Dubai Unveils New Planning Rules for Early Childhood Education Centres

Dubai Municipality has introduced a new planning standard for early childhood education centres, allowing facilities to expand and optimise their use of land while maintaining the highest quality standards. Under the new regulations, centres can now construct a first floor dedicated to administrative and service functions, with a building coverage ratio of up to 45 per cent.

The initiative supports Dubai’s Urban Master Plan 2040, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban development. The updated framework is designed to improve the quality of educational infrastructure and better serve future generations in a modern and flexible learning environment.

As part of the new standards, each centre must provide one parking space per classroom, one space for every 50 square metres of office area, and one dedicated bus space for every three classrooms. Buildings must also maintain a minimum three-metre setback on all sides.

The planning framework was developed through an extensive study in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Knowledge Fund, addressing the growing demand from investors and operators seeking to expand capacity and optimise land use while keeping operational costs stable.

Eng. Nasser BuShehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality, said:

“The new planning standard for early childhood centres was developed after a thorough study to enhance our services in line with Executive Council Resolution No. (35) of 2020 on regulating early childhood centres in Dubai. This initiative reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to supporting the early education sector, meeting its growing needs, and providing pioneering educational services. It ensures a modern learning environment for children while enhancing the investment appeal of early education and aligning with Dubai’s vision of a sustainable, integrated community.”

Eng. Sanaa Al Alili, Director of the Urban Planning Department at Dubai Municipality, added:

“The new planning standard enhances the quality of educational facilities and aligns with Dubai’s vision to nurture future generations. By allowing additional floor space, it improves urban flexibility, optimises land use, increases capacity, and enhances service levels without additional fees.”

The initiative highlights Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to link urban planning with quality of life, sustainability, and educational excellence reaffirming the emirate’s position as a global city renowned for innovation, liveability, and future-ready infrastructure.