ADEK sets goal of 2,000 Emirati teachers in Abu Dhabi private schools

Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) launched an Emiratisation Policy for Private Education on October 23, 2026, setting emirate-level targets for UAE nationals in teaching roles at private schools. The initiative aims to bring more than 2,000 Emiratis into the teaching workforce over the next five years, with recruitment phased across that period.

The initial focus is on Social Studies, Arabic and Islamic Studies posts. Five operators made recruitment commitments: Taaleem more than 200, SABIS more than 150, GEMS Education more than 120, International Community Schools more than 77 and Liwa Education more than 61. These add to a May 2026 agreement with Aldar Education covering more than 300 opportunities. The policy rests on the Abu Dhabi Educators' Proficiency Framework, developed by ADEK with the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE), and draws on training routes including the short Midad programme, the Kon Moallim postgraduate route and a NAFIS Teachers Program delivered by ECAE with teacher and teaching assistant pathways.

Through NAFIS, eligible participants on the teacher pathway may receive a monthly incentive of up to 4,000 dirhams during training. An Emirati Student Employment Contract also lets nationals join an employer while still studying, with a monthly salary and on-the-job training. ADEK said it will work with all private schools in the emirate on the policy.