Abu Dhabi schools set strict ethics rules for teachers and staff

In Abu Dhabi, teachers and school personnel are required to adhere to a comprehensive code of professional conduct that covers a wide range of topics, including classroom behavior, relationships with colleagues, artificial intelligence, cyberbullying, and the protection of pupil data. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) mandates that schools under its jurisdiction maintain high professional standards based on principles of integrity, dignity, impartiality, and ethical behavior.

This applies to both private and charter schools throughout the emirate, encompassing staff members, school governing boards, and owners. Schools are responsible for developing and distributing their own staff codes of conduct, aligning with ADEK standards and the federal Code of Conduct for Education Professionals. Education professionals must sign the federal code and ensure that staff understand and comply with its standards.

The rules place a strong emphasis on respecting the UAE's national identity and cultural values, requiring staff to treat students and colleagues fairly, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or cultural background, and to maintain discrimination-free classrooms and workplaces. Prohibited behaviors are extensive, including discrimination based on religion, race, origin, social status, age, or gender; engaging in conduct that promotes extremism, racism, bullying, or other forms of discrimination; dressing in culturally inappropriate ways; spreading false rumors about colleagues; disclosing confidential information; and preventing colleagues from fulfilling their official duties.

Private tutoring is also subject to restrictions; teachers providing lessons outside school hours must obtain a private tuition work permit under Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation requirements, and they are prohibited from offering paid private tutoring to students in the same school where they work. Furthermore, staff must refrain from making official or unofficial statements that could tarnish the reputation of ADEK, their school, or colleagues.

The digital conduct component of the standards reflects the increasing role of technology in education. Teachers are expected to assist students in evaluating the reliability of digital information, teaching responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence, and helping students understand cyberbullying, including recognizing when they are targeted or participating in it.

Educators must discourage plagiarism, monitor its use in students' work, and take corrective action when necessary. They are also prohibited from using work devices inappropriately, including sharing screenshots of pupils or their work containing personally identifiable information. Continuing professional development is required to stay current with best practices in digital safety, identity protection, and information security.

The code also establishes strict expectations around protecting pupils and staff, requiring educators to report suspected or witnessed maltreatment and prohibiting engagement in, or facilitation of, any form of abuse, even as a joke. Failure to report witnessed maltreatment is considered a breach of professional standards. Staff are encouraged to contribute to community and sustainability initiatives while avoiding the use of social causes to encourage students towards extremist behavior or for personal gain, such as fraudulent fundraising.

Schools are responsible for ensuring their staff codes comply with the Professional Code of Ethics Policy, and non-compliance can result in legal accountability and penalties under ADEK regulations and other applicable UAE laws. The policy went into effect during the 2024-25 academic year, with schools required to achieve full compliance by the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year.