Dubai Private Schools Must Follow Updated Rules for Classrooms and Swimming Pools

Private schools in Dubai are expected to follow detailed health and safety requirements covering classrooms, playgrounds, swimming pools, science laboratories and student transportation.

The new guidelines are designed to support safer learning environments and strengthen safety practices across school campuses.

The requirements are outlined in a compliance handbook introduced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) under Dubai’s wider education regulatory framework.

New Safety Standards for Dubai Private Schools

The handbook covers several areas of school operations, with specific requirements for facilities used by students of different age groups. 

It includes classroom arrangements, emergency procedures, playground protection and safety equipment.

The guidelines form part of a wider regulatory framework introduced for education institutions in Dubai.

Classroom Safety for Younger Students

Kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms must be located on the ground floor.

Schools must also ensure that classrooms are appropriately sized, adequately ventilated and equipped with suitable furniture.

Additional measures include child-safe doors, protected electrical connections, emergency instructions and regular training for students and staff on evacuation procedures.

Playground Safety and Shaded Outdoor Areas

Schools are required to maintain safe indoor and outdoor play spaces, with equipment suitable for children's age groups and regular safety inspections.

Playground flooring beneath equipment must provide shock absorption, while dangerous edges and hard surfaces must be protected. 

Outdoor play areas must also have secure fencing and safe drainage arrangements.

Shade and First-Aid Requirements

At least 30 per cent of outdoor play areas must be covered by shade canopies.

Schools must also ensure that materials exposed to direct sunlight remain safe during high temperatures.

Play areas must be supervised, and first-aid kits should be kept in visible and accessible locations.

Swimming Pool Safety Rules

The handbook includes specific requirements for school swimming pools, covering water quality, supervision and access control.

Pools must follow relevant Dubai Municipality and building safety specifications. 

Cleaning and disinfection must be carried out regularly by approved companies, with records maintained by schools.

Lifeguards and Pool Access

Swimming pools must remain closed when they are not operating or when a lifeguard is unavailable.

Schools must prevent students from accessing pools without supervision.

Other requirements include non-slip flooring, accessible lifebuoys, first-aid kits and clearly displayed pool rules in Arabic and English. 

Pool depths must also be marked, and the number of lifeguards should be appropriate for the students using the facility.

Stronger Chemical Safety Measures in Science Labs

Science laboratories must follow safety requirements for chemical storage, handling and emergency response. 

Schools must provide appropriate facilities and equipment based on the activities conducted in the laboratory.

Hazardous and incompatible chemicals must be stored separately, while certain substances must be kept in locked cabinets. 

Storage areas should have suitable ventilation and temperature controls.

Emergency Equipment and Student Protection

Laboratories must have accessible safety equipment, including eyewash stations, emergency showers and first-aid kits. 

Schools must also provide protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, lab coats and closed footwear.

Staff members handling chemicals are expected to receive training in safety procedures and emergency responses.

Safety Measures for School Pick-Up and Drop-Off

The handbook also addresses student movement during arrival and dismissal times.

Schools must provide suitable parking facilities and designated pick-up and drop-off arrangements.

Licensed supervisors are required during student collection and drop-off in accordance with Dubai school transport regulations. 

School buses must also maintain valid licensing through the Roads and Transport Authority.

What the Updated Guidelines Mean for Parents

The new requirements provide parents with more information about the safety arrangements expected in private schools across Dubai. 

From classroom design and playground shade to swimming pool supervision and laboratory equipment, the handbook covers multiple aspects of the school environment.

Schools will need to ensure their facilities and operational practices meet the applicable safety requirements outlined by the education authority.