Dubai's New Guidelines for Early Childhood Education Centres

Dubai is advancing its early education framework with fresh planning guidelines for early childhood centres. These updated regulations permit the construction of a first floor solely for administrative and service functions, with a building coverage limit of 45%.

The reforms aim to optimize urban land use while ensuring quality learning environments for children. Updated guidelines stipulate parking regulations: one parking space for each classroom, one per 50 sq. m of office space, and a dedicated bus space for every three classrooms, alongside a minimum setback of three meters on all sides for safety and proper spatial distribution.

Developed after thorough collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Knowledge Fund, these standards address the increasing demand from educational operators. The objective is to maximize land use, expand capacity, and improve service quality without imposing significant financial strains on investors.

This initiative aligns with the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, which prioritizes integrated urban planning, sustainable growth, and the establishment of modern, child-centric educational environments. By allowing more space for non-educational activities, the revised regulations empower centres to manage administrative tasks better, support their staff, and boost operational efficiency.

These changes are projected to elevate Dubai’s status as an international education hub, providing state-of-the-art facilities for future generations while promoting sustainable urban development and investment-friendly practices.