UAE Bans Teachers From Wearing Immodest Clothes

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new Code of Professional Ethics for teachers, setting out clear boundaries of conduct to promote integrity, respect, and professionalism in schools. The guidelines are designed to safeguard students, staff, and the wider school community, with non-compliance carrying potential legal and administrative consequences.

Key Prohibited Practices

The code explicitly bans:

• Discrimination or harassment based on religion, ethnicity, gender, age, origin, or social status.
• Unfair treatment of female staff who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
• Promoting extremism, racism, indoctrination, bullying, or divisive behaviour.
• Wearing clothing deemed culturally inappropriate or against school dress codes.
• Verbal or physical harassment of colleagues.
• Spreading false rumours or damaging reputations.
• Sharing confidential information without consent.
• Excluding peers from professional activities or information.
• Misrepresenting qualifications or professional history.
• Embedding Ethics in School Culture

Schools across the emirate are aligning their operations with these principles.

Jan Stipek, Principal of Raha International School, said ethics are integrated into recruitment, onboarding, and daily practice. “Professionalism for us is not only about teaching quality but also about communication, respect, and collaboration. These values are emphasized from the hiring process to our annual orientation week and are expected in day-to-day conduct,” he explained.

Training and Monitoring

Institutions are also focusing on training, mentorship, and monitoring to ensure compliance.

At Shining Star International School, HR Manager Anila Anand highlighted initiatives such as mentorship programs, peer observations, and town hall meetings to build team spirit. Staff are required to sign the Ministry of Education (MoE) and ADEK Codes of Conduct, with policies reinforced through CPD (continuing professional development) sessions on digital safety, safeguarding, and child protection.

Principal Abhilasha Singh added that accountability is embedded in performance reviews and regular CPDs. “Any breaches are investigated by safeguarding leads, with measures ranging from retraining to disciplinary action. Serious cases are escalated to ADEK under established protocols,” she said.

A Framework for Integrity

The Code of Professional Ethics provides a consistent framework for educators in Abu Dhabi, ensuring professional standards are maintained across ADEK-regulated schools while fostering trust between teachers, students, parents, and the community.