UAE private education leaders say they remain committed to developing a new generation of Emirati teachers, but face challenges retaining and attracting top talent due to the higher salaries and shorter working days they can be offered in public schools.
Private school groups have embarked on recruitment drives in recent years to bolster their local workforce – including targeting graduates for teaching positions – in an effort to hit government-set Emiratisation goals.
The Nafis programme was introduced in September 2021 with the aim of ensuring 10 per cent of private sector jobs are taken by citizens by the end of 2026.
Lure of public sector
Nicki Williams, director of education in Abu Dhabi at school operator Taaleem, explained the difficulties in retaining Emiratis at charter schools, which are public-private partnership institutions run by private school operators.
“We often lose fantastic teachers that we have invested a lot of time and energy into training to Ministry of Education (MOE) schools,” said Ms Williams. “But at the end of the day, the way we see it is that we've achieved a goal for the country. Our ambition is to train Emiratis and if they move on to teach children in other schools, we've been a part of that bigger picture.
“It is a challenge that we have, because in the MOE schools, they dismiss early and they also pay more … Our staff work until at least 4pm on a daily basis, whereas in the MOE schools, they can often leave by 1.30pm after the pupils have been dismissed.”
Taaleem has 33 schools across the UAE which employ 461 Emirati staff, 177 of whom have been hired in 2024. Ms Williams said about 17 per cent of staff across the charter schools were Emirati – well above the Emiratisation target of 6 per cent by the end of this year.
Investing in the future
“We are very open and transparent from the minute we're doing interviews about the expectation we have [of employees], but we also try to create that balance in the working hours,” said Ms Williams.
Taaleem started a training programme to support early years teachers to focus on specific areas that members of the team were struggling with.
To reduce workload, lesson planning is shared between teachers. Taaleem also has a mentorship programme and makes sure new teachers have a work buddy they can ask questions and share ideas with.
“We always have the dangling carrot of leadership to say you can step into this role. We do retain a number of [staff] because they feel like they've learnt so much at charter schools that they don't want to step away,” she said.
Entry-level public school teachers can expect a salary of Dh4,000 to Dh13,500 which can go up to about Dh23,000 for experienced teachers. Teachers also get housing allowances.
At private schools, salaries vary but typically teachers can expect to make between Dh9,000 and Dh14,000 a month, depending on experience and qualifications. Top-end schools tend to pay between Dh16,000 to Dh17,000 a month – plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000.
Dalia Benhida, HR and emiratisation manager at Jumeirah English Speaking School, said: “We don’t hire just to meet a quota. Our goal is to bring in people who are passionate about making a difference.”
She also said that while private sector salaries might be lower in some cases, the school offers significant work-life balance benefits, such as up to 91 days of holidays per year. “We’d rather pay a fine than hire someone who isn’t passionate or committed to their role,” she said, referring to penalties for failing to hit Emiratisation targets.
Teachers struggle with workload
Ahlam Ali Almansoori, a teaching assistant at British International School Abu Dhabi, said Emiratis often work at private schools to gain experience before moving to public schools.
“There is a big difference between private and public [schools]. Working hours aren't flexible, there is a break but they try as much as they can to fill the whole schedule,” said Ms Almansoori. She added that there can also be language barriers in schools largely staffed by non-Arabic speakers.
Asma Albloushi who teaches aviation engineering in Ajman Secondary School, said: "When it comes to private sector, they have less benefits in teaching, they have less salary."
Ali Darwish, an Islamic teacher at a Taaleem school, said: “The abundance of tasks that extend beyond working hours, like daily preparation, continuous grading, and the high number of classes, can make teachers feel exhausted and struggle to balance work with personal life.
“In addition to offering financial and training incentives, we need to provide a suitable working environment for teachers”
Mariam Al Jahoori, an Emirati teacher at the government-run Hamooda Bin Ali School in Abu Dhabi, is happy with her advancement within the public sector.
“The professional development training and other programmes are offered for free to Emirati teachers. Schools support us by giving time off during assessment weeks, ensuring we have the space to advance our education,” she said.
The Nafis programme has sought to address the pay disparity between public and private sector roles by providing monthly salary support of a maximum of Dh7,000 to Emiratis who earn up to Dh30,000 a month.
The UAE also launched a major recruitment drive at the start of 2024 aimed at hiring 1,000 Emiratis in the private education sector annually for the next four years.
Alan Cocker, principal at British International School Abu Dhabi, said key steps are being taken to support the progress of Emirati teachers.
“We provide comprehensive induction programmes to ensure our Emirati employees feel welcomed and fully integrated into our community and their new role within our school.
“By fostering a collaborative environment and celebrating cultural diversity, we empower Emirati staff to achieve their professional goals while contributing to the school's success.”
Emirati teachers key to nation's growth
Hind Al Zarouni, dean of students at the American Academy of Girls in Dubai, said private schools offer an ideal platform for Emirati teachers to help shape young minds.
“By teaching in private schools, Emirati educators can help bridge the gap between global education standards and local cultural values,” said Ms Al Zarouni.
Dr Farah El Zein, assistant professor of special and inclusive education at Emirates College for Advanced Education in Abu Dhabi, said having Emirati teachers promoted linguistic diversity by encouraging the use of Arabic and would help preserve the language, traditional poetry and storytelling unique to the UAE.
Aneesa Bin Haider, a retired public school teacher in Dubai, said: “Teaching is an important national duty that shapes the future. Emirati teachers care more for their students than anyone else, and having an Emirati teacher can inspire students to pursue teaching themselves.”
Top Dubai private schools – in pictures
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
The lowdown
Bohemian Rhapsody
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
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Major honours
ARSENAL
BARCELONA
- La Liga - 2013
- Copa del Rey - 2012
- Fifa Club World Cup - 2011
CHELSEA
- Premier League - 2015, 2017
- FA Cup - 2018
- League Cup - 2015
SPAIN
- World Cup - 2010
- European Championship - 2008, 2012
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Brief scores:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
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%3Cp%3EDisplay%3A%2040mm%2C%20324%20x%20394%3B%2044mm%2C%20368%20x%20448%3B%20Retina%20LTPO%20OLED%2C%20up%20to%201000%20nits%3B%20Ion-X%20glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EProcessor%3A%20Apple%20S8%2C%20W3%20wireless%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECapacity%3A%2032GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMemory%3A%201GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPlatform%3A%20watchOS%209%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EHealth%20metrics%3A%202nd-gen%20heart%20rate%20sensor%2C%20workouts%2C%20fall%2Fcrash%20detection%3B%20emergency%20SOS%2C%20international%20emergency%20calling%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EConnectivity%3A%20GPS%2FGPS%20%2B%20cellular%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20LTE%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDurability%3A%20Water%20resistant%20up%20to%2050m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%20269mAh%20Li-ion%2C%20up%20to%2018h%2C%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECards%3A%20eSIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFinishes%3A%20Aluminium%3B%20midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%20Watch%20SE%2C%20magnetic-to-USB-C%20charging%20cable%2C%20band%2Floop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPrice%3A%20Starts%20at%20Dh999%20(40mm)%20%2F%201%2C119%20(44mm)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Brief scores:
Day 2
England: 277 & 19-0
West Indies: 154
ENGLAND TEAM
Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
The bio
Favourite food: Japanese
Favourite car: Lamborghini
Favourite hobby: Football
Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough
Favourite country: UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
How Apple's credit card works
The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.
What does it cost?
Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.
What will the interest rate be?
The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts
What about security?
The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.
Is it easy to use?
Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision.
* Associated Press
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
info-box
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Happy Tenant
Started: January 2019
Co-founders: Joe Moufarrej and Umar Rana
Based: Dubai
Sector: Technology, real-estate
Initial investment: Dh2.5 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 4,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
FIXTURES
Nov 04-05: v Western Australia XI, Perth
Nov 08-11: v Cricket Australia XI, Adelaide
Nov 15-18 v Cricket Australia XI, Townsville (d/n)
Nov 23-27: 1ST TEST v AUSTRALIA, Brisbane
Dec 02-06: 2ND TEST v AUSTRALIA, Adelaide (d/n)
Dec 09-10: v Cricket Australia XI, Perth
Dec 14-18: 3RD TEST v AUSTRALIA, Perth
Dec 26-30 4TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Melbourne
Jan 04-08: 5TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Sydney
Note: d/n = day/night
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
