Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the official regulatory authority overseeing private education across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Established to elevate educational excellence, ADEK governs the licensing, quality assurance, and continuous development of nurseries, private schools, charter schools, and educational training providers.

ADEK ensures that every institution aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of creating a world-class education ecosystem driven by innovation, inclusivity, and academic rigor. It promotes transparent governance, supports teacher training, and enforces high academic and operational standards to ensure consistent quality across the sector.

By setting clear benchmarks and encouraging global best practices, ADEK helps institutions achieve excellence, build community trust, attract investment, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a regional leader in education.


345 206

Key information ADEK

Aspect Details
Full Name Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
Established 2005 (originally as Abu Dhabi Education Council – ADEC, renamed ADEK in 2017)
Headquarters Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Governing Authority Government of Abu Dhabi
Primary Role Regulates, develops, and oversees both private and public education in Abu Dhabi
Scope of Work Public schools, private schools, higher education institutions, training centers, and research initiatives
Key Functions Licensing, inspections, quality assurance, curriculum development, policy-making, research, and innovation in education
School Inspections Regular evaluations of private schools under the Irtiqa’a Inspection Framework
Ratings Categories Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, Very Weak
Focus Areas Academic excellence, innovation, inclusivity, student well-being, future skills, and global competitiveness
Vision To ensure a world-class education system that empowers students to reach their full potential and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy
Address B2B Commercial Building - Al Khor St - Rabdan - RB2 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Website https://www.adek.gov.ae

Key Functions of ADEK

01
Regulating Education Standards
ADEK sets and enforces quality standards for schools and universities across Abu Dhabi to ensure excellence in education.
02
Licensing and Accreditation
It licenses educational institutions and oversees their compliance with academic and operational requirements.
03
Policy and Strategy Development
ADEK designs education policies and strategies that align with Abu Dhabi’s vision for innovation and knowledge-based growth.
04
Student Support and Development
The department promotes student success through scholarships, enrichment programs, and talent development initiatives.

Generation Z Services Partnering with ADEK, UAE

Pre-Operational Support
Operational Support
Strategic Advisory
Management Assistance
Licensing Support

End-to-end guidance for ADEK registration and approval.

Feasibility Planning

Conduct demographic and educational demand studies for project validation.

Facility Compliance

Assess building readiness per ADEK’s health, safety, and accessibility requirements.

Policy Setup

Prepare operational, academic, and governance policies aligned with ADEK standards.

Teacher Training

Ensure continuous compliance with KHDA standards.

Operational Support

Implement approved curricula and assessment systems.

Quality Assurance

Establish internal systems that align with ADEK’s inspection framework.

Student Well-being

Design inclusive learning and support programs in line with ADEK guidelines.

Accreditation Guidance

Prepare institutions for ADEK inspection and accreditation evaluations.

Innovation & Technology

Integrate digital tools and smart learning aligned with ADEK’s innovation initiatives.

Performance Evaluation

Develop data-driven review systems for quality tracking and compliance.

Sustainability Planning

Align institutional growth with Abu Dhabi’s education strategy and Vision 2031.

Leadership Development

Equip school leaders with ADEK-aligned governance and compliance skills.

Operational Oversight

Support daily management and process optimization under ADEK frameworks.

Stakeholder Engagement

Strengthen communication between schools, parents, and ADEK regulators.

Renewal Support

Manage licensing renewals and continuous improvement documentation.

Join Our Growing List of Success Stories

icon
icon
icon
icon
icon
icon
icon
icon
icon

Schedule a Consultation with Generation Z Experts

Partner with Generation Z Education & Training Solutions to establish or enhance your educational institution under KHDA’s guidance..

Our experts ensure that every step. From licensing to inspection, it meets Dubai’s educational excellence standards.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward building a KHDA-compliant institution.

ADEK License Benefits

  • Provides legal authorization to operate within Abu Dhabi’s regulated private education sector.
  • Demonstrates compliance with ADEK’s quality, safety, and curriculum standards.
  • Enhances institutional credibility among parents, investors, and international partners.
  • Grants access to ADEK professional development and innovation programs.
  • Ensures long-term sustainability through continuous support and periodic quality assessments.

Step-by-Step Guide to ADEK License Registration

  • Application Submission – Apply through the ADEK e-services portal with detailed institutional information.
  • Document Upload – Submit required files, including trade license, safety reports, staff credentials, and curriculum outlines.
  • Compliance Review – ADEK evaluates curriculum, governance, and infrastructure according to regulatory standards.
  • Site Inspection – Inspectors visit the premises to assess safety, readiness, and academic suitability.
  • Approval & Licensing – Upon successful evaluation, ADEK issues an official education license authorizing legal operation.
Shape the future of learning with confidence.
Book a consultation with our experts and start your journey toward full MOE compliance and excellence.