How Do You Become a Special Education Teacher in the UAE? Qualifications & Step-by-Step Path

Due to increased awareness concerning inclusivity in education and differences in learning, the need for skilled special education teachers continues to rise across schools, learning centres, and support organisations throughout the UAE. However, to enter the profession, you will need to hold recognized qualifications, teaching credentials, and relevant practical experience that meet the requirements of the UAE educational authorities.

This blog outlines how to become a Special Education teacher, providing a clear, step-by-step pathway to help applicants successfully enter a long-term, fulfilling career as a Special Education Teacher in the UAE.

Take your skills to the next level — Explore Master of Education & Dual Degree Courses

Special Education Teacher Qualifications in UAE (2026 Guide)

 As schools across the Emirates continue to expand their inclusion departments, the need for qualified special education (inclusive) teachers has also increased rapidly. Let’s take a look at the key qualifications and special education teacher requirements (2026) below:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 4 years) in Special Education, Psychology, or a related field is required.
• Licensure: Candidates must hold a valid teaching license from their home country or be eligible for a UAE-specific license.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of teaching experience is generally required, particularly in special education.
• Skills: Proficiency in behavior management and knowledge of inclusive education frameworks are needed.
• Documentation: Attested academic certificates and a clear criminal record check are required.
• Medical Fitness Report: A mandatory report issued in the UAE. 

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Special Education Teacher in the UAE

Here are the steps to follow for becoming a special education teacher in the UAE:

Step 1 – Educational Foundation

The first step to becoming a special education teacher in the UAE is to hold a recognised undergraduate degree, such as a degree in special education, psychology, or a related field. Many institutions prefer a Master’s degree in Special Education.

Step 2 – Specialized Training

Second, after obtaining your recognised undergraduate degree, you should pursue a specialised certification or diploma program in the areas of Special Education or SEN, or an Inclusive Teaching program. Hands-on experience, as well as evidence of having worked with students with diverse needs, will strengthen your ability to be hired for a special education teaching position.

Step 3 – Document Attestation & Approvals

After completing your Bachelor’s Degree and your specialized training, you will need to obtain an attestation of your academic qualifications from the nearest UAE embassy or consulate. Without this formal attestation process, you will not be able to obtain a teaching licence, nor will you be able to work in the UAE as a Teacher of Special Education.

Step 4 – Apply for Teaching License

As a fourth step, you will need to apply for a teaching licence through either the MOE, KHDA, or ADEK (Abu Dhabi), whichever organisation oversees the school(s) you wish to apply for a teaching position at. In order to apply for your teaching licence, you must take and pass the required entrance exam or assessment(s). Obtaining your teaching licence is the final step in proving your eligibility to be employed as a teacher within any school in the UAE.

Step 5 – Job Search & Placement

Next, you may begin searching for job opportunities. There are many International Schools, Special Education Centres, and Inclusive Learning Centres located throughout the UAE. You can also use recruiting agencies or school websites to find available positions.

Step 6 – Continuous Professional Development

As a final step, you can participate in ongoing training, complete workshops, or enroll in certification courses to stay current with best practices in Inclusive and Special Education. Continually upgrading your knowledge will help you advance in your career as an Educator in Special Education.

Also Read: Best Career Opportunities in Special Education in the UAE

Skills That Make You Stand Out in the UAE’s Special Education Sector

To succeed in the fast-growing UAE Special Education field, individuals need to demonstrate empathy and strong patience. Below are some key skills required to succeed in the UAE’s special education sector:

• Adaptability & Differentiation: The ability to customize teaching methods and curricula to suit diverse, often multilingual, learning styles and special needs.
• Empathy & Patience: Deep understanding of students’ emotional and educational challenges, allowing them to learn at their own pace.
• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including parents, therapists, and mainstream teachers, to ensure consistent support.
• Behavior Management & Positive Reinforcement: Using creative and proactive strategies to handle challenging behaviors while boosting self-esteem.
• Organizational & Analytical Skills: Strong capability in tracking student progress, managing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and adhering to regulatory standards

Also Read: Special Education Teacher Salary in the UAE

Upskill & Grow with upGrad — How upGrad can help you become a better Special Education Teacher

upGrad supports aspiring and working educators who wish to enhance their credentials, deepen their understanding of developments in inclusive education, or transition into special education. The industry-relevant online educational programs through upGrad, professional development courses, and other professional learning and training enable educators to deepen their understanding of the needs of diverse students by balancing their instructional time with ongoing work. With recognized credentials and support, educators can be confident of being on the right path to career growth and to making a positive impact in a special education classroom for each student.

Here are some relevant programs offered through upGrad to explore:

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Edgewood University
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Northeastern University
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Edgewood University
• Dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree from Edgewood University

FAQs on Become a Special Education Teacher in the UAE

Ref.
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/education/school-education-k-12/qualifications-to-be-a-teacher
https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/services/attestation