The UAE has introduced the National Identity Mark, a pioneering initiative by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), aimed at evaluating and enhancing the integration of Emirati culture, values, and citizenship within private schools across the emirate. This program not only assesses academic performance but also emphasizes the importance of instilling a deep-rooted understanding of the nation’s traditions and heritage among students.
Launched in May 2023, the National Identity Mark is the UAE’s first annual school evaluation system designed to empower parents with valuable insights into the quality of national identity programs and related activities within the emirate’s private schools. The evaluation framework covers three main domains:
Schools are assessed across these domains to determine how effectively they incorporate national identity into their curricula and school culture.
In the first phase of evaluations, ADEK assessed 87 private schools ADEK with the highest number of Emirati students. The results were as follows:
Notable institutions receiving the ‘Outstanding’ rating included The British International School in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Academy for Girls, Sheikh Zayed Academy for Boys, and Emirates National Schools.
The National Identity Mark serves several key purposes:
Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education and Chairman of ADEK, emphasized the importance of cultivating a robust national identity that anchors Emirati students in their culture. She stated, By strengthening national identity through educational programs, schools can support students to further appreciate their roots, traditions, and values.
To further promote transparency, ADEK has introduced School Performance Plaques. These plaques are displayed at the entrances of private schools and showcase two key indicators:
This initiative allows parents and visitors to quickly assess a school’s commitment to both academic excellence and cultural education.
The National Identity Mark evaluations are conducted separately from ADEK’s Irtiqa’a Inspection, which focuses on academic performance. This separation ensures a comprehensive assessment of both educational quality and cultural integration.
Future evaluation cycles will continue to assess schools with high numbers of Emirati students, while also encouraging private schools without national enrolment to participate if they offer relevant programs that engage students with the UAE’s rich heritage and traditions.
The introduction of the National Identity Mark represents a significant step towards embedding Emirati culture and values within the educational framework of Abu Dhabi’s private schools. By providing transparent evaluations and encouraging continuous improvement, ADEK is fostering an environment where students can develop a strong sense of national identity alongside academic excellence.
The UAE National Identity Mark is more than just an evaluation tool—it is a bridge connecting education with culture, values, and citizenship. By recognizing schools that actively nurture Emirati heritage and instilling pride in students, the initiative ensures that future generations grow up deeply connected to their roots while excelling academically. This program sets a strong example of how education can shape not only knowledge but also character, fostering a generation that carries forward the UAE’s rich legacy with confidence and responsibility.
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