Author: Andreea Andron
Published: May 27, 2024
The UAE government is investing heavily in education, set on becoming a global leader in education. As part of this initiative, the government has been consistently increasing funding for education, improving teacher training programs, and developing new curricula.
Typically spanning Kindergarten to Grade 5, primary education in the UAE is dominated by private schools. This is driven by factors such as the diverse expat population in the country who may be seeking specific curriculums.
When it comes to secondary education, there's a strong emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This provides an alternative pathway for students seeking a career-oriented education alongside traditional academic programs. The benefits can range from greater employability to access to a wide range of specializations.
For an entrepreneur looking to contribute to this rewarding field, SPC Free Zone offers all of these business activities with an instant business license, along with a guaranteed banking account in three working days and unlimited visas for partners, investors, and employees.
The purpose of pre-primary and primary education is two-fold. The first goal is to introduce young children to school, encouraging early adjustment to a structured learning environment and preparing them for future academic years. The second goal is to equip students with the basics of reading, writing, and math, alongside introductory lessons in various subjects like history, science, and the arts.
While typically aimed at young children, this activity also enables literacy programs for older people who may have missed out on elementary education, equipping them with the foundational skills of reading and writing, amongst others.
Another major area of primary education is special education for handicapped students. Globally, the importance of inclusive education and specialized learning environments has never been more prominent. Educators entering this field would benefit from keeping this in mind, ensuring their business and educational plans prioritize the learning needs of handicapped students.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Education (Sharjah) prior to obtaining business license |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
The UAE gives strong emphasis towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This business activity allows educators to provide general secondary education as well, not just TVET.
Subject matter specialization is key here, involving the teaching of both the theory and practical skills associated with each student's chosen subject. These can be for rather vast, general fields of employment, such as business management, or very specific training, such as for cosmetology.
Teaching locations can vary from educational institutes and workplaces, homes, training facilities, to digital means such as online classes or even television. This type of technical and vocational education can fall below the level of bachelor's or master's degrees.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Education (Sharjah) prior to obtaining business license |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
For educators who want to provide specific technical training – not at a school, college, or university level – this license is essential.
Teaching locations can vary from training facilities and educational institutes, workplaces, homes, to digital means such as online classes or even television. If you're providing education under this activity, you cannot equip your students with a high school diploma, bachelor's or graduate degree.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Education (Sharjah) prior to obtaining business license |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Apart from actual teaching services, a range of educational support activities are required to keep any educational institute running smoothly. These are the non-teaching services that ensure students have the resources and environment they need to learn effectively.
From academic support to counseling and guidance, evaluations, and curriculum development, each activity here is crucial.
Educational consultancy can involve counselors who help students with academic planning, career exploration, social-emotional issues, and mental health concerns. Education consultants and educational guidance counselors can operate under this.
Often, it is these resource persons who can shape a student's educational trajectory. They are the individuals to whom students can freely confide for guidance on both educational and personal issues. For issues beyond their wheelhouse, these experts can guide students to specialized counselors as well.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Education (Sharjah) prior to obtaining business license |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Testing and exams are a large part of successful educational institutes, and this is where educational service experts come in.
Research and experimental development within the field of social sciences and humanities cannot be carried out under any of these activities under 8550.00.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Education (Sharjah) prior to obtaining business license |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
| Business Activity Code | Description | Third-party Approval | Economic Substance Return | AML Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8550.00 | Educational Support Activities | Required (Ministry of Education, Sharjah) | Exempt | Exempt |
| 8550.12 | Education Consultancy | Required (Ministry of Education, Sharjah) | Exempt | Exempt |
| 8550.17 | Educational Services | Required (Ministry of Education, Sharjah) | Exempt | Exempt |
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