Abu Dhabi schools must enforce strict professional conduct code for all staff by 2025–26

Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has issued a Professional Code of Ethics Policy requiring all teachers and school staff to follow detailed professional conduct standards. The rules apply to private and Charter Schools across the emirate and extend to staff, school governing boards and owners.

The code covers classroom behaviour, relationships with colleagues, artificial intelligence use, cyberbullying prevention, and pupil data protection. Staff must treat pupils and colleagues fairly regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural background and ensure classrooms are free from discrimination.

Prohibited conduct includes discrimination or harassment based on religion, race, origin, social status, age or gender; culturally inappropriate dress; spreading false rumours; disclosing confidential information; and making disparaging statements about ADEK, schools or colleagues.

Teachers providing private tutoring outside school hours must obtain the appropriate work permit and are prohibited from tutoring pupils enrolled at their own school. Staff must also avoid plagiarism, inappropriate use of work devices, and sharing screenshots containing personally identifiable information about pupils.

Educators are required to report suspected maltreatment and must refrain from inappropriate comments or physical contact with pupils, even if intended as a joke. Schools must develop their own staff codes compliant with ADEK requirements and the federal Code of Conduct for Education Professionals.

Non-compliance can expose schools to legal accountability and penalties under ADEK regulations and applicable UAE laws. The policy took effect in 2024–25, with full compliance required from 2025–26.