ADEK and Aldar Forge Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Emiratisation in Education
Strategic Collaboration Announced
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and Aldar have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Emiratisation within the education sector. This collaboration seeks to establish a structured talent development roadmap, targeting a ninefold increase in the representation of UAE Nationals in key roles across Aldar-operated schools.
This agreement marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind between ADEK and a private education provider, indicating a transformative shift in the UAE’s approach to developing and deploying Emirati teaching talent on a large scale.
Comprehensive Framework for Talent Development
The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework where Aldar Education will lead recruitment, deployment, and career progression opportunities for UAE Nationals. ADEK will support this initiative by creating entry pathways for top talent and facilitating the development of qualified Emirati candidates through teacher preparation and training programs.
This collaboration builds upon ADEK’s recently announced teacher talent approach, which emphasizes the role of educators as essential drivers of student success and national priorities. Anchored in the new Abu Dhabi Educators’ Proficiency Framework, this approach aims to enhance teacher standards and professional development while empowering existing educators and attracting passionate individuals to Abu Dhabi classrooms.
Key Figures Involved
The partnership was 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, ADEK’s Private Education and Charter Schools Sector Executive Director, and Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education.
Mohamed Al Qadi stated that teachers are the most critical factor in achieving educational excellence and that developing a robust national teaching workforce is central to Abu Dhabi’s long-term educational priorities. He highlighted ADEK’s initiatives, such as Kon Moallim, which offers structured pathways for UAE Nationals through a postgraduate diploma in education, equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed.
Commitment to Emiratisation
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak emphasized that Emiratisation is a vital component of nation-building, and Aldar is committed to advancing this initiative across all aspects of its business. He noted that this partnership with ADEK represents a significant step in strengthening Emiratisation within the education sector in Abu Dhabi, with Aldar Education being the first private education provider to enter into such a strategic partnership.
Al Mubarak remarked that the UAE’s future relies on the strength of its human capital, which begins in the classroom. He expressed pride in contributing to the development of a future-ready generation and reinforcing Aldar’s commitment to the UAE’s national vision.
Structured Recruitment Pathways
Central to the partnership’s success is a structured recruitment pathway for UAE Nationals who complete ADEK’s Kon Moalim program, a postgraduate diploma in education delivered in collaboration with the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE). This initiative aims to build a sustainable pipeline of high-caliber teaching talent.
The partnership also aligns with national priorities to increase the presence of UAE Nationals in teaching roles across schools. This includes a national directive to ensure that social studies teaching positions are held by Emiratis in all schools within the next three years, with Aldar Education playing a pivotal role in long-term recruitment and development.
Focus Areas for Growth
In addition to social studies, the partnership will focus on growth in various subjects, including those governed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Special Educational Needs (SEN), and Foundation Stage and KG classrooms. Each discipline requires distinct competencies, and Aldar’s progressive multi-year talent development program aims to introduce new-to-sector Emirati educators into the workforce by the 2030/2031 academic year, reflecting the UAE’s national identity and vision for a knowledge-driven society.
Oversight and Implementation
The partnership includes the formation of a joint steering committee to oversee implementation and track key performance metrics. This will include monitoring Aldar Education’s recruitment, retention, and progression of UAE National talent, as well as assessing the readiness of candidates prepared through ADEK-supported pathways.
The framework will align with national initiatives such as NAFIS and MOHRE, focusing on recognizing “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 internship and entry-level opportunities, including 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.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-05-21 21:20:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk