns, provide support and follow internal reporting procedures.

The inclusion of AI-related harms gives school operators and the edtech companies that supply them a specific compliance obligation. Institutions must put appropriate digital safety controls in place and give learners age-appropriate online safety education, and staff working in digital environments are among those who need additional role-specific training. The list of risks also includes online grooming, unsafe contact, harmful digital content and cyberbullying.

The framework moves responsibility for safeguarding up to boards and principals. Every institution must appoint a Safeguarding Governor at board or governing body level to provide independent oversight, and that person cannot be the owner, principal, a senior executive or the operational safeguarding lead. The head of the institution holds executive accountability and answers directly to KHDA for compliance. Each institution also needs a Child Protection Coordinator or Designated Safeguarding Lead with at least two deputies, and a safeguarding team with specialist support.

Reporting rules are strict. Staff must report a reasonable suspicion without delay and do not need proof; they must not investigate allegations themselves, wait for certainty or assume a colleague has already raised the issue. Institutions must provide accessible reporting channels, refer immediate risks to the authorities, record and document concerns and actions, follow cases until closure, review safeguarding data every term and carry out a comprehensive annual review.

Schools must also keep written policies on safeguarding, anti-bullying, attendance, behaviour, digital safety, inclusion, safer recruitment and emergency planning, introduce pre-employment checks and consult staff, parents and learners when key policies are drawn up or revised. Gulf News reported that institutions face penalties for non-compliance.

Implementation runs in two stages from the publication date. Requirements that protect learners immediately, or that are already required under UAE law or existing KHDA rules, apply at once. New governance structures, systems and documents must be in place within 12 months, and institutions have nine months to appoint their Safeguarding Governor, who must then complete governance training within three months of appointment.