The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) announced the launch of a new Teaching Specialists Programme.

This progamme is set to provide training and bridging programmes required in the job market for Emirati talent and professional accreditation opportunities for the private sector.

The plan aims to hire 1,000 Emiratis annually in the education sector, beginning in 2024.

Empowering UAE nationals in education

This ambitious four-year endeavor seeks to equip UAE nationals with the essential knowledge and skills required for both administrative and teaching positions.

The Teaching Specialists Programme is structured into four phases, encompassing administrative roles as well as teaching positions in Arabic language, Islamic studies, social studies, national identity, kindergarten, primary school, special education, educational guidance, and leadership roles.

Specifically targeting Emirati jobseekers registered on the Nafis platform, the programme is tailored for those with a bachelor’s degree in education, facilitating opportunities in teaching and school-related professions.

Additionally, individuals with a high school degree can explore administrative and assistant roles within the programme.

Prospective participants can register on the Nafis platform to express their interest in this groundbreaking initiative, which is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting Emiratisation targets in private educational institutions.

Employment contracts with programme participants or through the Studying Citizen Employment Contract will contribute to achieving annual Emiratisation goals.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council said: “Today, we focus on the education sector, a sector that is crucial in nurturing future generations and providing them with the knowledge and understanding that enables them to actively contribute to building the future of our nation. Our mission today is dedicated to empowering UAE nationals and equipping them with the necessary skills and qualifications to work within the education sector, so that they become accomplished, skilled, and dynamic educators that are fully prepared to guide and inspire the next generation.”

“Teaching is a noble and inspiring profession. We take pride in our nation’s leading academic institutions in both the government and private sectors. And in recognition of the importance of this sector, we aim to encourage more UAE nationals to be a part of it and participate within the Teaching Specialists Programme, and we promise that they will acquire valuable knowledge that not only qualifies them as educators, but also integrates them into the nation’s mission to be a pioneer and a leader in this vital sector,” he added.

Ayesha Belharfia, Under-Secretary of Emiratisation Affairs at MoHRE said: “Education has a crucial and direct role in building the generations who will lead our future, therefore, we at MoHRE are placing great importance in facilitating job opportunities for the Emirati citizens within this vital sector, with the aim of enhancing their contributions to nurturing future generations”.

“We look forward to supporting and witnessing the achievements of Nafis’ Teaching Specialists Programme, as well as enriching the UAE’s education sector with qualified and distinguished Emirati educators. We view them as builders of the future, as they will aim to instill our values, concepts, and aspirations into the next generation,” she added.

Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Under-Secretary for Higher Education Academic Affairs at MoE, emphasised the Ministry’s belief in the crucial role of teachers in shaping the skills of future generations and contributing to the nation’s development. “The Ministry is committed to collaborating with its strategic partners to create initiatives and programmes that promote Emiratisation in the education sector,” he said.

Dr. Al Mualla added, “We are confident that this programme will be the turning point for citizens interested in the private education sector. It will provide them with the necessary training and expertise to meet job market demands and contribute to shaping the future we aspire to achieve.”

To ensure the highest standards, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) inked five MoUs with prominent educational institutions, including the Higher Colleges of Technology, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, Sharjah Education Academy, and Emirates College for Advanced Education.

These partnerships aim to enhance cooperation in implementing programmes for administrative and teaching professions, offering tailored training programmes and supporting Emirati jobseekers in their educational journey.