For educators across the UAE, teaching is far more than a profession it is a lifelong promise to shape the nation’s future. On World Teachers’ Day, the country’s leaders paid heartfelt tributes to the men and women whose work continues to inspire generations of learners and drive educational excellence.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed teachers as “pivotal” in inspiring the next generation, while Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, described teaching as “the greatest profession known to humanity,” one that shapes “communities and lives.”
As the UAE celebrates its educators, Khaleej Times spoke with a number of long-serving teachers whose stories reflect the nation’s enduring appreciation of their commitment and how initiatives like the Golden Visa are strengthening their role in the classroom and beyond.
Teaching in a Digital Era
For Dilip Biswas, Head of Mathematics at Amity School Dubai, teaching is an act of compassion one that began with helping struggling classmates and evolved into an 18-year career spanning two countries.
“When I was young, I noticed many students struggled, and not all teachers had the time to support them,” he recalled. “I wanted to be the kind of teacher who would always be there for my students anytime, anywhere.”
After beginning his teaching career in India in 2006, Biswas moved to the UAE in 2018. Now, he leads a department that prepares senior students for critical examinations a role that has evolved dramatically with the rise of technology in education.
“There’s been a huge transformation, especially after Covid-19,” he said. “Students no longer rely only on teachers or textbooks. Everything is on their devices one click, and they have the answers. That makes teaching more challenging because teachers must keep pace with technology.”
A holder of three master’s degrees in Mathematics, Education, and Computer Applications Biswas believes that in today’s classrooms, respect must be earned through competence and relevance.
“Teaching is a noble profession,” he said, “but respect now depends on whether a teacher can meet the standards of today’s students. You can’t be outdated in this changing environment you have to keep learning every day.”
Golden Visa: A Recognition of Excellence
Biswas is among a select group of teachers recently awarded the UAE Golden Visa, following the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)’s call for applications from outstanding educators. The renewable 10-year visa aims to retain top teaching talent in Dubai’s private and higher education sectors.
“It’s an outstanding and remarkable initiative,” he said. “It motivates teachers to perform better and gives them stability. For most professionals, the Golden Visa is tied to income or entrepreneurship, but extending it to teachers shows real appreciation.”
The process, he explained, required detailed documentation of qualifications, community work, and contributions to school development. “I’ve trained my colleagues in Microsoft tools, handled data analysis for KHDA inspections, and developed special programmes for low-performing students. By God’s grace, none of them failed.”
‘Teaching Is an Act of Hope’
For Dr. Mangala AlCherif, a Lebanese educator based in Abu Dhabi, teaching is more than a calling it’s a legacy.
“My mother was a teacher,” she said. “I grew up admiring how she connected with her students and touched hearts. My teachers also shaped who I became and taught me to believe in myself.”
After earning her PhD in comparative studies in France, Dr AlCherif moved to the UAE in 2000 and began teaching in 2004. A French-language specialist, she has taught students at various levels including members of the Royal family and currently serves as a UAE National Identity Coordinator.
Her achievements include the Khalifa Award for Education and the ALDAR Award for Best Secondary Teacher. She is also the author of Knight of the Desert, a bestselling book exploring the wisdom of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, through his quotes.
“What keeps me motivated,” she reflected, “is knowing that what happens in the classroom can echo in students’ lives for years. Teaching is an act of hope we plant seeds that continue to grow long after we’re gone.”
Many of her former students now lead initiatives in environmental advocacy and international relations. “Even the quiet ones who once doubted themselves have become confident public speakers,” she said proudly.
Dr AlCherif embraces technology but insists that digital tools must complement not replace the teacher’s human touch. “Technology is a powerful amplifier,” she said. “But the key is balance. It should serve learning goals, not overshadow them.”
Her pride also extends to her family. “My son is now a senior quantum engineer at Microsoft. His team recently achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing published in Nature. As teachers, we realise our impact begins at home.”
Her message to students this Teachers’ Day is simple: “The most powerful lessons come from the unknown. Embrace challenges, ask questions that don’t yet have answers, and never stop believing in what’s possible.”
‘Every Day, I Learn Something from My Students’
For Egbal Ahmed Warrag, a Sudanese educator with over 25 years of experience, teaching in the UAE has been a lifelong mission. Currently Head of the Arabic Department at Woodlem Park School, Ajman, she has also taught at Delhi Private School Jebel Ali, GEMS Modern Academy, and Dubai Scholars Private School.
Inspired by her elder sister also a teacher Warrag says the bond between teacher and student is what makes the profession truly rewarding. “If a teacher inspires students, they look forward to class. It’s always a proud moment when former students share their success stories years later,” she said.
Reflecting on how education has evolved, she noted: “When I started, we didn’t have technology like today. Now, students are incredibly tech-savvy sometimes more than teachers! But the essence of education remains the same: it’s about connection and inspiration.”
Warrag finds daily joy in the mutual exchange of learning that defines her profession. “Every day, I teach students something new and every day, I learn something from them. That exchange is what keeps me going.”
Honouring the Builders of Tomorrow
As the UAE continues to invest in education and recognise excellence through programmes like the Golden Visa, the stories of these veteran educators underscore a shared truth: teaching is more than a job it’s a lifelong commitment to shaping the minds and morals that define the nation’s future.
