Dubai schools can suspend staff over student safety allegations pending investigation

Dubai: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has authorised temporary measures to protect students when allegations or concerns involve a staff member or another adult who deals with students. Under the Student Safety and Protection Policy Framework for Dubai’s private education institutions, the person concerned may be relieved of their duties or suspended from work when necessary while the case is assessed or investigated. Cases or allegations involving staff or other adults who work with students must be reported without delay and no later than the same working day, usually to the Student Protection Coordinator or designated Protection Officer. The framework provides alternative reporting channels when the person involved in a case is part of the usual reporting pathway. External service providers and third parties must also be informed that they can report concerns directly to KHDA or the competent authorities. The requirements apply to employees, contractors, third parties, volunteers, parents and others entrusted with responsibilities requiring trust. For cases requiring referral outside the educational institution, the Student Protection Coordinator or designated Protection Officer must escalate them according to specified reporting pathways and timeframes. The response requirements are divided into three levels based on the degree of risk. High-risk cases involving direct harm must be referred without delay to the legally authorised competent authority or relevant emergency service, depending on the circumstances, with KHDA also notified. Medium-risk cases must be escalated to the Community Development Authority (CDA) within 24 hours through the Child Protection Hotline on 800988, with KHDA also notified. Low-risk cases must be reported to KHDA within 72 hours by calling 8005432 or emailing info@khda.gov.ae. The framework also requires parents, guardians or caregivers to be informed of a referral, provided doing so does not delay the reporting process or cause additional harm to the student. Educational institutions must fully cooperate with investigations conducted by child protection specialists or other competent authorities. The framework sets different requirements for students aged 18 and above, who are considered adults under the law. Their consent should usually be sought before information about them is shared or they are referred to an external party, while respecting their wishes. CDA child protection procedures apply only to students under the age of 18. For students aged 18 and above, however, information may be shared without their consent when there is a risk to their safety or the safety of others.