Private Tutoring Is Now Regulated in the UAE: What Parents Should Know
30 June 2026 · MOHRE · 2 min read
In short: The UAE now requires private tutors to hold an official work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), in coordination with the Ministry of Education. The two-year permit is free, open to four groups of residents, and aims to bring private tuition into a regulated, quality-checked framework. For families, it is a welcome step toward safer, more accountable tutoring.
What has changed
Private tutoring has long been part of family life in the UAE, but much of it happened informally. Under the new framework, anyone offering paid private lessons is expected to hold a Private Tutoring Work Permit. MOHRE issues the permit in coordination with the Ministry of Education, and it is valid for two years at no cost.
The goal is simple: replace an unregulated market with one where tutors are identifiable, permitted, and held to clear standards.
Who can apply
The permit is open to several groups of residents:
| Category | Notes |
|---|---|
| School students (15 to 18) | Need parental consent, proof of enrolment, a medical fitness certificate and a good-conduct certificate |
| University students | Residents enrolled in higher education |
| Private-sector employees | Can tutor alongside their main job |
| Government and semi-government staff | Subject to the usual approvals |
| Registered tutors | Those who tutor as their main activity |
The permit covers full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible and remote arrangements. For part-time tutoring, holders do not need separate employer approval.
What it means for parents
A regulated system gives families more confidence. A permitted tutor is a known quantity, working within a framework that expects quality and good conduct. When you hire a tutor, it is reasonable to ask whether they hold a valid MOHRE permit, in the same way you would check a school's KHDA or ADEK rating.
It is also worth remembering what tutoring is for. Good tuition fills a specific gap, builds a skill, or supports a transition. It is not a substitute for the right school. If your child is consistently struggling, the question may be about fit rather than extra hours.
The right school first
Tutoring works best when the school underneath it is the right one. If you are weighing whether to switch schools or add support, start by comparing your options calmly.
Browse and compare schools side by side, explore the full schools directory, or read our guide on how to choose the right school in Dubai.
Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Private Tutor Work Permit service, issued in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
