Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and Aldar have signed a strategic partnership to accelerate Emiratisation in the education sector. This collaboration aims for a ninefold increase in UAE Nationals representation across key roles in Aldar-operated schools through a structured talent development roadmap.
According to Emirates News Agency, this groundbreaking agreement is the first of its kind between ADEK and a private sector education provider. It signifies a transformative shift in the UAE’s approach to developing and employing Emirati teaching talent on a larger scale. Aldar Education will spearhead recruitment, deployment, and career progression for UAE Nationals within its schools. Meanwhile, ADEK will support these efforts by establishing entry pathways for top talent and facilitating the development of qualified Emirati candidates through teacher preparation and training initiatives.
The partnership builds on ADEK’s recent teacher talent approach, which emphasizes the pivotal role of teachers in student success and national priorities. This approach, grounded in the new Abu Dhabi Educators’ Proficiency Framework, enhances teacher standards and professional development while encouraging experienced individuals to join Abu Dhabi classrooms through diversified attraction pathways.
The partnership was inaugurated with Mohamed Taj Eddine Ahmed Alqadi, Chairman of ADEK, and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar Group, in attendance. Mariam Alhallami, ADEK’s Private Education and Charter Schools Sector Executive Director, and Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, signed the agreement.
Mohamed Al Qadi, Chairman of ADEK, highlighted the importance of developing a strong national teaching workforce as central to Abu Dhabi’s long-term education priorities. He emphasized that initiatives like Kon Moallim offer structured pathways for UAE Nationals to gain the necessary qualifications through a postgraduate diploma in education, equipping them with essential skills and professional foundations.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar and Chairman of Aldar Education, reiterated Aldar’s commitment to advancing Emiratisation as a nation-building imperative. He expressed pride in Aldar Education being the first private education provider to enter into such a strategic partnership, contributing to the UAE’s national vision and the development of a future-ready generation.
A structured recruitment pathway for UAE Nationals completing ADEK’s Kon Moalim programme will be central to the partnership’s success. This initiative aims to build a sustainable pipeline of high-caliber teaching talent and supports national priorities to increase UAE Nationals in teaching roles, including social studies and other focus areas like MOE subjects and Special Educational Needs.
The partnership also involves forming a joint steering committee to oversee implementation and track metrics, including Aldar Education’s recruitment, retention, and progression of UAE National talent. Aligning with national initiatives such as NAFIS and MOHRE, the framework will focus on teacher development, hiring cycles, and incentives for long-term retention.
In addition to recruitment pathways, Aldar will offer structured early-career opportunities for UAE Nationals, including internships and classroom assistant roles. These efforts reflect a long-term commitment to cultivating Emirati talent, ensuring sustainable pipelines that address both immediate and future teacher supply needs.