Abu Dhabi, UAE: Education in Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen under the supervision of the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), with more private schools consistently achieving higher quality standards and delivering enhanced learning outcomes.

As regulator, ADEK drives sector-wide improvement through structured action plans, mandatory follow-up sessions, and targeted interventions. These measures ensure accountability, provide precise feedback, and enforce corrective actions where required.

Through these efforts, and supported by rigorous inspection and monitoring, 23 schools advanced to Good within a single year according to the latest Irtiqa’a results.

Sector-wide performance results:

  • 13 ‘Outstanding’ schools
  • 51 ‘Very Good’ schools
  • 93 ‘Good’ schools
  • 42 ‘Acceptable’ schools
  • 5 ‘Weak’ schools

Irtiqa’a, operating under the UAE Unified School Inspection Framework, remains the core regulatory tool to drive school improvement. Schools are assessed on a 6-point scale: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, and Very Weak. In line with national expectations, Good is the minimum standard for every school in the UAE.

Schools rated Acceptable or lower were subject to restrictions on capacity growth and grade expansion. These restrictions have been lifted only for schools demonstrating verified improvement. Schools remain restricted from enrolling new Emirati students until further regulatory requirements are met.

Irtiqa’a inspections are conducted biennially and evaluate schools across six core standards and 17 performance indicators. These standards are:

  1. Students’ achievement
  2. Students’ personal and social development, including innovation skills
  3. Teaching and assessment
  4. Curriculum
  5. Protection, care, guidance, and student support
  6. Leadership and management

By holding schools accountable across these standards, ADEK enforces high levels of performance, empowers parents with transparent information, and raises the bar for all learners.

Abu Dhabi Private Schools Show Steady Improvement, Giving Parents More Quality Choices

For more information, visit adek.gov.ae or follow ADEK on social media:

  • Instagram: @adek_insta
  • Twitter: ADEK_tweet
  • Facebook: Department of Education and Knowledge
  • YouTube: ADEK Abu Dhabi

About Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the Education Sector regulator across the Emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner’s journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialized schools.

Across Early Childhood and K-12, ADEK licenses and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating, and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination.

ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of Higher Education in Abu Dhabi, attracting Higher Education Institutions to open the required programs or schools that serve Abu Dhabi’s needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the Emirate.

With a vision to Empower Education. Empower Minds. Empower the Future, ADEK recognizes that every learner is different, and a diversity of teaching methods are essential for students to succeed. To that effect, ADEK partners with stakeholders to enable a great education system to flourish in Abu Dhabi and nurture future-ready graduates who have the 21st century skills required to sustain and carry forward Abu Dhabi’s vision.