According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), candidates seeking work in private schools must have either a criminal record certificate or a certificate of good behavior.

The department stated that for applicants from the UAE, the certificate must be granted by appropriate authorities within the nation, whilst for applicants from outside the country, the certificate must be approved by relevant authorities in their home country. 

The department underlined that these requirements are part of the recruitment process designed to ensure a safe educational environment and protect children, and that they are consistent with the department's authorized educational policies.

In a statement to Al-Emarat Al-Youm, the department emphasized the importance of familiarizing new teachers and foreign school staff with Emirati society's culture, customs, and traditions, as well as raising awareness among all members of the school community about culturally and nationally acceptable topics and practices in the educational sector. 

This is accomplished by the introduction of a cultural considerations policy in schools.

This policy consists of seven key measures: raising cultural awareness, promoting adherence to national practices, implementing a clear reporting mechanism, respecting Emirati values and customs, maintaining a general appearance consistent with local culture, prohibiting behaviors, practices, slogans, or symbols that conflict with cultural considerations, and acting in accordance with the laws of the land.

According to the department, "this approach ensures a safe and professional educational environment that enhances student development and supports the values ​​of Emirati society." 

After the school uploads the required documents to the system, such as passports, ID cards, academic certificates, experience certificates, certified equivalency certificates, good conduct certificates, and language proficiency test results, the department conducts a thorough verification of the candidates' eligibility and the validity of the documents and certificates submitted through the school employee data system (Employee Licensing Portal).

The agency stated that these records are evaluated and validated in collaboration with the appropriate authorities, based on their jurisdiction.

If all verification procedures are completed successfully, the teacher is given final permission to operate in private schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 

This comprehensive verification assures that all nominated teachers are competent and professional. 

The department emphasized monitoring schools' adherence to the Cultural Considerations Policy and investigating any reports of potential infractions. 

If ill faith is proved, a determination is taken as to whether the reported situation represents noncompliance with the policy.

Penalties for noncompliance may include revoking the appointment letter of the individual (or persons) found to have committed the infraction in bad faith, issuing a warning to the school and its investors, and imposing a fine of AED 50,000 to AED 350,000. 

Continued noncompliance with the policy will result in legal action, in addition to the fines specified in the Department of Education and Knowledge's policies, regulations, and requirements, as well as any other fines imposed by law.

Appointment requirements 

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has confirmed that the basic requirements for hiring teachers are a bachelor's degree or a four-year university degree or higher in the required specialization, an accredited professional license or educational diploma, preferably a duly certified certificate of experience, passing language proficiency tests, submitting a valid criminal record certificate, and a medical report proving physical fitness.

These documents must be certified and accredited using specified methods. 

The Department has stated that this framework guarantees the recruitment of competent candidates and highly skilled specialists.