- Education License
What is an Education License in UAE?
If you’re planning to open a school, training center, or any educational business in the UAE, obtaining an Education License is a crucial first step. This license is a legal requirement to operate and ensures your venture aligns with national education standards and regulations.
In the UAE, licensing authorities vary by Emirate:
Dubai: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) oversees private education and ensures regulatory compliance.
Abu Dhabi: The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) licenses private and public schools, along with higher education institutions.
Other Emirates: Including Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, the Ministry of Education (MOE) or local authorities manage the licensing process.
RAKEZ offers a cost-effective and business-friendly environment to launch your education venture with full regulatory support.
You can apply for this license for various types of educational services, including:
- Private schools (K-12)
- Vocational and skill development centers
- Higher education institutions
- E-learning and remote training platforms
- Educational consultancy services
- Why Education License
Benefits of an Education License in the UAE
The UAE continues to position itself as a regional hub for quality education and innovation. Obtaining an education license in the UAE offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in the learning sector. The UAE offers a business-friendly environment for education providers. With 100% foreign ownership and no income tax, entrepreneurs enjoy full control and higher profit margins.
The setup process is simpler than in many other countries, supported by strong government backing. Its strategic location and time zone make it ideal for reaching students across Asia, Africa, and Europe. High demand for quality education, especially in STEM and vocational training, makes the UAE a promising market for new educational ventures.
Dedicated
Academic Zone
Purpose-built zone offering facilities and infrastructure for schools, universities, and consultancies.
Professional
Setup Support
End-to-end assistance with licensing, leasing, and compliance, making it easier to start operations.
Cost-Effective
Packages
Affordable license options, such as the Basic Package and All-Inclusive Package.
Instant
License Issuance
Fully digital process with quick approvals, no paperwork or physical visits needed.
Virtual
Education License
A unique license type for e-learning businesses, supporting the growing online education trend.
Affordable
Tuition Advantage
Institutions in Ras Al Khaimah offer competitive pricing, attracting a larger student base.
Academic Zone in RAKEZ
The Academic Zone in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a dedicated platform designed to attract high-quality educational institutions and service providers to the UAE. It supports the delivery of globally relevant education, training, and professional development, contributing to Ras Al Khaimah’s growth and the broader Gulf region’s knowledge economy.
The Academic Zone offers a variety of facilities to suit different operational needs, ensuring institutions can start and scale efficiently:
Shared workstations and offices ideal for trainers, consultants, or small-scale education providers.
Dedicated spaces for education support services, consultancies, and training institutes.
Available for startup higher education providers looking to build custom campuses.
Ready-to-use infrastructure suitable for K-12 schools or universities.
These facilities are designed to accommodate both small and large institutions, providing flexibility for growth and expansion.
- Academic Zone
RAKEZ Academic Zone: Institutions & License Types
RAKEZ Academic Zone hosts a vibrant community of educational institutions, each serving diverse learning needs. To support various educational models, the zone offers a range of license types, each designed to meet the specific requirements of different institution types.
| Institution Type | Description | Relevant License Type |
|---|---|---|
| International Universities | Offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. | Higher Education Provider |
| K–12 Schools | Includes nurseries, kindergartens, primary, preparatory, and secondary schools. | School/Early Learning Centre |
| Training Institutes | Provide professional, vocational, language, and skills development courses. | Training Institute |
| Education Consultancies | Offer advisory and support services to students and academic institutions. | Non-Academic Services Provider |
| EdTech, Sports, Infrastructure Providers | Support the education sector with tech, facilities, or extracurricular services. | Non-Academic Services Provider |
- Our Process
Step-by-Step Process for Getting an Education License in UAE
Your journey begins by partnering with Aurum, the official RAKEZ accelerator based in Dubai. With deep knowledge of the RAKEZ setup process, Aurum acts as your dedicated consultant, assisting you with approvals, licensing, facility selection, and operational setup. From your initial inquiry to full launch, Aurum ensures your education venture meets all legal and regulatory requirements.
Before launching your institution, you must obtain the required approvals to ensure compliance with UAE educational standards. In Ras Al Khaimah, the Ministry of Education (MOE) reviews your curriculum, operational framework, and educational model. If your institution will operate in the RAKEZ Academic Zone, RAKEZ approval is essential, especially when leasing land or prebuilt facilities.
Once approvals are in place, you can proceed to establish a legal entity for your educational venture. During registration, you will also select the appropriate license based on your institution type. RAKEZ offers several license categories:
- School/Early Learning Centre
- Higher Education Provider
- Training Institute
- Virtual Education License (for online learning platforms)
Your institution must operate from a compliant physical or virtual facility. RAKEZ offers flexible options, including prebuilt offices, educational buildings, and land for custom campus development in its Academic Zone.
At this stage, you will also arrange UAE residence visas for partners, managers, and academic staff. Aurum facilitates visa processing for employees and, in the case of higher education institutions, for students as well.
With the infrastructure and legal setup complete, the final step is to build your academic team and begin operations. You must recruit qualified educators who meet UAE academic standards. Faculty credentials must be verified by the MOE or other relevant authorities, as these play a key role in maintaining your license and institutional reputation.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Your Common Questions Answered
Why do I need an Education License in the UAE?
To operate legally in the UAE, you must have an education license. This license shows that your institution follows the country’s rules for providing quality education, protecting students, and maintaining high standards.
Who can apply for an Education License in RAKEZ?
Local and international investors, education professionals, and entrepreneurs looking to open private schools, training centers, universities, or online academies in Ras Al Khaimah can apply for the license.
What types of institutions need an Education License in the UAE?
You’ll need an education license if you’re setting up:
- K-12 schools (including nurseries and kindergartens)
- Universities or higher education institutions
- Training institutes for professional or personal development
- E-learning platforms offering online education
- Educational consultancies providing support services
Can I lease or build a campus in RAKEZ?
RAKEZ provides flexible options, including prebuilt educational facilities, flexi-desks, and land for constructing custom campuses within its dedicated Academic Zone.
Are visas available for staff and students under the RAKEZ license?
RAKEZ facilitates residence visas for owners, staff, and academic personnel. Higher education providers may also apply for student visas through RAKEZ.
What are the requirements for obtaining an Education License in RAKEZ?
You’ll need to submit a completed application form, passport and visa copies, a tenancy contract, and a detailed business plan. For LLCs, a Memorandum of Association is required. Approvals from the Ministry of Education and RAKEZ are necessary, along with proof of compliance with UAE education standards. Additional permits may be needed based on your institution type.
Are virtual education licenses available in the UAE?
RAKEZ offers a Virtual Education License tailored for online platforms and e-learning providers. This is ideal for businesses that offer remote learning services and wish to tap into a global student base from the UAE.
How long does the licensing process take in RAKEZ?
RAKEZ offers one of the most efficient licensing processes in the UAE. Once all required documents are prepared and approvals are secured, licenses can be issued instantly upon online submission and payment. This fast-tracked system allows institutions to launch quickly with minimal delays.
What market opportunities exist for education providers in the UAE?
The UAE’s growing population of over 10 million, largely expatriates, creates strong demand for educational services. There is a particular interest in STEM-based programs, vocational training, and international curriculums, presenting a solid opportunity for new education ventures.
How can Aurum support the education license process?
Aurum is RAKEZ’s official accelerator office in Dubai. Aurum assists entrepreneurs with end-to-end support, including approvals, documentation, business registration, facility selection, visa processing, and bank account setup, making the licensing process smooth and efficient.