All about ADEK
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the main regulatory authority for both public and private education in the capital and aims to prepare the young generation to tackle the challenges of the 21st century with innovative learning strategies. Its goals are aligned with the UAE Vision 2021. By collaborating with various educational institutions, The Department of Education and Knowledge contributes to the development of UAE’s educational infrastructure in line with global standards. Read on to discover more about the services offered by ADEK and the process used by this government body to assess institutes in Abu Dhabi.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE, ABU DHABI
Previously known as Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), the organisation was formed in 2005 following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE. Twelve years later, ADEC was renamed as the Department of Education and Knowledge following a Royal Decree by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
Law No. 9 of 2018 formally replaced ADEC with ADEK.
ABU DHABI EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE DEPARTMENT GOALS
The goals of ADEK Abu Dhabi can be summarised in their vision: ‘Education First.’ The ultimate aim is the formation of a comprehensive education system to contribute towards a knowledge-based economy. ADEK believes that students must develop a sense of competition, innovation and entrepreneurship from the earliest stages so they are better equipped for global opportunities.
The goals of ADEK Abu Dhabi can be summarised as follows:
- To establish Abu Dhabi as a regional and international education hub
- To improve the quality of education outcomes at all levels and for all students
- To provide opportunities at all levels and for all students
- To align education with the needs of the local job market and create growth opportunities that contribute to the prosperity of Abu Dhabi
- To develop an efficient and effective ecosystem for the promotion of science, technology and innovation.
WHAT DOES ADEK DO?
The department achieves its goals by developing strategic, executive plans for the education sector in Abu Dhabi. The Executive Council approves these plans and supervises their implementation. Some of the major tasks undertaken by the Department of Education and Knowledge Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Monitor entities affiliated with ADEK Abu Dhabi, especially regarding its revenue and expenditures
- Developing policies, standards, regulations and executive plans to regulate the education sector
- Licensing all private educational authorities
- Monitoring educational authorities to see how well they are providing high-quality educational services and their compliance with regulations.
ADEK also submits recommendations and suggestions to the Executive Council about the fees that can be collected by educational institutes. For instance, ADEK has called for discounts on school tuition fee in Abu Dhabi to facilitate students and parents to circumvent the financial challenges of Covid-19.
ADEK CAREERS
The Department of Education and Knowledge also provides job opportunities where aspirants can work with a group of experts committed to developing the education sector in Abu Dhabi. ADEK offers excellent salaries and benefits. If you are keen on exploring employment opportunities at this government authority, you can search for vacancies and apply directly on the ADEK website ‘Careers’ page.
ADEK SERVICES
Educational institutions and other concerned parties can avail of ADEK services from the Tamm website. ADEK offers several key services in Abu Dhabi in conjunction with Tamm. These include receiving, inspecting and approving requests for:
- Study leave for government employees
- Transfer to study certificate for another emirate or outside the country
- Change of discipline or university
- Electronic authentication of documents
- Issuing license for a private school
- Issuing new license for a government nursery
- Registration in Arabic language courses for expats
ADEK RATINGS
Another function of the department is to provide ADEK school ‘ratings.’ The department inspects all schools offering classes from KG until Grade 12 (FS2- Year 13) every two years and issues a detailed report along with one of the six ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak and Very Weak. Schools deemed to be performing at a Weak or Very Weak level are inspected annually until their performance improves to Acceptable.
ADEK ABU DHABI LOCATIONS
The department’s head office is located in the capital city, while there are two other branches in Al Ain and Al Dhafrah. The location and contact details are as follows:
ADEK Main Branch
- Location: Behind Khalifa Park, Ministries Complex District
- Business hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am – 04:00 pm
- ADEK Contact Number: +971-2-615-0000
AL AIN BRANCH
- Location: Ministry of Education Building, Al-Jimi District
- Business hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am – 04:00 pm
AL DHAFRA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE
- Location: Baynunah Educational Complex, Madinat Zayed
- Business hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am – 04:00 pm
This concludes our guide on The Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi. The department is an important achievement in the progress of education in Abu Dhabi.
You can also read about the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) which works towards developing the education sector in the emirate of Dubai. These entities work towards the educational goals of the country as a larger part of the UAE Theme 2020.
What is the best school in Abu Dhabi? For those moving to the emirate with their families, we have also compiled a list of the best schools in Abu Dhabi. You can also read about the schools in particular areas (such as schools in Baniyas).
Subscribe to MyBayut for more education-related content in the UAE.
