‘Federal Decree Law No. 18 of 2020 on Private Education’ (PDF, 4056 KB, available in Arabic only) organises the educational process in the UAE’s private schools. It regulates the licensing of private schools, the approval of educational curricula and the safety of students.

Article 11 of the Decree Law outlines certain obligations that private schools must comply with. The obligations include:

• providing all educational, administrative, health and environmental requirements, as well as security and safety measures within their premises
• maintaining a qualified licensed staff
• submitting annual reports on the school's academic, financial and administrative status

  to Ministry of Education (MoE) or the local education authority

• creating records for students and staff
• preserving the Islamic and Arab principles, public morals and the UAE’s values and traditions
• respecting the national identity and sovereignty
• playing the national anthem and raising the flag of the UAE only, without any other flag
• not placing any pictures or paintings of personalities or figures other than the leaders of the UAE
• obtaining permission before making any significant changes to their activities, use of facilities or curriculum
• complying with any additional requirements as determined by MOE or the local education authority.

Further, private schools cannot raise or change educational fees or add extra fees to its activities unless it has the approval of MOE or the local education authority first.

They must have a policy for student affairs that includes equality and non-discrimination, professional treatment of students and parents, and a supportive environment for students of determination i.e. students with mental or physical disabilities.

School management is responsible for keeping the students safe during the academic day, whether they are inside the school, on its facilities, on buses or outside its premises while being engaged in any of the school’s activities.

Schools must comply with the unified Code of Conduct issued by MoE, or other local education authority.

The law mentions fines and penalties for violating its provisions.