More than 500,000 people applied for teaching jobs at GEMS Education for the 2026/27 academic year, as the UAE continues to attract educators from around the world.
GEMS has selected 1,550 new teachers for its schools, taking its educator community to more than 10,000 across the network. The new teachers represent more than 112 nationalities and will work across schools offering British, IB, US and Indian curricula.
The figures were announced as GEMS welcomed its new teachers at its annual GEMS Awareness Day in Dubai ahead of the new school year.
UAE attracts teachers
Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, said the UAE remains a major destination for international teaching talent, despite regional challenges earlier this year.
GEMS receives more than 500,000 applications each year, allowing the group to recruit teachers from both the UAE and overseas.
The organisation said its recruitment strategy combines local and international talent. UAE-based teachers bring knowledge of the local education system and communities, while overseas recruitment provides access to different teaching practices and experience.
Teachers remain central
GEMS Founder and Chairman Sunny Varkey said the group was continuing to invest in teachers as schools prepare students for a changing world.
“The future of education will be shaped not only by what we teach, but by the people we entrust to inspire and prepare the next generation. That is why we are investing significantly in attracting exceptional educators from around the world, developing their potential and equipping them with the tools, technology and environment to deliver the highest standards of academic excellence.”
He added: “As GEMS looks to the future, our ambition extends far beyond growth in scale. Inspired by the progressive vision and ambition of the UAE and its leaders, we are building an institution designed for the decades ahead: one that combines strong academic foundations with future skills and meaningful opportunities for students to apply their learning in the real world.”
Varkey also said: “Buildings and technology matter, but teachers remain the greatest investment we can make. When we invest in outstanding educators, we invest directly in every child’s potential and in developing the confident, capable and compassionate leaders our world will need.”
AI enters classrooms
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a bigger role in GEMS schools this academic year, including in reducing administrative work for teachers.
GEMS Group Chief Education Officer Lisa Crausby said the organisation would follow UAE rules on the use of generative AI by younger students. She said students need to learn about AI early so they can understand the technology and its limitations as they get older.
GEMS is also working on 150 to 200 AI agents aimed at reducing administrative tasks for teachers and giving them more time to focus on students.
The group said its approach is to use AI alongside human judgement rather than as a replacement for teachers.
Focus on retention
GEMS said teacher turnover has continued to decline year on year, resulting in its strongest teacher retention performance to date.
More than 3,000 GEMS employees have worked with the organisation for more than 10 years. More than 40% of principal appointments made over the past 12 months were internal, according to the group.
GEMS is also investing in professional development, leadership opportunities, internal career moves and employee wellbeing. Its Emirati Teacher Assistant Upskilling Programme has trained more than 330 Emiratis.
Families and schools
This year’s GEMS Awareness Day was held under the theme “Family First”, highlighting the role of parents and families in supporting students’ education and wellbeing.
GEMS said it is expanding future-focused learning, technology and AI-based approaches while maintaining a focus on academic performance, character, wellbeing and real-world skills.
The group has also secured around 95% of its targeted student places for the coming academic year through new registrations and re-enrolments.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
