Compulsory Code of Conduct for UAE Schools

Educators across the UAE, working within both public and private schools, have been requested to sign a compulsory code of conduct, detailing 10 key principles, behaviours and ethics, that focus on respect for UAE culture and society as well as safeguarding students and confidentiality. 

The new document has been issued by the UAE's Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the UAE's private education authorities, including Dubai's KHDA, and sets clear and direct expectations for all school staff, which must be formally agreed to. 

The guidelines make it clear that the cultural, religious and moral norms of the UAE take precedence over the beliefs and values that may be held the mother brand of UAE branch schools. UAE schools of all curricula must follow the Ministry of Education's Code of Conduct, meaning that discussions on these issues are considered out of bounds within schools. 

KHDA Communication

In an email from the KHDA sent to Dubai's private schools, school leaders were directed to ensure all school staff read and signed the code of conduct by 6th September, indicating that signed documents would be checked during future inspections. 

A 26-page document, compiled by the Ministry of Education, has been provided to schools, entitled 'Code of Conduct for Education Professionals in UAE Schools', which contains further details on the 10-part Code of Conduct document, has also been circulated by the Ministry of Education, via social media, on the 4th September.