Teaching Jobs in the UAE: Salaries, Requirements, and Schools Hiring
Introduction
One of the world’s most sought-after countries to teach, the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) is proving to be a top choice for educators. Offering high salaries, tax-free income, shiny new state-of-the-art schools and educational facilities, and an ethnically diverse environment, teaching in the UAE is both a career and quality-of-life experience. If you are an experienced instructor or a fresh graduate holding the correct qualifications, there is plenty of opportunity across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the rest of the Emirates.
This guide has everything for UAE teaching positions, from qualifications and pay to the visa process and schools with vacancies.
Why the UAE is a Top Destination for Teachers
There are many reasons why the UAE is a top destination for teachers:
Tax-free salaries that allow teachers to increase their take-home pay.
State-of-the-art school facilities, fueled by state-of-the-art technology.
Pluralistic classrooms with students from various nationalities.
Elaborate benefits packages, often including housing, airfares, and medical cover.
Career progression options in reputable international organizations.
Varieties of Teaching Vacancies in the UAE
Teaching vacancies in the UAE are available at various educational and special levels, including:
Early Childhood Education (Nursery & Kindergarten) – Focusing on young children, requiring patience, creativity, and specific training in early childhood development.
Primary School Teachers – Teaching a broad range of subjects for 5–11-year-old children.
Secondary School Teachers – Educating a specific subject such as English, Mathematics, Science, or History.
Special Education Teachers – Instruction of students who are learning disabled or are disabled.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Teachers – Helping students who are not native English speakers in building language skills.
Salary Range for Teaching Jobs in the UAE
Teacher pay in the UAE varies according to institution type, location, and experience. On average:
Position Monthly Salary (AED) Equivalent in USD
Nursery/Kindergarten Teacher 8,000 – 12,000 2,175 – 3,265
Primary Teacher 9,000 – 13,000 2,450 – 3,540
Secondary Teacher 10,000 – 15,000 2,720 – 4,080
ESL Teacher 8,000 – 14,000 2,175 – 3,810
Special Education Teacher 11,000 – 16,000 2,995 – 4,355
Note: Salaries are tax-free, and other perks like furnished accommodation, return airfare home every year, and full health cover may also be provided by many schools.
Benefits Packages for Teachers
Numerous teaching contracts in the UAE provide the following benefits:
Housing allowance or free housing
Return air ticket to the home country every year
Medical insurance
End-of-service gratuity (cash payment when the contract ends)
Professional development opportunities
Qualifications and Requirements
To become a teacher in the UAE, candidates typically need:
Bachelor in Education or subject taught.
Teaching Certificate/License such as PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), TEFL/TESOL (in the case of ESL teachers), or state-level teaching certificate.
Min. 2 years of experience of teaching in a valid school.
English proficiency, nativeness or near-nativeness fluency.
Clean police record and overall good health (medical checkup for the visa application process).
Visa Process for Teachers
Teachers are usually sponsored by their employer. The process is as follows generally:
School or education institution job offer.
Employer-sparked Work Visa Application.
Medical Test in the UAE.
Registration of Emirates ID for residency purposes.
Stamping of the final visa on the passport.
The visa generally has 2–3 years of validity and can be extended.
Best Schools That Hire Teachers in the UAE
Some of the most popular establishments that regularly hire teachers are as follows:
GEMS Education (Multiple campuses in UAE)
Aldar Education (Abu Dhabi)
Taaleem (Dubai)
Repton School (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
Dubai American Academy
Sharjah English School
These schools often advertise vacancies on their own websites and leading job portals.
Where to Find Teaching Jobs
Teachers can look for teaching jobs in the UAE on:
Job Portals: Bayt, GulfTalent, Indeed UAE, Teach Away, Tes
School Websites: Many list vacancies on their own career pages.
Recruitment Agencies: Education experts such as SeekTeachers and Edvectus.
Tips on Securing a Job as a Teacher in the UAE
Customize your CV to reflect teaching experience and qualifications relevant to the job.
Obtain required certifications prior to applying, especially for ESL jobs.
Apply early, recruitment seasons are January–March and August–September.
Prepare for cultural adaptation, being aware of UAE habits and principles can lead to life as well as professional success.
Conclusion
Teaching in the UAE is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to experience an energetic culture, professionally develop, and reside in a high level. It is achievable for instructors to gain demanding roles at the top schools in the nation, as well as benefit from tax-free wages and full benefits, with the right credentials and preparation.
If you are ready to work towards teaching professions in the UAE, get started early, have your papers ready, and leave it to professional recruitment agencies for the best results.