Things Start Looking Up for Pakistani Schools in UAE
Pakistani schools in the UAE are on a path to improvement, with initiatives underway to enhance educational quality, including one institution planning to raise teachers’ salaries to boost performance. This positive shift follows inspection reports from local education authorities highlighting both strengths and weaknesses within these schools.
The His Highness Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School in Dubai is a prime example, having prioritized teacher training and announcing salary increases. Principal Imran Waheed shared with *Khaleej Times* that the school has been granted a 4.14 percent tuition fee hike for this academic year, as its ratings improved to “acceptable” after seven years of being classified as “weak.” This progress has also led to a 30 percent increase in student admissions since last year.
“Teacher turnover is at a minimum, as confirmed by inspectors. With the tuition fee increase, I’m planning to raise teachers’ salaries, which hasn’t happened in years,” he stated, noting that the minimum salary for teachers at the school is currently Dh3,000.
The school has developed a comprehensive improvement plan that incorporates all recommendations from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspections. This plan includes strategies such as introducing new learning materials, digital resources, and smart boards in classrooms, along with a strong focus on professional development for teachers. Beyond mandatory KHDA courses, the school is also utilizing Gulf education services and UK-based trainers for teacher training.
Currently, the school employs 85 teachers and serves 1,350 students, licensed by the Community Development Authority (CDA), with tuition fees as low as Dh300 per month. The outlook is promising, suggesting a brighter future for Pakistani schools in the UAE.
