Director of Arabic and Islamic - August 2026

Harrow International School Abu Dhabi is seeking an inspirational and exceptional Director of Arabic and Islamic Studies to join the founding team and become part of the legacy.

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

All successful applicants must be willing to undergo enhanced child protection screening appropriate to the post, including various background checks including, receipt of high-quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks. No member of staff will be able to start until these checks are complete and this process takes, on average, a month. 

Harrow International School Dubai is seeking exceptional educators to join the founding team and become part of the legacy.

As part of our founding team, you will play a pivotal role in building a vibrant and inclusive community where the learning of every individual is at the heart of daily life. Guided by the Harrow values, our staff will create an environment in which every pupil is nurtured, challenged, and empowered to achieve their very best.

Within our state-of-the-art facilities, you will help establish a culture of academic and sporting excellence, creativity, and curiosity, ensuring that Harrow International School Dubai quickly takes its place among the leading international schools of the region.

Joining Harrow International School Dubai is not only an opportunity to teach — it is an invitation to shape and inspire generations to come.

Qualifications and Experience  

• Relevant leadership or senior management qualifications.
• Track record of successfully developing and implementing culturally relevant and academically rigorous curricula.
• Experience in integrating national standards, cultural values, and international educational practices.
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret assessment results and use them to inform departmental planning, student attainment, and progress.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire students and staff.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusivity, and the wider ethos of Harrow School.

Essential

• A degree in Arabic Language or Arabic/Islamic Studies, and a Postgraduate certificate in Education (PGCE), Teaching Diploma, or equivalent qualification.
• Senior leadership experience in Arabic and Islamic education within an international school context. Strong understanding of UAE culture, Emirati heritage, and Islamic values.

All staff are expected to conduct themselves in line with the school’s values which are: Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship. While the School’s values set out what matters most to us, the behaviours below are intended as a shared set of expectations to refer to, and standards to aspire to, in our dealings with others. They are the practical application of our values.

COURAGE

• We remain optimistic and purposeful in a disrupted world.
• We take responsibility for our decisions, even the hard ones.
• We always challenge poor behaviour in ourselves and others.
• We are open to new ideas, and seek fresh challenges.

HONOUR

• We keep our promises.
• We act with integrity – doing the right thing, even when it is difficult or when no one is watching.
• We respect and value our traditions whilst setting them in the context of today.

HUMILITY

• We work hard to serve others within the School and across our wider communities where possible putting their interests before our own.
• We give and seek honest and appropriate feedback, reflect on our failures and learn from them.
• We support each other through challenges and whatever the outcome, we celebrate those that took part. 

FELLOWSHIP

• We respect each other and value our differences, knowing that we are more effective and more resilient working together.
• We are kind and inclusive; we value the contribution that each of us makes.
• We role model the behaviours that we would like to see in others; we ask only of others what we would be prepared to do ourselves.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are values that are important to us at Taaleem. We believe in diversity of thought and actively welcome everyone regardless of their background to bring their valuable and relevant skills to our community.

Note: It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.