'Outsourcing': A Creative Way for Schools to Raise Revenues

Many private schools in Dubai are finding 'creative ways' around the fee regulations imposed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), according to parents.

Third party services - whether these be uniform costs, school trips or  photographers, for instance - are not regulated by KHDA and schools can enter relationships with these companies which generate additional revenue for schools.  It's also becoming increasingly common for schools to have 'sister' companies that offer exclusive third party services.

The KHDA School Fees framework reads: “This framework is applicable to all tuition fees and all fees and costs for services that are provided by the school. However, this framework is not applicable for services provided by a third party.

“Fees and costs for non-tuition services provided by third parties must be optional for parents and are subject to the supervision and control of other government agencies.”