Abu Dhabi Adek Announces Plan to Hire 2,000 Emirati Teachers in Private Schools

What happened

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has announced the Emiratisation Policy for Private Education. This initiative aims to hire more than 2,000 UAE nationals for teaching roles in private schools across the emirate over the next five years [1, 2]. The policy was developed alongside the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, also known as Nafis [2].

While private schools are already subject to Emiratisation targets, this new scheme focuses specifically on classroom teaching roles rather than administrative positions [1]. The recruitment will initially prioritize roles in Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Social Studies [1, 2].

Several private education operators have entered into strategic partnerships to meet these goals [2]:

• Taaleem: more than 200 Emirati educators [1, 2]
• SABIS: more than 150 educators [1, 2]
• Gems Education: more than 120 educators [1, 2]
• International Community Schools: at least 77 positions [1, 2]
• Liwa Education: at least 61 positions [1, 2]

This follows a May 2026 agreement between Adek and Aldar Education to create more than 300 opportunities for Emirati teachers [1, 2].

Under the Nafis programme, which aims for 10 per cent of skilled jobs in private companies to be held by citizens by the end of 2026, participants in the Adek-ECAE Teachers Programme may receive a monthly financial incentive of up to AED 4,000 during their training [1, 2].

Who is affected

• Emirati jobseekers and career changers: Those seeking to enter the education sector can access training through the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) [1].
• Students: UAE nationals can use the Emirati Student Employment Contract programme to work while studying, receiving a salary, pension registration, and on-the-job training [2].
• Private Schools: Employers with at least 50 staff members must increase their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent every six months. They are required to reach a 10 per cent target by the end of this year or face fines [1].
• Teachers and Assistants: The Nafis Teachers Programme offers two specific pathways: Teacher and Teacher Assistant [2].

Existing programmes include the Midad short-term programme launched in 2026 and the Kon Moallim postgraduate diploma launched in 2025 [2]. All professional standards are governed by the Abu Dhabi Educators’ Proficiency Framework [2].