The Reasons Dubai Draws Teachers From Other Countries
In the last 20 years, the education system of Dubai has undergone tremendous growth due to an influx of ex-pats, major government investment in educational systems, and the availability of numerous different school types — all of which contribute to Dubai being able to provide:
British, American, IB, Indian (CBSE/ICSE), Australian and IB schools
Numerous well-resourced private schools with first-class facilities
A continuing high level of demand for qualified international teachers
Unlike many other locations, a Dubai teaching job represents long-term financial security through lack of any tax liabilities, regardless of the pressures of international inflation.
Different Kinds of Teaching Jobs in Dubai
There are various ways that you can teach and there are also many ways that people can have different expectations about what teaching means; therefore, being aware of teaching in Dubai will enable you to find the right fit for both yourself and your learners.
Types of:
International School Teacher Positions
These Make Up By Far The Largest Portion Of The Market. Typical Curriculum Subjects Are: English Math Science The Humanities Early Childhood Education And If You are Familiar With British Curriculum, American Curriculum And IB Curriculum You Will Be More Marketable.
English As A Second Language (ESL) Teacher Positions
There are many ESL positions available, however ESL teacher positions are becoming more competitive, typically pay less than subject-specific positions, and are therefore not as desirable.
University & College Lecturer Positions
To Teach At The University/College Level Typically Requires A Master’s Degree OR PhD AND Work Experience in The Middle East.
Special Education Teacher Positions
The Gender Economy Is Increasingly Moving Towards Special Education Teachers; Therefore, More And More Schools (Particularly Those That Are Inclusive Of Students With Disabilities) Are Hiring Special Education Teachers To Support The Growing Population.
Characteristics that Schools Look For in Teachers
Many believe that there is no limit to a person’s ability to teach in Dubai as long as they hold an educational degree, when in fact schools are very particular with whom they choose to hire.
The majority of reputable schools in Dubai will require that you have obtained:
Bachelor’s degree in Education or another subject specific degree plus a teaching license
A valid teaching qualification from an accredited university (such as PGCE, B.Ed, state approved licensure, etc.)
Minimum of 2 years of work experience as a teacher, post-qualification
Teachers must meet the requirements mandated by the KHDA, the governing body of all schools in Dubai. If you do not meet their criteria, then the school would not be able to hire you, regardless of your performance in the interview process.
Estimated Salary for Teaching Jobs in Dubai by 2026
The salary, depending on the school type, curriculum and teacher experience will vary greatly.
A monthly average salary will be in the following ranges:
Entry level teacher: AED 7,000 – 9,000
Experienced teacher: AED 10,000 – 15,000
Senior/IB Specialist: AED 16,000 – 20,000+
The majority of teaching contracts will include the following benefits:
Accommodation or housing allowance
Health insurance
Annual Flight
Paid summer vacation
Dubai teaching positions need to know the following about the teaching culture:
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Multicultural Classrooms
While teaching at schools, expect to have anywhere between 20 and 40 students from various countries. It is essential to have cultural sensitivity towards these students; it is not optional.
Parental Involvement
In Dubai, parents are very engaged and involved in their children’s education. The ability to communicate is as critical as the ability to teach.
Professional Standards
Teachers are held to high expectations concerning lesson planning, inspections of those lessons, and their performance evaluations of those lessons. Teachers are often rewarded for being professionals, as well as given the same expectations for consistency.
Teachers who do well in Dubai are organized, adaptable, and open-minded with regard to expectations.
Cost of Living: The Reality
Teachers moving to Dubai may feel like they are spending a lot of money at first, but the teaching packages offered by many schools/board makes the transition easier.
Consider the five largest expenses:
- Rent (may be supplied or subsidized),
- Transportation (good public transportation system),
- Food (can be a bit expensive for imported food),
Teachers who live within their means, rather than chasing after luxury goods, typically enjoy living in Dubai from a financial point of view.
How to Find an Authentic Teaching Job in Dubai
Don’t take shortcuts! The safest way to find a teaching position in Dubai is:
- Check out the school websites
- Utilize a reputable international recruiting agency
- Check out education job sites that specialize in placing candidates to teach in the Gulf.