Starting a Daycare Business in Dubai: License, Cost & More

Have you ever thought about starting a daycare business in Dubai? Whether you're a UAE citizen, resident, or even a foreigner, anyone can open a daycare business here! Foreigners can also apply for a business license and enjoy residency in the UAE once the trade license is approved. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to start a children’s daycare center in Dubai.

You'll learn about the process, required licenses, cost estimation, and important approvals like the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) and Dubai Municipality approval.

Daycare Business Opportunity in Dubai

Daycare is a big opportunity in Dubai. Many parents work full-time jobs, and they need reliable care for their children. But it's not just babysitting! Parents also want a place where their kids can learn and grow in a safe, educational environment. With Dubai’s busy lifestyle, many families are searching for quality daycare options, and this creates a unique and profitable business opportunity.

Steps to Start a Daycare Business in Dubai

Starting a company in Dubai requires a trade license. Here’s how to start your daycare business:

1. Get a Trade License from DED (Department of Economic Development): To legally run a daycare, the first step is to get your trade license. In the beginning, since you require more approvals from different authorities like KHDA and DM, you need initial approval certificate for your trade license and then you can proceed with the KHDA approval NOC.

2. Apply for Trade Name Approval:- Pick a name for your daycare and apply for approval. Your business needs a registered name.

3. Apply for Initial Approval Certificate:- After receiving the trade name approval, apply for the initial approval certificate.

4. Get Dubai Municipality Approval

Once you have initial approval from the DED, the next step is to get approvals from the Dubai Municipality and Public Health Department.

These approvals ensure that your daycare meets the health and safety standards required to run a childcare facility.

KHDA Approval for Daycare

The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) in Dubai is the government office that makes sure schools, daycares, and universities are doing a good job. They are the ones who say if a daycare or school is good to open or not.

Here’s what KHDA does:

1. Gives Approvals and Licenses: If you want to open a daycare or school, KHDA will check and give you the green light if you follow their rules.
2. Checks Quality: KHDA makes sure every place for learning, like daycares, meets health, safety, and learning standards.
3. Helps Parents: KHDA helps parents choose the best schools or daycares by giving reports about how well they’re doing.

For daycares, KHDA checks that the place is safe and good for kids, and they must approve an academic plan before you can start running the daycare.

Documents Required for KHDA Approval

• An academic plan following the Early Childhood Guide.
• Detailed information about your daycare’s location.

Once KHDA reviews your application and documents, they will issue an initial approval and No Objection Certificate (NOC). After that, you can apply for your trade license.

Hiring a Manager for Daycare Center

Once you have your initial KHDA approval, you will need to hire a daycare manager. KHDA will interview the manager to ensure they are qualified for the role.

Cost of Starting a Daycare in Dubai

The total cost to register your daycare business in Dubai will be around AED 30,000. Here’s the breakdown:

• DED License: Around AED 20,000.
• KHDA Approval: Around AED 10,000.

The setup cost is around AED 30,000, excluding premises rent.

Get Equipment and Toys

To run a daycare, you’ll need to get the following:

• Safety-Approved Furniture: Child-sized tables, chairs, and soft mats for play.
• Educational Toys: Puzzles, building blocks, and other learning tools.
• Outdoor Play Equipment: Small slides or playhouses.
• Sleeping Areas: Cots or mats for naps.
• Basic Supplies: Diapers, wipes, hand sanitizers.

Area Selection is Key!

Choosing the right location for your daycare is crucial. Places like Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai, where there are many families and apartment buildings, are great choices. But remember, rent can be higher in these areas compared to other places. So, select your location based on your budget and target market.

Starting a daycare business in Dubai offers great potential. With the right approvals and setup, you can create a successful business that supports families and helps children grow.

Marketing Your Daycare Business

Once you have your daycare business set up and approved by KHDA, it’s time to let parents know! Marketing is key to making your daycare successful. Whether you choose online or offline marketing, you must follow the KHDA guidelines to make sure your promotions are accurate and clear.

At CSPzone, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs set up daycare businesses in Dubai. With 15 years of experience in business setup, we handle everything from obtaining the necessary approvals, including KHDA, to ensuring your daycare meets all legal and safety standards. Let us simplify the process so you can focus on creating a safe, nurturing environment for children. Reach out to us today to make your daycare dream a reality!