How to Start a Daycare/Childcare Facility Business in Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s growing population, dual-income households, and strong focus on early childhood development have created a substantial demand for quality daycare and childcare services. Parents seek safe, stimulating, and educational environments where their children can thrive while they manage work or daily commitments. Launching a daycare facility is not only a socially impactful business but also a sustainable and profitable venture when executed with proper planning and compliance.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the key steps to start a daycare or childcare business in Dubai, and how Aviaan can support your journey with company formation, licensing, feasibility study, market research, and fundraising solutions.

Why Dubai is an Ideal Location for Daycare Facilities

High Number of Working Parents
Dubai is home to a large expatriate population with both parents often engaged in full-time jobs. This creates steady demand for full-day and part-day childcare services.

Government Support for Early Education
Authorities like the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) actively promote regulated early childhood learning, boosting the daycare sector’s credibility and appeal.

Safe, Family-Friendly Environment
Dubai ranks among the safest cities in the world, attracting families who seek quality education and care for their children from infancy.

Affluent Demographics Willing to Invest in Childcare
Families in Dubai are often open to paying a premium for trusted daycare centers that offer educational value, cleanliness, and professional care.

Types of Daycare and Childcare Services in Demand

Infant Care (0–2 Years)

Specialized care with cribs, feeding rooms, and sleep areas
High caregiver-to-child ratio and hygiene-focused setup

Toddler Daycare (2–4 Years)

Structured routines including play, rest, and learning
Focus on sensory development and socialization

Preschool Readiness Programs

Activities that prepare kids for formal schooling
Early phonics, numeracy, and motor skill exercises

After-School Care

Pickup from schools, snack time, homework help, and recreation
Ideal for working parents with older children

Activity-Based Weekend Childcare

Art, dance, music, and craft activities
Parent-free time during weekends or holidays

Licensing and Regulatory Framework

KHDA Licensing for Early Childhood Centers
If you’re setting up a childcare facility in mainland Dubai, you’ll require a license from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). This includes:

Approval of educational plans and routines
Verification of health, hygiene, and safety standards
Teacher and caregiver qualification verification
Premise inspection and approval

Municipality and Civil Defense Approvals

Fire safety, sanitation, and building code compliance
Health and safety audits for food handling and restroom facilities

Free Zone Options (Limited)
Although most childcare centers fall under KHDA jurisdiction, some free zones may allow activity centers or hybrid models (e.g., Dubai Knowledge Park for training-related programs).

Setting Up Your Facility: Infrastructure and Planning

Location and Space Planning

Preferably near residential communities, business parks, or educational clusters
Ground-floor locations with easy access and security

Essential Setup Elements

Indoor activity rooms, reading corners, and nap zones
Safe outdoor play area with shade and non-toxic equipment
Kitchen or snack station, child-sized toilets, and first-aid corner

Technology and Monitoring

CCTV access for parent visibility and safety
Digital check-in systems and attendance records

Furniture and Equipment

Age-appropriate chairs, tables, cribs, and play items
Sanitization-friendly flooring and walls

Curriculum and Staffing Strategy

Daily Schedule Design

Balanced mix of free play, guided learning, meals, rest, and outdoor time
Culturally inclusive and language-sensitive content

Educational Themes

Colors, numbers, animals, music, storytime, and social behavior
Integration of sensory, motor, and emotional development activities

Qualified Staffing Requirements

Lead teachers with certifications in Early Childhood Education
Trained assistants and caregivers with CPR and first-aid training
Housekeeping and kitchen staff for cleanliness and meal prep

Business Model and Revenue Streams

Full-Day and Half-Day Packages

Fixed monthly fees based on child’s age and service hours
Optional weekend care and emergency drop-ins

Hourly Drop-Off Options

Pay-per-hour services for parents needing temporary support

Activity-Based Upsells

Weekend classes (art, music, language) charged separately
Birthday party hosting and seasonal camps

Subscription or Loyalty Packages

Discounted pricing for long-term enrolments
Referral rewards and sibling discounts

Target Market and Positioning Strategy

Target Audience

Working parents in residential areas
Families with infants or toddlers
Dual-income expatriate families
Parents seeking bilingual or Montessori-style childcare

Marketing Channels

Google My Business and SEO for “daycare near me”
Flyers in community centers and grocery stores
Local parenting groups on Facebook and Instagram
Tie-ups with companies for corporate daycare solutions

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Bilingual caregivers and curriculum
Montessori or play-based approach
Real-time camera access for parents
Certified food and health safety protocols

Financial Planning and Investment

Startup Costs

Licensing, interiors, educational supplies, furniture, and branding
Recruitment and training of staff
Initial marketing and website setup

Operational Expenses

Monthly salaries, utility bills, cleaning supplies, and insurance
Curriculum updates and learning material replacement

Breakeven Expectations
A well-located daycare center can achieve breakeven within 12–18 months, depending on capacity utilization and reputation building.

How Aviaan Can Help Launch Your Daycare Business

Company Formation and Licensing

Assistance in selecting the optimal business jurisdiction
End-to-end support with KHDA, Municipality, and Civil Defense approvals
Visa processing and trade license setup

Feasibility Study and Financial Modeling

Analyze demand in specific communities or business zones
Project profitability based on rental and staffing assumptions
Suggest ideal pricing strategies for different age brackets

Market Research and Competitor Analysis

Identify gaps in daycare offerings in specific neighborhoods
Understand parental expectations and seasonal preferences
Benchmark global childcare models to localize offerings

Fundraising and Investor Engagement

Build comprehensive business plans and cash flow projections
Connect with angel investors focused on education and wellness
Guidance on SME loans or government childcare grants

Conclusion

Starting a daycare or childcare facility in Dubai allows you to tap into a growing, meaningful, and long-term market. By providing safe, nurturing, and development-focused environments for children, you not only build a profitable business but also contribute to society’s foundational needs.

Aviaan offers the expertise, regulatory knowledge, and strategic support to help you set up and scale a successful daycare center. From licensing to funding, you can count on a reliable partner at every stage of your journey.