Starting a nursery and daycare center in the UAE is a promising business venture. With increasing demand from working parents and a growing emphasis on early childhood education, the childcare sector continues to expand across the Emirates.
But launching a nursery or daycare in the UAE requires more than just a passion for childcare. You need to meet strict government regulations, secure approvals, and follow city-specific licensing procedures. This guide will walk you through the full process, including different requirements for Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other major cities.
Why Start a Nursery or Daycare in the UAE?
The UAE has become a hub for expat families and professionals, and with that comes a strong need for quality early education. The rise of dual-income households and government policies that encourage women to rejoin the workforce have also boosted demand for daycare services.
Key benefits of starting a nursery in the UAE:
- Strong and growing market demand
- Government support for educational ventures
- High potential for ROI in urban areas
- Year-round operation due to consistent population flow
General Requirements for Starting a Nursery in the UAE
Regardless of which Emirate you choose, there are some common steps you’ll need to follow:
- Choose your business jurisdiction (mainland or free zone)
- Get initial approval from the Ministry of Education (MOE) or the relevant local authority
- Obtain a trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Secure a compliant location with safety and health certifications
- Hire qualified staff approved by authorities
- Submit your curriculum for approval
- Pass inspections from Civil Defense and Municipality
City-Wise Requirements for Starting a Nursery or Daycare in the UAE
1. Starting a Nursery in Dubai
Dubai remains the most popular city for opening nursery businesses due to its large population, diverse expat community, and high awareness around early education.
Authorities Involved:
- Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) – for nursery approval and educational permits
- Dubai Municipality – for health and safety compliance
- Dubai Civil Defense – for fire safety clearance
- Dubai DED – for the trade license
Key Dubai-specific requirements:
- You must submit detailed architectural drawings of your facility for KHDA review.
- Nursery premises must be on the ground floor and have direct outdoor access.
- Child-to-staff ratio must comply with KHDA guidelines.
- KHDA requires regular inspections and progress reporting.
- English or bilingual (English-Arabic) curriculum is highly preferred.
Pro Tip: Areas like Jumeirah, Mirdif, Al Barsha, and Dubai Hills are in high demand for nurseries due to dense family populations.
2. Starting a Nursery in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has a well-regulated childcare system with slightly different approval channels.
Authorities Involved:
- Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
- Abu Dhabi DED
- Abu Dhabi Municipality and Civil Defense
Key Abu Dhabi-specific requirements:
- ADEK is the primary licensing authority and oversees curriculum and staff approvals.
- Nurseries must have a minimum space of 3.5 square meters per child.
- All staff, including assistants, must undergo background checks and training.
- Facilities must have a separate sleeping area, play area, and learning zone.
- ADEK encourages sustainable practices and innovative learning environments.
Pro Tip: Focus on communities like Khalifa City, Al Reem Island, and Al Raha which have high family footfall.
3. Starting a Nursery in Sharjah
Sharjah has a growing demand for nurseries, especially among local Emirati and South Asian families. It’s slightly more cost-effective than Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Authorities Involved:
- Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA)
- Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
- Sharjah Municipality and Civil Defense
Key Sharjah-specific requirements:
- Nurseries must follow SPEA’s Arabic curriculum or bilingual approach.
- Location approval is strict—must be within residential zones only.
- The minimum age group allowed is 45 days old, and maximum is 4 years.
- All signage and documents must be in both Arabic and English.
- Staff must include a qualified health care worker or nurse on site.
Pro Tip: Al Nahda, Al Khan, and Muwailih are preferred areas for setting up a nursery due to high residential density.
4. Starting a Nursery in Ajman, Fujairah, or Ras Al Khaimah
These emirates offer more affordable options for entrepreneurs looking to start with lower investment. Regulations are generally similar but may vary slightly in execution.
Authorities Involved:
- Ministry of Education (MOE)
- Respective Municipality and DED
- Civil Defense and Health Department
Key requirements:
- Nursery must be in a dedicated villa or ground-floor commercial space.
- MOE will conduct regular inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Staff-to-child ratios and curriculum guidelines follow federal standards.
- Arabic-speaking staff are often preferred due to local population demographics.
Pro Tip: Competitive pricing and community engagement work well in these regions to build trust with parents.
Cost to Start a Nursery in the UAE (City-Wise Estimate)
| City | Estimated Setup Cost (AED) | Key Cost Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 350,000 – 700,000 | Licensing, premium rent, staff salaries |
| Abu Dhabi | 300,000 – 600,000 | ADEK compliance, curriculum development |
| Sharjah | 200,000 – 400,000 | Lower rent, Arabic curriculum setup |
| Ajman/RAK | 150,000 – 300,000 | Economical rent, basic curriculum models |
Attracting Parents to Your Nursery: Why Lead Generation Matters
Even with the best curriculum and top-notch facility, your success depends on consistent enrollment. At GrowthKeeda, we help nursery and daycare businesses generate high-quality leads through:
- SEO and local listing optimization
- Google Ads and social media marketing
- Lead nurturing via email and WhatsApp
- Parent engagement campaigns
We focus on reaching parents actively searching for childcare services in your area—so you can spend less time marketing and more time building your business.
Final Thoughts
Starting a nursery or daycare center in the UAE is a meaningful business that combines purpose with profitability. However, success in this sector depends on understanding city-specific regulations, maintaining strict compliance, and positioning your center effectively in a competitive market.
Whether you’re planning to open in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other Emirate, taking a strategic and informed approach is key.
Ready to launch your nursery business? Partner with GrowthKeeda to get the marketing support you need—from launching to scaling. Our lead generation strategies are tailored to help you reach more families and grow sustainably.
See also: Daycare marketing agency
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you attract your first 100 customers and beyond.