Illegal Nurseries in Dubai: Police Arrest 34 Over 33 Unlicensed Sites

Illegal nurseries in Dubai put children at risk of neglect and abuse, and Dubai Police have now arrested 34 people over them.

The crackdown hit 33 unlicensed nurseries across the emirate, including facilities inside residential buildings that failed basic hygiene and safety standards. If you are choosing childcare for your child, check the licence first.

What did Dubai Police find at the illegal nurseries in Dubai?

Dubai Police arrested 34 people for running 33 unlicensed nurseries across the emirate. The facilities included nurseries operating inside residential buildings that did not meet basic hygiene and safety standards.

These illegal nurseries in Dubai advertised cheaper childcare and targeted low-income households. They worked outside the licensing requirements and regulatory oversight that exist to protect children.

Illegal nurseries in Dubai: key facts at a glance

How did the crackdown on unlicensed nurseries unfold?

Search and investigation teams received information about nurseries operating in several parts of the emirate. Officers then identified the locations and placed them under surveillance.

In coordination with partner authorities, they raided the premises. Those raids led to the arrest of 34 suspects.

The campaign against illegal nurseries in Dubai followed field inspections and investigative operations. Dubai Police worked alongside Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The joint campaign aimed to crack down on unlicensed childcare facilities, strengthen child protection and prevent potential risks and offences.

Unlicensed operations are surfacing elsewhere in the country too. You can also read our coverage of the Al Dhaid farm inspection that uncovered unlicensed workshops in Sharjah.

Why illegal nurseries in Dubai endanger children

Dubai Police spelled out the danger plainly. "The danger of these nurseries lies in their operating outside childcare regulations, in locations unequipped to receive children, with low hygiene levels and no safety standards. These conditions, combined with the absence of institutional oversight of their staff, expose children to neglect or abuse," the force said.

In short, illegal nurseries in Dubai combine three problems:

• They operate outside childcare regulations.
• They use locations not equipped to receive children, with low hygiene and no safety standards.
• They have no institutional oversight of their staff.

Police said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to protect children. They stressed that all childcare providers must comply with the laws, licensing conditions and requirements governing nursery operations.

The force also warned parents against leaving children in premises that are not designated or equipped to provide childcare services.

Early years are a national focus. For more, see our report on Early Childhood Week, which will stage 300 events across seven emirates from 16 November.

Why low-cost childcare in Dubai needs a second look

Price drives many enrolment decisions, and the operators behind illegal nurseries in Dubai knew it. They advertised cheaper childcare options to households that struggle with licensed fees.

Dubai Police urged parents, particularly those in resident communities, not to be tempted by advertisements offering cheap childcare. They also warned against making enrolment decisions based solely on low fees.

The force put the principle bluntly: affordability should never take priority over children's health, safety and security.

Residential communities are also tightening their own rules on safety. Also check out our report on the strict rules Emaar communities set on candles and diyas.

How to verify a nursery licence before you enrol

Dubai Police advised parents to confirm that a nursery holds an official licence before registering their children. That single step protects your child from illegal nurseries in Dubai.

The UAE Government portal is a good starting point for official information. Use the checklist below, built on the force's advice.

Child wellbeing reaches beyond the nursery gate. For more, see our report on WHO's warning that one in four adolescents gets no active hour of daily exercise.

How to report illegal nurseries in Dubai

Dubai Police called on community members to help authorities identify illegal childcare operations. Residents should report suspicious activities or locations suspected of running unlicensed nurseries.

You can report suspicions through the Dubai Police call centre on 901. The force's website and smart application also accept reports.

The Ministry of Interior publishes information on policing and public safety services across the UAE.

For more Dubai health and safety news, you can also read our coverage of the UAE's first cryoneurolysis treatment for a patient with multiple sclerosis.

What the arrests mean for Dubai families

The arrests send a clear message. Illegal nurseries in Dubai will face investigation, surveillance and raids, and the authorities are acting together to find them.

For parents, the responsibility is practical. Check the licence, question the price and look at the premises before you enrol. If something looks wrong, call 901.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are illegal nurseries in Dubai?

They are childcare facilities that run without a licence and outside regulatory oversight. Dubai Police found some operating inside residential buildings that failed basic hygiene and safety standards.

How many people did Dubai Police arrest?

Dubai Police arrested 34 people for running 33 unlicensed nurseries across the emirate. They worked with Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

How can parents check a nursery is legitimate?

Parents should verify that a nursery holds an official licence before registering their children. Police also advise against choosing a nursery based solely on low fees.

How do I report a suspected unlicensed nursery?

Call the Dubai Police call centre on 901. You can also report through the force's website or smart application.

Why do unlicensed nurseries put children at risk?

Dubai Police say they operate outside childcare regulations, in unequipped locations with low hygiene and no safety standards. Staff also face no institutional oversight, which exposes children to neglect or abuse.