Opening a nursery or daycare centre in Dubai involves child-safety and educational-standards approval on top of the standard DET trade licence, since childcare facilities are regulated for safety, staff qualifications and space-per-child ratios rather than treated as a standard commercial premises.
Licensing and approvals
A nursery needs a childcare/nursery activity licence through DET, plus approval from the relevant education or social-services authority overseeing nursery standards in Dubai, covering staff-to-child ratios, caregiver qualifications, safety equipment, and facility layout. Staff working directly with children typically need background checks and, depending on role, specific childcare or early-years qualifications.
Facility requirements
Nursery approval generally covers outdoor play area requirements, age-appropriate room separation, fire safety and evacuation planning specific to young children, and hygiene standards for food handling if meals are provided on-site.
Costs and timeline
Costs include the trade licence, education/childcare authority approval fees, staff qualification verification, and fit-out specific to child-safety standards. Engage Dubai's relevant childcare authority directly for current facility standards and fees.