Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched a five-year initiative aimed at integrating more than 2,000 Emirati nationals into teaching roles across the emirate's private schools. The programme is being run in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council known as Nafis, and five major private education operators.
Under the plan, Taaleem has committed to bringing in more than 200 Emirati teachers, Sabis more than 150, Gems Education 120, International Community Schools 77, and Liwa Education 61. Separately, Aldar Education agreed in May this year to create more than 300 opportunities for Emirati educators within its schools.
The initial phase will focus on subjects such as Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies, areas authorities say are a natural starting point for nationals entering private-sector teaching. To make the move financially attractive, Nafis is offering eligible participants in its Teachers Programme a monthly incentive of up to Dh4,000.
The initiative also includes Midad, a short-term exploratory track for those considering a teaching career, and Kon Moallim, a postgraduate qualification pathway for aspiring educators. Officials describe the goal as raising the proportion of Emirati nationals working in a private education sector that has historically relied heavily on expatriate teaching staff.
The announcement, made public on October 23, reflects a broader Emiratisation push across private-sector employment in Abu Dhabi, extending a strategy already applied in banking and other industries into classrooms for the first time at this scale.