Abu Dhabi: Almost 13,000 teachers and administrators in schools and education zones across Abu Dhabi have been granted a Dh6,000 salary increase due to increasing rents.
The raise will be given to UAE nationals and expatriates starting this month. The increase in salaries is an initiative to help teachers and employees working in the education sector across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region meet housing costs.
Dr Mughir Al Khaili, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, said the increase is a result of the increasing burden on teachers and education zone administrators who have been unable to keep up with the rise in the cost of living.
"The housing situation in the UAE is considered one of the most prominent problems experienced by our staff working in the educational field.
Housing woes
"A large number of staff have been suffering from this problem, especially in light of the huge increase in rent and the inability to find housing that falls within their allowances," said Al Khaili.
Jordanian Eman Oklah, an Arabic language supervisor in a public school, said: "Everything positive for the teacher's sake is an initiative. Just by knowing that they care about educators gives us a push forward to perform better. The UAE cares about its people and values a human being."
Her husband, Riyad Ahmad, a science teacher in a public school, said costs have risen and the salary increase has come at the right time.
