Exploring School Leaders’ Perceptions of Contemporary Leadership Professional Development in the UAE and Emerging Needs

Bibliographic Data

ID22426652
AuthorsAyman Massouti (0000-0002-5685-6356, Sharjah Education Academy, corresponding author), Asma Abdallah (0000-0003-1028-7618, Sharjah Education Academy)
Year2026
Pages1-15
Publication date2026-07-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLeadership and Policy in Schools (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1570-0763 • E-ISSN: 1744-5043
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15700763.2026.2705310
OpenAlexW7168622211
LanguageEN
References cited43

This study examined how school leaders in Sharjah conceptualize and envision professional development and what gaps may exist in current leadership PD programs considering the growing demands of 21st century education and digital transformation in schools. Using a qualitative interpretivist research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 school leaders. The findings showed that while existing PD programs are valuable, they are de-contextualized and lack depth in key leadership competencies. Participants emphasized the significance of adopting needs-based leadership PD approaches, focusing on digital and cultural competencies, concluding that a systemic redesign that aligns with UAE Vision 2030 is needed.

Continuing professional development · Educational leadership · Faculty Development · Leadership development · Leadership style · Management development · Perception · Professional development · Qualitative research · Education, Leadership, and Health Research · Socioeconomic Development in MENA · Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

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