ADEK highlights four key priorities aimed at equipping students with future-ready skills and digital competencies.
The Government of Abu Dhabi has unveiled a new strategy for the private education sector, setting out four key priorities to shape its next phase of growth. Aligned with the leadership’s vision, the strategy aims to nurture confident, future-ready generations who are deeply connected to their national identity while equipped to drive innovation and adapt to a rapidly changing world.
The strategy focuses on building an education system that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for future success. Its four core priorities are strengthening national identity and Emirati values, promoting student health, safety, and wellbeing, developing future-focused skills, and enhancing education quality through teacher excellence and effective learning practices.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) unveiled these priorities as part of an ambitious strategy designed to prepare future generations and leaders who are confident, grounded in their national identity, and equipped to navigate global technological advancements. The strategy seeks to empower students with the skills needed to thrive in advanced digital ecosystems, foster innovation, and contribute to technological progress.
Four Strategic Priorities
ADEK’s vision is centered on building a future-ready education system that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in an increasingly dynamic world. The strategy is guided by four key priorities:
- Strengthening national identity and Emirati values;
- Promoting student health, safety, and wellbeing;
- Developing future-ready skills; and
- Enhancing a comprehensive, high-quality education ecosystem driven by teacher excellence and effectiveness.
Together, these priorities aim to support students’ holistic development, strengthening their academic and career readiness while fostering confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of community contribution.
These priorities were presented by Mohammed Al Qadi during the Private School Principals Forum, which brought together more than 220 private school principals from across the emirate. The forum provided an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and engagement with the wider education community.
ADEK has placed strengthening national identity at the forefront of its strategic priorities, recognizing it as a fundamental pillar in shaping students’ character and cultivating a strong sense of belonging, responsibility, and commitment to their community and nation.
Strengthening Connections with UAE Culture and Heritage
ADEK continues to reinforce students’ connection to the UAE’s culture, heritage, and values through a range of educational and developmental initiatives inspired by the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
One such initiative is the My Creative Nation programme, which provides students with a platform to express their ideas and national values through meaningful creative projects. As part of this programme, ADEK launched the Salute to the Frontline Heroes initiative in April 2026, encouraging students to honor those who serve and protect the nation through artwork, poetry, performances, and other creative expressions.
Student Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
As part of its commitment to student health, safety, and wellbeing, ADEK is fostering healthier school environments by promoting balanced nutrition, encouraging regular physical activity, and supporting students’ mental and social wellbeing. These efforts are designed to enhance both academic performance and personal development, helping students thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Updating School Nutrition Policies
As part of its wellbeing agenda, ADEK is implementing a range of initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles among students. These include updating the emirate’s school nutrition policy, encouraging greater physical activity within schools, and expanding access to sports through programmes such as the Abu Dhabi School and University Sports Championship. ADEK is also nurturing sporting talent through advanced development pathways, including the All-Stars Programme.
Developing Future Skills
Developing future-ready skills remains a key strategic priority for ADEK. Central to this effort is strengthening literacy in both Arabic and English, which the department recognizes as fundamental to academic achievement, lifelong learning, and future career success. By enhancing language proficiency, ADEK aims to equip students with the communication and critical-thinking skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and knowledge-driven world.
ADEK supports schools through a range of educational resources and practical assessment tools aimed at improving reading proficiency and literacy outcomes. The department is also focused on developing students’ life-readiness and financial literacy skills, helping them build the knowledge and confidence needed to manage future responsibilities and contribute positively to their families and communities.
In line with its future-skills agenda, ADEK continues to strengthen the readiness of both students and educators to engage with artificial intelligence in a responsible and informed manner. This people-centered approach promotes the ethical use of AI while ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with national values and local culture.
To further enhance educational quality, ADEK is advancing clear standards and frameworks for professional excellence, while recognizing and celebrating the achievements of outstanding teachers. These efforts underscore the department’s commitment to fostering a high-performing education ecosystem driven by teacher effectiveness and continuous improvement.
The Private School Principals Forum also served as a valuable platform for direct engagement with education leaders, enabling ADEK to gather feedback and insights on future priorities. The initiative reflects the department’s commitment to collaboration and sustained partnership with schools, recognizing them as essential stakeholders in shaping the future of private education in Abu Dhabi.
Outcome of Collaboration with 400 Entities Across the UAE
The newly announced policies and strategies are the result of extensive collaboration with more than 400 stakeholders across the UAE, including government entities, private schools, and early childhood education institutions. This broad-based engagement was aimed at strengthening alignment across the education sector, enhancing accountability, and ensuring the delivery of safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environments for all students.
The collaborative approach reflects ADEK’s commitment to working closely with education partners to develop policies that address evolving needs while supporting long-term educational excellence and student success.
The updated private school policy framework consists of 39 policies structured across three main pillars: Governance and Operations (14 policies), Teaching and Learning (11 policies), and Integrated Health and Safety (14 policies).
For early education institutions, ADEK has introduced 27 new policies, distributed across three areas: Governance and Operations (7 policies), Learning Programs and Practices (8 policies), and Integrated Health and Safety (12 policies).
Advancing Equity and Sustainability in Education Quality
As part of its implementation phase, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched a comprehensive compliance programme during the current academic year. The initial focus is on three key policies: Employee Eligibility Standards, Career and University Guidance, and Physical Education and School Sports, all aligned with high standards of educational quality, safety, and student development.
The updated private school policies establish a comprehensive framework designed to enhance operational efficiency while improving both academic outcomes and student wellbeing. A key enhancement is the Career and University Guidance Policy, which supports students in making informed decisions and ensures a smooth transition into higher education pathways and future career opportunities.
