ADEK Teacher Recruitment Abu Dhabi 2026: Application Process and Tips
How teacher recruitment works in Abu Dhabi in 2026: ADEK's new Midad bootcamp, the route into Kon Moallim Cohort 2, private school hiring and the teaching licence you need.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published , updated
Updated 3 October 2026: Midad launched as the new entry route, Kon Moallim Cohort 2 selection, and the licence rules for private school teachers.
Teacher recruitment in Abu Dhabi has changed since the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) first opened Kon Moallim in 2025. In April 2026, ADEK launched Midad, a short teaching bootcamp that now feeds the next Kon Moallim intake. Private schools still hire on their own.
Here is how each route works in 2026 and how to apply.
Two routes into teaching in Abu Dhabi
- Charter schools: publicly funded schools run by private operators under ADEK, serving Emirati pupils. ADEK recruits new teachers for them through Midad and Kon Moallim.
- Private schools: regulated by ADEK but hire directly. You apply to each school.
Midad: ADEK's new entry-level teaching programme
ADEK launched Midad on 13 April 2026. It is a four-week bootcamp delivered in a flexible, self-paced format, open to UAE nationals and long-term residents from any background, including parents who want to understand teaching.
The bootcamp covers:
- Classroom management and teaching methods
- Supporting students with different needs
- Using technology and AI in learning
- UAE national identity and values
After Midad, participants can take part-time teaching roles and further qualifications. ADEK says high performers will be invited to apply for Kon Moallim Cohort 2. Registration is through ADEK's talent pool at pass.adek.gov.ae.
Kon Moallim: the sponsored teaching diploma
Kon Moallim ("Become a Teacher") gives career-changers a fully sponsored, one-year postgraduate diploma in education, followed by employment in Abu Dhabi charter schools. The first cohort, which closed applications on 28 January 2025, took 125 candidates, according to Gulf News.
Cohort 1 eligibility was:
- UAE nationals and expatriate residents of the UAE
- A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited university
- At least 25 years old
The diploma was delivered with Abu Dhabi University, Al Ain University and Emirates College for Advanced Education. Trainees were not paid during the course; salary started once they were placed in a school.
Cohort 2 in 2026: ADEK has said high performers from Midad will be invited to apply. It has not published Cohort 2 dates, cohort size or updated eligibility. If you are interested, completing Midad is the clearest step you can take now.
Teaching in Abu Dhabi private schools
Abu Dhabi's private schools recruit directly through their own websites, school groups and job boards. You can also browse education openings on JobXDubai.
Typical expectations include:
- A bachelor's degree, usually in education or your teaching subject
- A recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE or a state licence
- Classroom experience, often 2 years or more
- Attested certificates and a police clearance
The UAE teaching licence: every teacher in a UAE public or private school needs an Educational Professions Licence through the Ministry of Education's Teachers' Licensing System (TLS). It has been mandatory since 2021 and involves tests in teaching skills and your subject. Private school teachers register through their school.
Abu Dhabi is also pushing Emiratisation in classrooms. In May 2026, ADEK signed an agreement with Aldar Education to hire more than 300 UAE nationals, including over 100 new to teaching, with Midad and Kon Moallim as training routes, according to Gulf News.
How to apply: step by step
- Choose your route. No teaching qualification yet? Start with Midad. Qualified teacher? Apply to private schools.
- Register with ADEK through the talent pool to hear about Midad and Kon Moallim.
- Prepare documents: degree certificate, transcripts, ID, CV and, for qualified teachers, teaching certificates and references.
- Start attestation early. Schools commonly ask for attested certificates before your licence and visa are processed, and this can take weeks.
- Shape your CV for schools. Put your qualifications, licence status and classroom results near the top.
Beware of fake recruiters. Our report on UAE education job scams shows the warning signs.
Charter schools vs private schools
| Charter schools | Private schools | |
|---|---|---|
| How you get in | Midad, then Kon Moallim | Apply directly to schools |
| Prior teaching qualification | Not required to start | Usually required |
| Curriculum | Set by the school operator under ADEK | British, American, IB, Indian and others |
| Who runs hiring | ADEK programmes | Each school |
Key takeaway
In 2026, the route into Abu Dhabi charter schools starts with ADEK's Midad bootcamp, with top performers invited to Kon Moallim Cohort 2. Cohort 2 dates are not yet published. Qualified teachers should apply to private schools directly and make sure their TLS licence and attested documents are in order.
FAQ
Is ADEK recruiting teachers in 2026?
Yes, through Midad, which launched in April 2026, with high performers invited to apply for Kon Moallim Cohort 2. Private schools in Abu Dhabi also hire throughout the year.
Can expats apply for Kon Moallim?
Cohort 1 was open to UAE nationals and expatriate residents aged 25 and over with a bachelor's degree. Midad is open to UAE nationals and long-term residents, but ADEK has not published Cohort 2 eligibility yet.
Is the Kon Moallim diploma free?
Yes. ADEK fully sponsored the one-year postgraduate diploma for Cohort 1. Trainees did not receive a salary during the course.
Do I need a teaching licence to teach in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. All teachers in UAE public and private schools need the Ministry of Education's Educational Professions Licence, which requires passing teaching skills and subject tests.
When will Kon Moallim Cohort 2 open?
ADEK has not announced dates. Register through the ADEK talent pool and complete Midad, since Cohort 2 invitations go to Midad's high performers.
Further reading
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