Dubai-based Woodlem Education plans a major expansion across the UAE. As a result, the group will create more than 1,500 jobs across teaching and non-teaching roles. The hiring push comes as the education provider prepares to launch eight new campuses across multiple emirates. This move reflects growing demand for affordable, high-quality schooling options in the region.
Founder and Managing Director Noufal Ahmed said the expansion aligns with the group’s long-term UAE vision. He also highlighted its impact on employment and education access.
“Our expansion will create significant opportunities. At the same time, it will improve access to quality education across different curricula,” he said.
First phase to launch in 2026 across four emirates
The first phase of expansion will begin in September 2026. Four schools will open across key emirates, offering both American and British curricula.
The upcoming schools include:
- Columbia Crest American School, Ajman
- Woodlem American Private School, Ras Al Khaimah
- Woodlem Heights British Private School, Fujairah
- Woodlem International American School, Al Mamzar, Dubai
These institutions aim to cater to rising demand in underserved and fast-growing residential zones.
Second phase to focus on Indian curriculum schools
In the next stage, Woodlem Education will expand further. By April 2027, it will launch four additional schools offering the Indian curriculum.
This phase will broaden choices for expatriate families. It will also strengthen the group’s presence in the mid-market education segment.
Wide hiring across leadership, academic and support roles
The recruitment drive will cover a wide range of roles. It will include leadership, academic, administrative, and support positions.
Senior roles will include principals, vice principals, and heads of sections. Academic hiring will focus on department heads and teachers.
In addition, administrative roles such as HR, admissions, IT, and accounts will be filled. The group will also recruit support staff, including drivers, maintenance teams, and bus monitors.
This broad hiring strategy ensures opportunities for professionals at different career stages.
Freshers and first-time UAE jobseekers encouraged
Importantly, Woodlem Education is opening doors to fresh graduates. The company is also targeting candidates without prior UAE experience.
Ahmed acknowledged that many jobseekers struggle to enter the UAE workforce. Therefore, the group aims to provide meaningful entry points.
“We actively support early-career professionals. We understand the barriers faced by candidates without UAE experience,” he said.
Focus on diversity and inclusive hiring
The organisation also emphasised diversity in its hiring approach. It plans to build a multicultural workforce across its campuses.
According to Ahmed, diversity enhances both teaching quality and student experience. It also helps create a global learning environment within classrooms.
From Ajman startup to multi-curriculum education group
Founded in 2017 in Ajman, Woodlem Education has scaled rapidly in less than a decade.
Today, the group operates:
- 6 Indian curriculum schools
- 3 British curriculum schools
- 1 American curriculum school
- 2 nurseries
It serves over 20,000 students and employs around 3,000 staff across the UAE.
With this latest expansion, Woodlem aims to strengthen its position as a key player in the region’s mid-market education sector.
