Abu Dhabi has launched a five-year plan to increase the number of Emirati teachers in private schools. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) announced its Emiratisation Policy for Private Education on Thursday.
Major stakeholders unite for recruitment drive
The initiative unites key stakeholders in education. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has partnered with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS).
This collaboration aims to create a coordinated approach to talent development, career support, and employer commitment. The goal is to establish clear pathways for UAE Nationals to enter teaching, offering training, qualifications, and employment opportunities in private education.
Ambitious targets for Emirati representation
The program aims to integrate over 2,000 UAE Nationals into teaching within five years. This aligns with ADEK’s vision of a high-quality education system led by talented educators. The focus is on equipping Abu Dhabi’s youth with future skills, prioritizing their well-being, and strengthening their connection to heritage.
The policy sets Emiratisation targets for teaching positions in Abu Dhabi’s private schools. It complements federal requirements while tailoring efforts to increase Emirati representation in classrooms. The aim is to develop educators embodying the values, expertise, and professional standards expected in Abu Dhabi’s education system.
Read Also: UAE diplomat emerges as top UN candidate
Building on a previous agreement with Aldar Education, which committed to over 300 opportunities for Emirati educators, ADEK is expanding partnerships. By collaborating with more private education operators, they aim to create additional avenues for UAE Nationals to enter teaching.
Strategic partnerships and specialized focus
These partnerships link employer commitments to new targets, ensuring training, placement, and recruitment of national talent across their schools.
The numbers highlight the initiative’s scale. Taaleem pledges to recruit over 200 Emirati educators, SABIS over 150, GEMS Education more than 120, International Community Schools over 77, and Liwa Education more than 61. This collective effort will create hundreds of opportunities for UAE Nationals.
The recruitment drive initially focuses on Social Studies, Arabic, and Islamic Studies roles. Integration will be progressive, occurring over the next five years. Participating operators will play a key role in implementing the policy, helping establish practical models for recruitment, training, and placement.
