Schools in Abu Dhabi are going through transformation and reform. The New School Model (2010) introduced changes to the curriculum and teaching and learning methodologies. In line with these changes, recently introduced "Principal Professional Standards" and "Performance Evaluation" documents have conceptualized new roles and responsibilities allocated to principals. To enhance the capacity of principals to lead and implement change, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has provided professional development. Within the context of professional development received and in lieu of school changes and reform, this paper focuses on roles and responsibilities of principals and challenges faced as far as implementing them. Semi-structured interviews with 16 principals formed the main source of data collection and analysis. The findings presented examine anticipated roles and responsibilities and challenges faced implementing them as contextualized within the framework of the professional standards and performance evaluation documents.