Emirati Students Can Work While Studying, Earning a Monthly Salary and Pension Benefits.
Abu Dhabi: More than 2,000 UAE nationals are expected to enter the teaching profession at Abu Dhabi’s private schools over the next five years, following the introduction of a new Emiratisation policy by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
The initiative aims to increase Emirati representation in the private education sector by establishing dedicated recruitment targets for teaching positions and creating structured pathways for professional training, qualifications and employment.
The policy is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS) and five major private education providers: SABIS, Taaleem, GEMS Education, International Community Schools and Liwa Education.
By bringing together government support, professional development programmes and recruitment commitments from education providers, the initiative seeks to make teaching a more accessible and sustainable career choice for Emirati nationals.
The programme also aligns with ADEK’s broader vision of developing a high-quality education system supported by skilled educators who can equip students with essential future-ready skills while promoting wellbeing, cultural identity and a strong sense of belonging.
New Emiratisation Targets for Private Schools
The Emiratisation Policy for Private Education establishes specific targets for employing UAE nationals in teaching positions across Abu Dhabi’s private schools.
While complementing existing federal Emiratisation requirements, the new framework focuses specifically on increasing the number of Emirati teachers in classrooms.
It also aims to develop a qualified national teaching workforce capable of meeting Abu Dhabi’s educational standards while preserving the country’s cultural values and identity.
To help schools achieve these targets, ADEK will facilitate access to screened Emirati candidates, funded teaching qualifications, hands-on classroom training and structured employment opportunities.
The initiative is designed to support long-term workforce development while providing private schools with practical guidance for recruitment and implementation.
Focus on Professional Skills and National Identity
The policy is supported by the Abu Dhabi Educators’ Proficiency Framework, jointly developed by ADEK and the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE).
The framework outlines the essential professional competencies and values expected of educators working in Abu Dhabi.
These include respect for UAE national identity and cultural diversity, ethical responsibility, compassion, community engagement, academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, continuous learning, resilience, innovation and teamwork.
By incorporating these principles into teacher development, ADEK aims to prepare educators who can deliver quality education while strengthening students’ connections to Emirati heritage and traditions.
Leading Education Groups Commit to Emirati Recruitment
Five major private education operators have pledged to recruit hundreds of Emirati teachers under the new partnerships.
Taaleem has committed to hiring more than 200 UAE nationals, while SABIS plans to recruit over 150 educators.
GEMS Education has pledged more than 120 positions, followed by International Community Schools with over 77 opportunities and Liwa Education with more than 61.
These commitments build on ADEK’s earlier agreement with Aldar Education in May 2026, which aimed to create more than 300 career opportunities for Emirati educators.
The recruitment campaign will initially prioritise teaching positions in Social Studies, Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Hiring and workforce integration will take place gradually over the next five years, allowing schools to expand their Emirati teaching teams while supporting professional development and classroom readiness.
Through these partnerships, ADEK aims to strengthen national participation in private education and establish teaching as a long-term career pathway for UAE nationals.
Private School Operators to Support Emirati Teacher Recruitment
Private education providers will play a central role in putting the new Emiratisation policy into action by developing effective approaches to recruiting, training and placing Emirati educators in schools.
ADEK will continue collaborating with private schools across Abu Dhabi to support the implementation process, connect institutions with qualified UAE nationals and help them achieve their recruitment targets.
The partnerships are also expected to create additional career opportunities for Emiratis in specialised education, while enabling schools to recruit professionals capable of promoting inclusive learning, supporting student wellbeing and providing personalised assistance to Students of Determination.
NAFIS to Provide Training and Financial Support
The broader Emiratisation initiative is being implemented through cooperation between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) and ADEK.
A key component of this collaboration is NAFIS, which offers UAE nationals access to government-supported training, financial assistance and structured employment opportunities within the private education sector.
MOHRE will facilitate training and employment arrangements that allow eligible candidates to join private schools while contributing towards the institutions’ applicable Emiratisation targets.
Emirati Students Can Earn Salaries While Studying
The initiative is further supported by the Emirati Student Employment Contract programme, which enables UAE nationals to secure employment with participating organisations while continuing their education.
Under the programme, eligible students can receive financial assistance, a monthly salary, pension registration and practical workplace training from the beginning of their studies.
Participants will also contribute towards their employers’ Emiratisation targets, allowing private education providers to develop future talent while supporting students’ academic and professional growth.
ADEK Expands Teacher Training and Development Programmes
Alongside increasing recruitment opportunities, ADEK is strengthening efforts to develop a steady supply of qualified Emirati teachers.
Working closely with MOHRE and NAFIS, the department is identifying potential candidates and preparing them for careers in education through dedicated training and professional development initiatives.
Among these programmes is Midad, introduced earlier in 2026 as a short-term initiative that allows UAE nationals to explore teaching as a possible career.
Another initiative, Kon Moallim, launched in 2025, offers selected candidates the opportunity to pursue sponsored postgraduate qualifications in education.
Both programmes have been developed and delivered in collaboration with the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE).
New Teachers Program Offers Two Career Pathways
Further strengthening these efforts is the newly introduced Teachers Program, a major NAFIS initiative delivered by ECAE in partnership with ADEK.
The programme seeks to establish a sustainable pipeline of skilled Emirati educators by making teacher training more accessible and connecting candidates with employment opportunities in private schools.
It combines specialised professional instruction, practical classroom experience and career placement opportunities.
The initiative is open to eligible Emirati jobseekers as well as individuals interested in transitioning from other professions into education.
Participants can choose between two pathways based on their qualifications and career aspirations: Teacher and Teacher Assistant.
These options are intended to provide flexible entry routes for UAE nationals with different educational backgrounds and professional experience.
Eligible candidates enrolled in the Teacher pathway may also receive a monthly financial incentive of up to Dh4,000 through NAFIS during their training period.
Building a Stronger Emirati Teaching Workforce
Through its new Emiratisation policy, partnerships with private education operators and expanded professional development programmes, ADEK aims to increase the participation of UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi’s private education sector.
The combined initiatives are designed to ensure aspiring Emirati educators have access to the qualifications, practical experience and employment opportunities required to establish lasting careers in teaching.
By investing in national talent and strengthening recruitment pathways, Abu Dhabi seeks to develop a highly skilled, culturally grounded and future-ready teaching workforce capable of supporting the emirate’s long-term educational ambitions.
