In a landmark announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, top-performing teachers from Dubai’s private education sector are being honoured with the prestigious UAE Golden Visa
The announcement, made on World Teacher’s Day, 5 October, recognises the invaluable contributions of educators in shaping the future of the UAE through their commitment to excellence in education.
The initiative is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to reward and retain top talent, and further demonstrates the country’s appreciation for the vital role that teachers play in nurturing future generations. The Golden Visa will grant these educators long-term residency, allowing them to continue their work in the UAE and contribute to the nation’s vision for a knowledge-driven economy.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan praised the efforts of teachers in Dubai, stating, “Our educators are the backbone of our society. Through their dedication, they inspire and guide our youth to achieve their full potential. On World Teacher’s Day, we honour their commitment and provide them with a stable future in the UAE, where they will continue to shape the minds of tomorrow.”
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which oversees Dubai’s private education sector, lauded the decision and emphasised the critical importance of teachers in building a vibrant educational landscape.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA, said, “We are incredibly proud of the educators who have worked tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of teaching in Dubai. The Golden Visa is not just a reward but also a statement of confidence in the role teachers play in developing the leaders of tomorrow.”
He added, “Education is at the heart of Dubai’s development strategy, and the success of our schools is directly tied to the passion and professionalism of our teachers. This Golden Visa initiative reflects our belief that teachers are among the most valuable contributors to the future of Dubai and the UAE.”
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR TEACHERS AND FACULTY
WHO CAN APPLY?
- School principals and leaders
- Early childhood centre managers
- Academic heads of higher education institutions
- Teachers (from schools and ECCs)
- Full-time faculty and senior administrative leaders at higher education institutions
With more than 280,000 students enrolled in over 200 private schools across Dubai, the quality of education has remained a key focus for the government. This new initiative, in tandem with other long-term residency programmes for skilled professionals, ensures that teachers feel valued and supported in their professional and personal lives.
Several teachers have already been awarded the Golden Visa, with many more expected to qualify in the coming months. Teachers selected for the Golden Visa programme must demonstrate outstanding performance and dedication to their students’ development. In return, they will enjoy the benefits of long-term residency, which will allow them to establish stronger roots in the UAE.
World Teacher’s Day, celebrated globally on 5th October, marks a time to reflect on the importance of educators in society. The UAE has consistently shown its commitment to recognising and rewarding top talent across various sectors, and this latest announcement reinforces the nation’s dedication to fostering an environment of excellence in education.
For more information on the Golden Visa Policy,