The event brought together around 100 Emirati educators ranging from retired leaders to recent graduates to discuss empowerment initiatives and the integration of national values throughout private schooling. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the forum advanced the Emirati Educator Strategy that the Executive Council of Dubai had previously approved to align with the emirate’s E33 economic vision while addressing sector-wide demand for culturally attuned instruction. Amina Al Kawari, director of educator empowerment at the authority, emphasised the national importance of expanding the Emirati teaching workforce and outlined how the gathering would help translate policy into practical career pathways for nationals. The authority’s approach combines recruitment drives with ongoing professional development to ensure sustained growth in this area.
Al Kawari said, “Emirati teachers carry a national mission. Empowering them is a national responsibility that reflects the leadership’s vision to invest in people, elevate the teaching profession, and embed excellence and sustainability across education.” Seham Alhajri described the strategy as an important national step that would strengthen identity formation among students. “The Emirati Educator Strategy represents an important national step towards strengthening national identity and embedding Emirati values among future generations,” she said. Wedad bin Turkiya added that the plan would support broader ecosystem improvements through technology and local capabilities.
Workshops at the forum addressed innovative Arabic language teaching techniques together with practical applications of artificial intelligence in classroom settings, enabling experienced educators to mentor newer entrants directly. Shaikha Mohammed noted that the sessions facilitated meaningful exchange of knowledge while demonstrating the comprehensive backing extended to teachers from the outset of their careers. She encouraged recent graduates to pursue the profession with confidence, continuously building skills that produce tangible student outcomes. The format deliberately paired veteran leaders with emerging talent to foster long-term networks within the private education community.
The authority maintains several complementary programmes, among them the Teach in Dubai platform, the All Rise initiative and the Leaders in Education development track, all introduced under directives issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These schemes focus on attracting, training and retaining nationals for teaching and leadership positions across private institutions where expatriate staff have traditionally predominated. Officials indicated that measurable progress toward the 3,000-teacher target would be tracked through annual reviews that assess both recruitment numbers and retention rates.
In a parallel effort in Abu Dhabi, Aldar Education moved in May to accelerate hiring of more than 300 UAE nationals for school-based roles, including over 100 first-time Emirati teachers, a Khaleej Times report showed. That partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge highlighted expanding public-private cooperation aimed at deepening Emiratisation throughout the education workforce. Such coordinated campaigns across emirates respond to sustained growth in student enrolment and the corresponding need for instructors who can reinforce local culture and curricular standards.
The Emirati Educator Forum boosts national talent in Dubai’s private education through targeted professional development and strategic recruitment aligned with national priorities. Participants exchanged insights on incorporating local customs and traditions into updated teaching practices that meet international benchmarks. Authority figures indicated that continued expansion of these forums would support steady increases in national representation while reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a regional centre for quality, identity-focused learning.
