Aldar Education has marked Emirati Women’s Day by celebrating the role of Emirati women as educators, innovators, and leaders, while reinforcing its commitment to increasing opportunities for women across the education sector.
The occasion, observed annually on 28 August, saw the organisation highlight the achievements of Emirati women within its network and outline new initiatives designed to support their professional growth. Emirati women currently make up a significant part of Aldar Education’s workforce, with the organisation employing the highest percentage of UAE Nationals across its head office and its portfolio of 31 managed schools and academies.
Going beyond national quotas, Aldar Education says it has consistently demonstrated genuine progress in Emiratisation, with sustained investment in leadership training, mentoring, and career development pathways for Emirati staff.
One of its most notable efforts is the launch of the UAE’s first Graduate Teacher Training Programme for Emirati nationals, described as a first-of-its-kind step in the country’s education sector. The initiative allows graduates to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), an internationally recognised qualification that combines academic study with hands-on classroom placements. The programme is aimed at equipping aspiring teachers with the expertise, confidence, and practical skills to succeed, while also creating a clear career pipeline for Emirati women to take up teaching roles across the organisation’s schools.
By introducing the programme, Aldar Education is setting what it calls a “new benchmark” for the sector, providing a structured path for Emiratis to take on influential positions as educators, role models, and leaders for the next generation.
Commenting on the occasion, Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said: “Emirati women have always been at the heart of our success at Aldar Education. Their presence has and will continue to strengthen the link between schools and communities, ensuring that cultural identity and national values are upheld while embracing innovation and modern teaching practices. Our Graduate Teacher Training Programme is a true testament that empowering women is not just part of our responsibility; it is at the very core of building a brighter future for the UAE.”
The celebration also gave space for voices from across Aldar Education to share their reflections on the significance of Emirati Women’s Day.
Aldar Education’s message on Emirati Women’s Day centres not only on recognising women’s contributions to the present but also on building long-term opportunities for women to thrive in the education sector. With initiatives such as the Graduate Teacher Training Programme and its focus on Emiratisation, the organisation is positioning Emirati women at the core of shaping the UAE’s education landscape in the years ahead.
