Dubai KHDA Launches New Councils for Parent, Educator and Student Engagement

Dubai is preparing to strengthen community participation in private education, with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) launching dedicated councils for parents and educators while continuing its student council programme for the 2026–27 academic year.

The new councils will provide a platform for parents, teachers and students to share their feedback, exchange ideas and contribute to discussions about the future of Dubai’s private education sector.

New Councils to Strengthen Dubai’s Education System

The inaugural Dubai Parents Council will include 15 parents of students enrolled in private schools across the emirate.

The newly established Dubai Educators Council will also consist of 15 teachers and education professionals.

KHDA has additionally approved the second cohort of the Dubai Students Council, comprising 16 students from Grades 9 to 12.

The three councils will create structured communication channels between the education community and KHDA, helping address shared concerns, improve educational standards and enhance the overall student experience.

Parents to Gain a Greater Voice in Education

The Dubai Parents Council will represent both Emirati and expatriate families with children attending private schools across the emirate.

Members will discuss common family concerns, encourage stronger cooperation between parents and schools, and provide feedback on policies and initiatives related to student learning, development and wellbeing.

The council will also offer families an opportunity to connect with one another, exchange experiences and contribute ideas that could help improve educational outcomes for children.

Educators to Share Experience and Expertise

The Dubai Educators Council will provide teachers and education professionals with an advisory platform to share their knowledge, experiences and recommendations.

Members will contribute insights gained through classroom teaching and educational leadership, helping inform policies, programmes and initiatives across Dubai’s private education sector.

The council will also support discussions around diversity, inclusion and teacher wellbeing, alongside efforts to improve the quality of students’ educational experiences.

Students Continue to Have a Voice in Education

The second cohort of the Dubai Students Council will give young people a direct channel to communicate their views, experiences and aspirations to education decision-makers.

The 16 student representatives, drawn from private schools across Dubai, will be able to raise concerns, share suggestions and contribute perspectives on issues affecting their education and school environments.

The initiative aims to ensure that students have a meaningful role in conversations about educational policies and programmes that influence their academic development and everyday learning experiences.

New Councils Attract Strong Community Interest

The introduction of the new councils has generated considerable interest among members of Dubai’s education community.

KHDA received 152 nominations for the Parents Council, 160 nominations for the Educators Council and 131 nominations for the Students Council.

Members were selected through an eligibility-based shortlisting process designed to encourage diverse representation from across the community.

Three Councils Support Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy

The three councils will contribute to Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, which places students at the centre of the emirate’s education development plans.

The strategy focuses on developing a future-ready education system while encouraging stronger cooperation among students, parents, educators, schools and education authorities.

Through regular engagement and the exchange of ideas, the councils are expected to create additional opportunities for community members to participate in discussions about the development and improvement of private education in Dubai.

Council Members to Serve One-Year Terms

Members of the three councils will serve for one year from their official appointment date.

They will have the option to apply for a second term, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

All council positions will be voluntary and unpaid, allowing members to contribute their time, experience and perspectives to the development of Dubai’s education sector.

The establishment of the Parents and Educators Councils, alongside the continuation of the Students Council, represents a step towards stronger community involvement, improved communication and greater collaboration across Dubai’s private education system.