A member of the Federal National Council from Sharjah, Musabbah Saeed Al Ketbi, has raised the issue of a lack of Emirati teachers in the educational system. According to Ministry of Education figures, only 600 of 9,000 Emirati teachers in public schools are male, and Al Ketbi has highlighted the department's failure to attract more men into the teaching profession.
Higher wages elsewhere, a more glamourous career and the ready availability of foreign teachers at lower wages are cited as reasons for the low numbers.
Given that the government is committed to emiratisation, the teaching profession in the UAE needs to be made more attractive as a career choice for Emirati men. While the Ministry of Education is committed to getting more Emirati men involved in teaching, perhaps it's time to review policies and pay levels for nationals who are considering a career in the classroom. True emiratisation must embrace the education sector.
