Nursery for Sale in Dubai: KHDA Rules, Listings and Checks (2026)
Short answer: Nurseries (early childhood centres) for sale in Dubai are listed on BusinessFinder.me. A well-running nursery in Arjan is currently listed at AED 3,500,000. In Dubai, nurseries need a commercial licence plus an Educational Services Permit from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). KHDA must approve any change of owner, so check the permit, capacity and enrolment, staff qualifications and the premises lease before you buy.
Which nurseries are for sale in Dubai right now?
This listing was on BusinessFinder.me on 19 October 2026 (asking price; it can change): Compare current gym listings in Dubai before you decide.
- Well running nursery business for sale in Dubai, Arjan, Dubai: AED 3,500,000
Check businesses for sale regularly for new nursery and education listings, or post a wanted ad.
Who regulates nurseries in Dubai?
Early childhood centres in Dubai are regulated under Executive Council Resolution No. 35 of 2020. A centre needs a licence from the commercial licensing authority and an Educational Services Permit from KHDA. The resolution states that a permit may not be assigned to anyone else without KHDA approval, and that centres must follow KHDA-approved curricula and quality standards.
How does a change of owner work for a nursery?
KHDA’s Early Childhood Centre Owners Amendment service sets out the process: For more detail, see our guide: responsibilities of a daycare centre.
- Get Initial Approval from the relevant commercial licensing authority (for example DET).
- Apply through the KHDA portal with the required documents. The KHDA permit and commercial licence must both be valid.
- KHDA reviews the request. KHDA lists the processing time as 5 working days after it receives all documents.
- If approved, KHDA issues an NOC to the commercial licensing authority (valid for 30 days) and updates the owner details on the permit.
Make KHDA approval a condition in your purchase agreement.
What should I check before buying a nursery?
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Permits | Valid commercial licence and KHDA Educational Services Permit, approved capacity and age groups |
| Enrolment | Current children by age group, waiting lists, re-enrolment rates and fee levels |
| Staff | Manager approved by KHDA, teacher and assistant qualifications, ratios, contracts and visas |
| Premises | Lease term, landlord consent, safety approvals, outdoor play areas and room for growth |
| Finances | Fee income, advance fees collected for future terms, salaries, rent and bank statements |
| Reputation | Parent reviews, any KHDA findings, complaints and inspection outcomes |
How are nurseries valued?
A nursery is usually valued on its verified profit and how full it is compared with its approved capacity. A nursery near full capacity with a waiting list and a long lease is worth more. A nursery with empty places may be cheaper but needs marketing and time to fill. Advance fees paid by parents are a liability: agree how they are handled in the price.
Should I buy a nursery or start one?
Starting a nursery means finding suitable premises, getting Initial Approval, an academic plan and KHDA permits, appointing a KHDA-approved manager and building enrolment. Buying a running nursery gives you a permit, staff and families straight away, but costs more upfront. Read KHDA’s permit guide for early childhood centres to compare the two routes.
How do I buy a nursery step by step?
- Visit during the day, meet the manager and review enrolment.
- Sign an MoU with the price, conditions (including KHDA approval) and timeline.
- Complete due diligence on permits, staff, premises and finances.
- Get landlord consent and update Ejari.
- Apply for Initial Approval and the KHDA owner amendment, then update the commercial licence.
- Pay the balance after approval and handover.
Read how to buy a business in Dubai for general due diligence steps.
Where are nurseries in demand in Dubai?
Nurseries do best in family communities with many young children and few nearby centres. Examples include newer villa and townhouse communities, and areas such as Arjan, Jumeirah Village Circle, Mirdif and Al Barsha. Before you buy, look at how many other nurseries are nearby, their fees and their waiting lists, and how easy the drop-off and parking are for parents. A good location with a long lease is one of a nursery’s most valuable assets, because suitable approved premises are hard to find.
Key takeaways
- A well-running nursery in Arjan is currently listed on BusinessFinder.me at AED 3,500,000.
- Dubai nurseries need a commercial licence and a KHDA Educational Services Permit.
- A change of owner needs KHDA approval, so make it a condition of the sale.
- Check enrolment against capacity, staff qualifications, the lease and advance fees.
Related guides
- Restaurant for Sale in Dubai: Listings, Prices and How to Buy
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- Kiosk for Sale in Dubai: How to Buy a Kiosk Business
- Medical Centre for Sale in UAE: Polyclinic Listings and Checks
Frequently asked questions
How much is a nursery for sale in Dubai?
On 19 October 2026, a well-running nursery in Arjan was listed on BusinessFinder.me at AED 3,500,000. Prices depend on capacity, enrolment and location.
Who regulates nurseries in Dubai?
Early childhood centres need a commercial licence and an Educational Services Permit from KHDA, under Executive Council Resolution No. 35 of 2020.
Does KHDA need to approve a new nursery owner?
Yes. The owner change is requested through the KHDA portal after Initial Approval from the commercial licensing authority, and KHDA then issues an NOC.
How long does the KHDA owner change take?
KHDA lists 5 working days once all required documents are received.
What is the most important check when buying a nursery?
Enrolment compared with approved capacity, plus a valid KHDA permit, qualified staff and a secure lease.
Last updated: 19 October 2026