Abu Dhabi mandates criminal record checks for private school teachers

The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi has confirmed that a criminal record check, or a certificate of good conduct, is a fundamental requirement for candidates applying to work in private schools. The Department noted that the certificate must be issued by the competent authorities within the UAE for applicants residing in the country, while applicants from abroad must obtain the certificate from the relevant authorities in their home country. These requirements, ADEK stressed, are part of the employment procedures designed to ensure a safe educational environment and protect students, in line with the approved educational policies.

Through its official website, ADEK also announced the implementation of a program aimed at familiarizing new and foreign teachers and school staff with Emirati culture, customs, and traditions. The program seeks to enhance the awareness of all members of the school community regarding nationally and culturally acceptable practices within the education sector, through the enforcement of a Cultural Considerations Policy in schools. This policy includes seven key measures:

The Department emphasized that this approach ensures a safe and professional learning environment that supports student development and upholds the values of Emirati society.

ADEK also highlighted its comprehensive verification process for applicants’ eligibility and documentation through the School Staff Licensing Portal, where schools are required to upload all mandatory documents, including passport, Emirates ID, academic certificates, experience certificates, attested equivalency certificates, good conduct certificates, and language proficiency test results. These documents are then reviewed and verified in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Only upon successful completion of all verification stages does a teacher receive final approval to work in private schools across Abu Dhabi, thereby ensuring that all approved teachers meet the required standards of competence and professionalism.

The Department further stressed that it closely monitors schools’ compliance with the Cultural Considerations Policy, and investigates any reported violations. Should deliberate non-compliance be confirmed, the case will be classified as a breach of the policy.

Penalties for non-compliance may include cancellation of the appointment letter for the individual(s) proven to have deliberately committed the violation, an official warning issued to the school and its investors, and financial fines ranging between Dh50,000 and Dh350,000. Continued non-compliance may lead to legal accountability in addition to penalties imposed under ADEK’s policies, regulations, and requirements, as well as any fines stipulated under UAE law.

Teaching standards in the UAE are based on four key pillars: Professional and Ethical Conduct, Professional Knowledge, Professional Practices, and Professional Development. These standards encompass a set of requirements that teachers must meet in order to practice the profession within an educational context that respects values, ethics, and students’ diverse needs.

The UAE has adopted a unified licensing system for teachers and school leaders. Teacher licensing is built on the same four standards: professional and ethical conduct, professional knowledge, professional practices, and professional development. School leadership licensing is based on four additional standards: professional and ethical leadership, strategic leadership, educational leadership, and operational leadership.

The UAE Ministry of Education provides services related to teacher licensing, with details of these services and requirements available on its official website.

ADEK confirmed that the basic requirements for appointing teachers include:

All documents must be duly attested and recognized in accordance with applicable procedures. ADEK emphasized that this framework ensures the recruitment of highly qualified, professional, and competent candidates.