Special Features
Knowledge and Human Development Authority
Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai, Knowledge and Human Development Authority was established by decree 30/2006 to develop all knowledge and human resource sectors in the Emirate of Dubai. KHDA aims to develop the education and human resource sectors and bring them on par with international standards and prevalent best practices, while keeping in mind the requirements of the job market.Why KHDA?
Keeping in line with the economic and social growth in the region and particularly in Dubai, the authority is established to ensure the continuous development of the education sector and to improve the quality and outcomes of education on all fronts and at all stages. KHDA initiative keeps in mind the current economic and social development and was initiated to create a UAE knowledge economy.
The role of the key stake holders in the educational development process can be summed up as follows:
Students: Since they represent the focus of KHDA’s programs, the Authority will work effectively to raise the capability of the students enabling them to be part of the social and economic growth of the Emirate.
Teachers: The Authority will join forces with the teachers to improve the educational system in the Emirate and to ensure the effective development of human resources. In addition, the Authority will strive to improve the work environment of the teachers in the educational system.
Parents: The authority calls for parents’ contribution, participation and support in the development process.
The Government: KHDA derives its work plans from the government’s strategy and will work toward outcomes necessary to fully execute the overall strategy; preparing in the meantime, the required highly qualified human resources.
Private sectors (Educational services suppliers, private institutions): Besides regarding them as partners, the authority will cooperate closely with the private sectors to enhance and support the development of the educational process in the Emirate.
Article 5 of the decree 30/2006 spells out the objectives of the KHDA.
The Authority will undertake the planning, provision and development of knowledge and human resource requirements in cooperation and coordination with the concerned federal entities in the country as detailed below:
1. Participate in the development of a comprehensive strategy for knowledge and human resources development, and supervise its implementation in coordination with the concerned government entities.
2. Work with concerned government entities in developing the educational outcomes at all levels and in accordance with market requirements.
3. Establish and manage all educational and vocational institutions by assessing their performance in accordance with the laws in the country.
4. Provide training programs for educational and administrative staff in schools and educational institutions, in cooperation with Ministry of Education and in accordance with adopted laws in the country.
5. Encourage private education and training institutions to provide distinguished education and training services.
6 Participate in developing and implementing strategies to attract qualified and experienced workforce from outside the country for the local market.
7 Attract internationally recognized private educational institutions, study and research centres and human resources development institutions to establish their presence in Dubai.
8 Provide training, awareness and developmental programs for UAE nationals to ensure effective participation in the economy of the country
9 Develop and establish scholarships policies and regulations and allocate the scholarship fund in accordance with these regulations.
10 License and regulate private schools and other educational institutions, including appraisal and attestation, and setting standards and criteria for the aforementioned services in accordance with and compatible to, the general policies of the concerned federal ministries.
11 Supervise all educational services and institutions (such as schools, universities, institutions, and training centers) within the free zones in Dubai, including appraisal and attestation, and setting the necessary standards and criteria for the aforementioned services.
