New UAE teachers eager for start of school year after challenges of Iran war

More than 1,500 new teachers, hailing from diverse backgrounds, are set to join the UAE's Gems Education network as the new academic year begins on Monday. Despite the ongoing Iran conflict, these educators are enthusiastic about their new roles and the opportunities they bring. The 2026-27 school year marks a significant milestone for the UAE's education sector, which has shown rapid growth and transformation in recent years.

Gems Education, the UAE's largest private education group, employs over 10,000 teachers across schools in the Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt, with more than 100 nationalities represented. The group employs over 500,000 job applicants annually, highlighting the high demand for quality education in the region. New teachers shared their motivations for moving to the UAE and their aspirations for their students.

Hosea Bosire, a Kenyan economics teacher, was initially cautious about accepting the offer but was inspired by the UAE's education growth and eager to make a positive impact. Mayuresh Phatak, an Indian Spanish and theory of knowledge teacher, appreciated the cultural diversity in the UAE's classrooms and the sense of unity among students and teachers.

Nahla Hegab, an Egyptian science teacher, emphasized the importance of preparing students for the future, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. She stressed the need to guide students in using AI responsibly and ethically. Gems Education's founder and chairman, Sunny Varkey, stressed the crucial role of educators in shaping the future of education.

He emphasized that investing in exceptional teachers is the most significant investment a society can make, as it directly impacts every child's potential and the development of future leaders.