Dubai's KHDA welcomes more than 8,000 educators as new academic year begins

Dubai: Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has welcomed educators across the emirate for the start of the 2026-27 academic year, highlighting their role in shaping learners' lives and supporting Dubai's vision for the future of education. Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, hosted a series of virtual town halls attended by more than 8,000 educators from private schools, early childhood centres and higher education institutions across Dubai. The sessions brought together returning educators and those joining Dubai's education sector for the first time. Discussions focused on the community's shared purpose, the goals of the Education 33 (E33) Strategy and opportunities for the sector in the coming year. The town halls highlighted the role of educators as teachers, mentors, caregivers, role models and partners to parents. During the sessions, Aisha Miran thanked teachers and teaching assistants for the care, patience and resilience they bring to their profession, particularly during periods of disruption to learning. She also reflected on the impact educators have on learners' confidence, character, aspirations and belief in their abilities. Aisha Miran said: "Teaching is one of the most important and noble professions because its impact extends far beyond the classroom. Behind every young person who discovers a talent, finds their confidence, or begins to believe that something greater is possible, there is often an educator who saw that potential first. "To every educator beginning this academic year in Dubai, thank you for choosing to invest your talent, energy and care in our learners. We have ambitious aspirations for education in Dubai, but strategies and policies alone cannot achieve them; educators bring those ambitions to life every day. I hope Dubai is a place where you feel valued and supported, where you continue to learn and grow, and where you know that you are a partner in shaping the future of education." The sessions underscored the central role of educators in achieving the ambitions of E33, Dubai's long-term strategy to transform education and equip learners with the knowledge, skills, confidence and character needed to thrive. Aisha Miran also encouraged educators to continue investing in their professional and personal development, learn from Dubai's diverse education community and, particularly for those new to the UAE, deepen their understanding of the country's culture, heritage and values. She emphasised the importance of professionalism, integrity and respect across Dubai's education sector, as well as the shared responsibility to safeguard learners, support their wellbeing and place their best interests at the centre of education. As part of the start of the academic year, educators working in Dubai's private schools, early childhood centres and higher education institutions received a personal welcome letter from Aisha Miran, thanking them for being part of Dubai's education community and inviting them to share their ideas and experiences. According to KHDA, the number of teachers working in Dubai's private education sector has increased by 17.5 per cent over the past three academic years, reinforcing the emirate's position as an international destination for education and teaching talent. The new academic year will also see the launch of the Dubai Educators Council, a 15-member body that will provide educators with a dedicated platform to share their perspectives and contribute to the development of policies and programmes shaping education in Dubai. The council will bring together educators from diverse backgrounds and experiences as part of KHDA's commitment to strengthening community participation under the E33 Strategy. Aisha Miran concluded by wishing educators a successful and rewarding academic year and encouraged them to make the most of the professional, cultural and personal opportunities available in Dubai while fostering a strong sense of belonging within the emirate's education community.