Teachers required to uphold national values, protect pupil data and use AI responsibly.
Abu Dhabi: Teachers and other school staff in Abu Dhabi must follow a detailed code of professional conduct covering everything from classroom behaviour and relationships with colleagues to the use of artificial intelligence, cyberbullying and the protection of pupil data.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) requires schools under its jurisdiction to uphold professional standards based on integrity, dignity, impartiality and ethical conduct. The rules apply to private and Charter Schools across the emirate and cover staff, school governing boards and owners.
Schools must develop and circulate their own staff codes of conduct in line with ADEK requirements and the federal Code of Conduct for Education Professionals. Education professionals are also required to sign the federal code, while schools must ensure that all staff understand and comply with its standards.
The rules place particular emphasis on respect for the UAE’s national identity and cultural values. Staff are expected to treat pupils and colleagues fairly, regardless of their religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds, and ensure classrooms and workplaces remain free from discrimination. This includes providing equitable treatment to people of determination and pupils with additional learning needs.
The list of prohibited conduct is extensive. Staff must not discriminate against or harass members of the school community based on religion, race, origin, social status, age or gender. They are also prohibited from engaging in behaviour that promotes extremism, racism, bullying or other forms of discrimination.
Staff are also barred from dressing in ways considered culturally inappropriate or that conflict with school dress codes. Other prohibited conduct includes spreading false rumours about colleagues, disclosing confidential information and preventing colleagues from carrying out their official duties.
Private tutoring restrictions
The standards also set out rules for private tutoring. Teachers who provide lessons outside school hours must obtain the appropriate private tuition work permit in line with requirements set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Teachers are specifically prohibited from offering paid private tutoring to pupils enrolled at the same school where they work. Other prohibited conduct includes falsifying qualifications or employment history, plagiarism and deliberately concealing a reported concern.
Staff must also refrain from making official or unofficial statements that could damage the reputation of ADEK, their school or colleagues.
AI, cyberbullying and pupil data
Digital conduct has its own section within the professional standards, reflecting the growing role of technology in schools and classrooms.
Teachers are expected to help pupils assess the reliability of digital information and guide them in using artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically. They must also educate pupils about cyberbullying, including how to recognise when they are being targeted or taking part in such behaviour.
Educators are expected to discourage plagiarism, monitor pupils’ work for signs of it and take appropriate corrective measures when it occurs.
The standards also prohibit the inappropriate use of school devices and sharing screenshots of pupils or their work when they contain personally identifiable information. Staff are expected to undertake continuing professional development to stay up to date with best practices in digital safety, identity protection and information security.
No inappropriate contact, even as a joke
The code sets strict expectations around the protection and wellbeing of pupils and staff.
Educators must report any suspected or witnessed maltreatment and are prohibited from engaging in or facilitating any form of abuse, whether inside or outside school premises.
ADEK specifically includes inappropriate comments or physical contact, even when intended as a joke or in a light-hearted manner, among prohibited conduct. Failing to report witnessed maltreatment is also considered a breach of professional standards.
The rules also encourage educators to support community and sustainability initiatives and involve pupils in positive civic activities. However, staff must not use social causes to promote extremist behaviour among pupils or exploit such causes for personal gain, including through fraudulent fundraising.
Schools face penalties for violations
ADEK said schools are responsible for ensuring their staff codes of conduct comply with its Professional Code of Ethics Policy.
Failure to comply can leave schools subject to legal accountability and penalties under ADEK regulations and other applicable UAE laws. The department also reserves the right to intervene when a school is found to have failed to meet its obligations.
The policy came into effect in the 2024–25 academic year, with schools required to achieve full compliance from the start of the 2025–26 academic year.
