ADEK and Aldar Forge Landmark Partnership to Strengthen Emiratisation in Education

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has entered into a strategic partnership with Aldar to enhance Emiratisation within the education sector. This collaboration aims to implement a structured talent development roadmap that seeks to increase the representation of UAE Nationals in key roles at Aldar-operated schools by ninefold.

This agreement marks a significant milestone as it is the first of its kind between ADEK and a private education provider, indicating a transformative approach to the development and deployment of Emirati teaching talent across the UAE.

Comprehensive Framework for Talent Development

Under this partnership, Aldar Education will spearhead recruitment, deployment, and career progression opportunities for UAE Nationals in its schools. ADEK will support this initiative by creating entry pathways for top talent and facilitating the development of qualified Emirati candidates through its teacher preparation and training programs.

The collaboration builds upon ADEK’s recently introduced teacher talent approach, which acknowledges teachers as vital contributors to student success and national priorities. This initiative is anchored in the new Abu Dhabi Educators’ Proficiency Framework, which aims to enhance teacher standards and professional development. It also seeks to empower existing educators while broadening recruitment channels to attract passionate and experienced individuals into Abu Dhabi classrooms.

Inauguration of the Partnership

The partnership was officially inaugurated in the presence of Mohamed Taj Eddine Ahmed Alqadi, Chairman of ADEK, and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar Group. The agreement was signed by Mariam Alhallami, Executive Director of ADEK’s Private Education and Charter Schools Sector, and Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education.

Mohamed Al Qadi emphasized the critical role of teachers in achieving educational excellence, stating that developing a robust national teaching workforce is central to Abu Dhabi’s long-term educational goals. He highlighted ADEK’s initiatives, such as the Kon Moallim program, which offers structured pathways for UAE Nationals through a postgraduate diploma in education, equipping them with essential skills and confidence.

Commitment to Emiratisation

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak reiterated Aldar’s commitment to advancing Emiratisation across all facets of its operations. He described this partnership as a pivotal step in reinforcing Emiratisation within Abu Dhabi’s education sector. He noted that the UAE’s future hinges on the strength of its human capital, which begins in educational settings. Through this collaboration, Aldar aims to contribute to the development of a future-ready generation while aligning with the UAE’s national vision.

Central to the partnership’s success is a structured recruitment pathway for UAE Nationals who complete ADEK’s Kon Moalim program. This postgraduate diploma, delivered in collaboration with the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE), is designed to cultivate a sustainable pipeline of high-caliber teaching talent.

Addressing National Priorities

The partnership also aligns with broader national priorities aimed at increasing the presence of UAE Nationals in teaching roles. This includes a national directive to ensure that social studies teaching positions are filled by Emiratis in all schools within the next three years. Aldar Education will play a crucial role in facilitating long-term recruitment and development pathways.

In addition to social studies, the partnership will focus on expanding recruitment in Ministry of Education (MOE) subjects, Special Educational Needs (SEN), Foundation Stage, and Kindergarten classrooms. Each discipline requires distinct competencies, and Aldar’s multi-year talent development program aims to introduce new Emirati educators into the workforce by the 2030/2031 academic year, reflecting the UAE’s national identity and vision for a knowledge-driven society.

Implementation and Oversight

A joint steering committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the partnership and monitor key performance metrics. This includes tracking Aldar Education’s recruitment, retention, and progression of UAE National talent, as well as the readiness of candidates prepared through ADEK-supported pathways.

The framework will also align with national initiatives such as NAFIS and MOHRE, focusing on the recognition of “new-to-sector” teacher development, academic-year hiring cycles, and incentives for long-term talent retention and progression. Aldar will continue to create structured early-career pathways for UAE Nationals through internships and entry-level opportunities, offering up to 30 internships and 40 Classroom Assistant positions annually.

These initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to nurturing Emirati talent from the ground up, addressing both immediate recruitment needs and the longer-term supply of teachers.

For further details, visit the source: www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-05-21 21:20:00 • By the Editorial Desk