At the heart of Abu Dhabi’s education reform is Irtiqaa, a school inspection and improvement programme led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Meaning “aspiration” in Arabic, Irtiqaa is dedicated to raising the quality of education across private schools, ensuring students thrive in a safe, innovative, and globally competitive environment.
What is the Irtiqaa Programme?
Irtiqaa provides a systematic evaluation of private schools, focusing on performance, leadership, student outcomes, and the quality of teaching and learning. Its goals are clear:
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Measure and improve educational quality
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Foster student achievement and well-being
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Support school leadership and management growth
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Encourage safe, inclusive, and innovative school environments
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Align school practices with ADEK’s strategic vision
By combining rigorous standards with practical guidance, Irtiqaa helps schools continuously evolve and achieve excellence.
How the Inspections Work
Inspections are conducted by ADEK-trained evaluators and typically last around four days. Each evaluation focuses on key areas such as:
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Student performance and progress
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Personal development and innovation skills
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Teaching quality and assessment practices
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Curriculum relevance and delivery
Following inspections, schools receive detailed feedback reports highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and actionable steps for development.
Building a Culture of Transparency
One of Irtiqaa’s unique strengths is its commitment to transparency. Inspection results are shared openly with parents and the wider community. This approach empowers families to make informed decisions and motivates schools to maintain high standards.
Supporting Long-Term School Improvement
Irtiqaa is more than an inspection — it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth. ADEK actively:
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Trains UAE nationals to become certified school inspectors
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Offers workshops and professional development support
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Conducts follow-up inspections to monitor progress and celebrate achievements
Through continuous dialogue, training, and support, Irtiqaa strengthens Abu Dhabi’s educational ecosystem for generations to come.
Explore more about the Irtiqaa Programme here.