Strategic Leader: Arabic & Islamic Studies Cluster

Gems Education UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Education UAE is seeking a Cluster Lead for Arabic and Islamic Studies to drive strategic direction and instructional leadership across a group of Dubai-based schools.

You will translate priorities into measurable plans, oversee curriculum, assessment and documentation, and coach department leaders to improve student attainment. This senior role requires strong UAE context knowledge and collaboration with school leaders to ensure inspection readiness and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Proven record of outstanding practice in Arabic and Islamic education.
• Leadership experience as HoD or equivalent (Head of Department, subject leader or curriculum leader).
• Strong knowledge of Arabic and Islamic curriculum planning, teaching and assessment.
• Demonstrated success in improving student attainment and progress.
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into structured and measurable school action plans.
• Experience coaching teachers and developing the capabilities of departmental leaders.
• Confidence designing and facilitating professional development programmes.
• Strong understanding of assessment data, moderation and academic performance analysis.
• Experience supporting inspections, self-evaluation and improvement planning.
• Familiarity with UAE regulatory and curriculum compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the quality and development of Arabic and Islamic education across the cluster.
• Establish a shared vision for teaching, learning and student progress with leadership.
• Drive improvements in classroom practice, curriculum planning, assessment and outcomes.
• Develop cluster-wide and school-specific action plans aligned with priorities.
• Monitor implementation and evaluate impact on student performance.
• Analyse performance data to identify gaps and interventions.
• Design and deliver professional development for Arabic and Islamic teachers.
• Coach Heads of Department and teachers in new instructional strategies.
• Collaborate across departments to align teaching practices with effective approaches.

Skills

Arabic education leadership

Islamic education leadership

Cluster academic leadership

Curriculum improvement

Curriculum planning

Teaching quality assurance

Instructional coaching

Teacher development

Professional development delivery

Department leadership

School improvement planning

Action plan development

Student achievement analysis

Education

Education leadership

Job description

GEMS Education UAE is seeking a Cluster Lead for Arabic and Islamic Studies to drive strategic direction and instructional leadership across a group of Dubai-based schools.

You will translate priorities into measurable plans, oversee curriculum, assessment and documentation, and coach department leaders to improve student attainment. This senior role requires strong UAE context knowledge and collaboration with school leaders to ensure inspection readiness and data-driven decision making.