The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has reinforced strict rules for hiring teachers in private schools, requiring all applicants to present a valid criminal record check, also known as a certificate of good conduct.
According to ADEK, candidates already residing in the UAE must obtain the document from local authorities, while applicants abroad must secure one from their home country. Officials said the requirement is part of broader measures to guarantee a safe educational environment for students.
Alongside background checks, ADEK has rolled out a cultural orientation program for foreign and newly hired teachers. The initiative introduces them to Emirati traditions and values through its Cultural Considerations Policy, which highlights respect for national customs, proper appearance, prohibition of inappropriate symbols or practices, and adherence to UAE law.
The Department stressed that schools must upload all mandatory documents—including passports, Emirates IDs, academic and professional certificates, language proficiency test results, and the good conduct certificate—through its licensing portal. Only applicants who pass all verification steps will be cleared to teach in private schools.
ADEK also warned of tough penalties for non-compliance with cultural and professional standards. Schools or staff who deliberately violate policies may face appointment cancellations, formal warnings, fines between Dh50,000 and Dh350,000, and even legal consequences under UAE law.
The framework, ADEK emphasized, ensures that teachers meet high standards in four core areas: professional ethics, subject knowledge, classroom practice, and continuous development. By enforcing these measures, the Department aims to maintain both competence and integrity across Abu Dhabi’s private school sector.
