Abu Dhabi unveils plan to recruit 2,000 Emirati teachers at private schools over five years

Abu Dhabi authorities have announced a new initiative to recruit 2,000 Emirati teachers in private schools over the next five years, as part of a broader push to strengthen local talent in the education sector.

The Emiratisation Policy for Private Education aims to train and certify a new generation of Emirati educators, encouraging them to take leading roles in shaping the next cohort of learners. The programme is backed by the Ministry of Human Resources, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), and several private education operators, including Gems Education, Taleem, Sabis, International Community Schools, and Liwa Education.

Under the plan, private schools in the capital will be required to meet new recruitment targets specifically for teaching roles, expanding the government’s existing Emiratisation strategy. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) stated that the initiative will complement current Emiratisation goals while establishing a dedicated approach to boosting Emirati representation in classrooms.

Currently, private schools are already subject to Emiratisation employment quotas. The new scheme aims to sharpen the focus on hiring citizens for teaching positions rather than administrative roles. Initially, the policy will concentrate on Social Studies, Arabic, and Islamic Studies positions, with recruitment and integration rolling out progressively over the coming five years.

Teacher training programme

As part of the strategy, Adek is collaborating with the Emirates College of Advanced Education to launch a teaching programme designed to build a long-term pipeline of qualified Emirati teachers. The programme will offer specialised training, practical classroom preparation, and employment opportunities within the private education sector.

It is open to Emirati jobseekers and individuals looking to transition into education careers, subject to eligibility requirements. The programme will feature two dedicated pathways for teachers and teaching assistants, creating flexible entry points for Emirati talent at different qualification levels.

Through the Nafis programme—introduced in September 2021 to ensure that 10 per cent of all skilled jobs in private companies are held by citizens by the end of 2026—participants will be eligible for a monthly financial incentive of up to AED4,000 throughout the training period.

Progress on hiring commitments

The policy will provide schools with access to a pool of national talent and offer funded qualification pathways, practical school-based training, and structured routes into employment. Private schools are already making significant progress in integrating Emirati employees into their teaching workforce.

In May, Adek signed an agreement with Aldar Education to create more than 300 opportunities for Emirati teachers within its schools. The education authority has now entered into further strategic partnerships with Sabis, Taaleem, GEMS Education, International Community Schools, and Liwa Education.

Taaleem has committed to recruiting more than 200 Emirati educators, Sabis more than 150, and Gems Education more than 120. International Community Schools and Liwa Education have pledged to create teaching positions for at least 77 and 61 Emiratis, respectively.

Emiratisation targets and broader context

Employers in the UAE with at least 50 staff—including schools—are required to increase their Emirati workforce by 1 per cent every six months under the Emiratisation scheme. They must reach a 10 per cent target by the end of this year, with companies failing to meet targets or flouting rules facing significant fines.

The initiative has proven crucial in encouraging large numbers of citizens—who have traditionally preferred public-sector jobs—to join the private sector. Government figures released in July showed that more than 190,000 Emiratis were employed by 32,000 private-sector companies.

In April, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, announced the extension of the landmark Emiratisation strategy. Sheikh Mansour unveiled a series of updates, including the expansion of the children’s allowance for Emiratis, removing the previous cap on the number of eligible children. A salary support programme for children of Emirati women in the private sector and the wives of citizens working for private companies will also be introduced.