By Amitha
As UAE regulators raise the bar on safeguarding and quality, nursery leaders say compliance is only the starting point. From redesigned classrooms to AI-assisted teaching, they explain where early years education is really heading and why the daily experience of the child, not the inspection report, remains the true measure of quality
Dubai, Sept 3, 2026: Nursery leaders across the UAE say the early education sector is being reshaped by tighter regulation, but insist the real gains lie beyond compliance. Frameworks from MOE, KHDA, ADEK and SPEA have raised the floor on safeguarding, inclusion and well-being. Many, however, argue that quality is ultimately measured in daily practice, not inspection reports.
Classrooms are increasingly treated as a “third teacher,” built around natural materials, flexible layouts and calm, sensory-rich areas, while STEAM, coding, sustainability and emotional intelligence are being woven into everyday play rather than delivered as standalone subjects.
Technology while being used to support educators and family engagement is being limited so that it does not replace hands-on, outdoor and sensory experiences that remain central to early learning, including balancing screen time with active play.
