Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has welcomed educators across the emirate back for the 2026-27 academic year, recognising their vital role in shaping learners’ lives and advancing Dubai’s ambitions for education.
Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, hosted a series of virtual town halls bringing together more than 8,000 educators from private schools, early childhood centres and higher education institutions across Dubai. The sessions welcomed returning and new educators alike, reflecting on their shared purpose, the goals of the Education 33 (E33) Strategy, and the opportunities ahead for the sector.
Her Excellency thanked teachers and teaching assistants for the care, patience and resilience they bring to their profession, and reflected on the impact educators have not only on what learners know, but on their confidence, character and belief in what they can achieve.
She said: “Teaching is one of the most important and noble professions because its impact extends far beyond the classroom. Behind every young person who discovers a talent, finds their confidence, or begins to believe that something greater is possible, there is often an educator who saw that potential first.
“To every educator beginning this academic year in Dubai, thank you for choosing to invest your talent, energy and care in our learners. Strategies and policies alone cannot achieve our ambitions for education; educators bring them to life every day. I hope Dubai is a place where you feel valued and supported, where you continue to learn and grow, and where you know you are a partner in shaping the future of education.”
The town halls underlined the central role educators play in realising E33, Dubai’s long-term strategy to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, confidence and character to thrive, and to build an innovative, inclusive, future-ready education ecosystem.
Her Excellency encouraged educators to keep investing in their own growth, to learn from Dubai’s diverse education community, and, particularly for those new to the UAE, to deepen their understanding of the country’s culture, heritage and values. She also emphasised the high standards expected across the sector, including professionalism, integrity, respect, and a shared responsibility to safeguard learners and support their wellbeing.
As part of the welcome, every educator working at a private school, early childhood centre or higher education institution in Dubai received a personal letter from Her Excellency, thanking them and inviting them to share their ideas and perspectives.
Dubai continues to strengthen its position as an international destination for education talent, with the number of teachers in the emirate’s private education sector growing by 17.5% over the past three academic years.
The new academic year will also see the launch of the Dubai Educators Council, a 15-member body giving educators from diverse backgrounds a dedicated platform to shape education policies and programmes, as part of KHDA’s commitment to community participation under E33.
Her Excellency concluded by wishing educators a successful year, and encouraging them to make the most of the professional, cultural and personal opportunities available in Dubai while building a strong sense of connection and belonging within the city’s education community.
