Private education sector accelerates UAE-based recruitment as international teacher relocations slow amid geopolitical uncertainty
The UAE’s fast-growing private education sector is relying more on teachers already based in the country as geopolitical tensions delay international recruitment.
School operators say uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict has prompted many overseas educators to postpone relocation plans. As a result, schools are hiring experienced UAE-based teachers to secure staffing ahead of the new academic year.
The shift comes as Dubai continues to expand its private education sector. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), student enrolment in private schools increased by 6% in 2025. The emirate also opened six new schools last year and is currently reviewing more than 30 additional applications.
Over the next two academic years, Dubai is expected to add another 7,500 affordable school places. Consequently, demand for qualified teachers is rising at a time when global recruitment has become more challenging.
Schools turn to UAE talent pool
Education consultants say schools have adjusted their hiring strategies to reduce recruitment risks.
“Many international teachers are delaying decisions until they feel more confident about relocating,” said Dr Mariam Shaikh, Founder and Chief Executive of MS Education Consultants.
She added that schools are now giving greater priority to experienced educators already living in the UAE.
“We have observed schools placing greater emphasis on recruiting experienced educators who are already based in the UAE. This offers greater flexibility, faster onboarding and removes some of the uncertainty surrounding international recruitment.”
According to the latest available figures for the 2024-25 academic year, Dubai’s private schools employed more than 27,000 teachers, while Abu Dhabi had nearly 18,000 private school educators.
Therefore, many school groups now view the local teaching workforce as an increasingly valuable talent pipeline.
Early hiring helps major operators
Large education providers have responded by starting recruitment earlier than usual.
Taaleem, one of the UAE’s largest school operators, said it secured most teaching positions before the summer hiring season.
“We have seen a larger proportion of applications coming from teachers already based in the UAE,” said Nicki Williams, Director of Education at Taaleem.
“The local recruitment market continues to play an increasingly important role in meeting staffing needs across the sector.”
The company is preparing to open Harrow School Dubai and Harrow School Abu Dhabi this year. It said its remaining vacancies reflect stronger-than-expected student enrolment rather than recruitment difficulties. Meanwhile, it continues to attract teachers from established recruitment markets, including the UK, Ireland, Australia and South Africa.
Overseas recruitment becomes more unpredictable
Some schools report that hiring from overseas has become increasingly difficult.
Alan Cocker, Principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi, said international recruitment has become “undoubtedly more complex” because some candidates remain cautious about relocating to the region.
He said schools have needed to stay flexible as recruitment timelines extend and candidates reassess family relocation plans.
Teacher demand expected to keep rising
The hiring challenge comes as the UAE prepares for sustained growth in student enrolment.
Earlier estimates reported by AGBI suggest the country will require up to 30,000 additional teachers by 2030. At the same time, UNESCO projects a global shortage of 44 million primary and secondary school teachers by 2030.
As private education expands across the UAE, schools are expected to rely increasingly on experienced teachers already living in the country while maintaining international recruitment to meet long-term workforce demand.
