Why teach in Dubai?

Dubai has gone from being the heart of the desert to a thriving metropolis in less than half a century.

The state, which is one of the most visited destinations in the world, is famed for its luxury malls and ultramodern architectural marvels that punctuate the skyline, but, contrary to popular belief, there’s more to it than shopping and skyscrapers.

You can step back in time with a desert safari or boat trip in the creek, get a history lesson at the Etihad Museum and Dubai Museum, or explore the city’s burgeoning art scene at Alserkal Avenue. 

For those who’d rather bask in Dubai’s year-round sunshine and enjoy temperatures upwards of 40C during summer months, the city is also home to some of the best beaches in the UAE, from Sunset Beach, with its views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, to the family and sports-friendly Kite Beach. 

Teacher salary 

Dubai isn’t just popular with holidaymakers, as the city, which is home to more than 140 international schools, is also a popular destination for teachers. That’s unsurprising when you consider that the average teacher salary in UAE international schools is 9,000-15,000 AED per month (US$2,400-$4,000, £1,800-£3,100) tax-free. 

It’s also common for international teachers to be offered benefits packages, which can include a housing allowance (in some cases paid-for accommodation), flight reimbursements and health insurance.

Teaching in Dubai is also a rewarding experience; international schools across the emirate of Dubai bring together multinational staff from around the world, with teachers working in buildings boasting state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The city also places a high priority on education, and making sure that the students are well taught is a must. 

Academic requirements

Dubai’s best schools have stringent qualification requirements. You need an education degree or a PGCE that’s in the subject that you are going to be teaching, and this needs to be attested by a solicitor and officiated by your relevant government office.  

If you are organised, you can do it all yourself in your home country quite efficiently, but if you find yourself in a last-minute rush, it can be expensive. It’s more expensive if you are already overseas as you will likely need to pay a company to complete the process for you.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re moving with your family, there are other documents like marriage certificates which can add more cost to the process. 

Cost of living

Although Dubai offers attractive teaching salaries, the cost of living in Dubai is up there with other notoriously expensive international locations.

For those who don’t receive a living allowance, rent and groceries are particularly expensive, along with nightlife, eating out and recreational activities.

However, despite Dubai’s reputation for high-quality, often Michelin-starred restaurants, there are a number of affordable alternatives on offer. 

Culture

Dubai has a number of strict rules that you’ll need to be aware of. For example, the city forbids wearing revealing clothes in public, displays of affection (particularly for LGBT people), and drinking alcohol. The latter is only allowed in areas approved by the Shiekh. 

Views from teachers in Dubai

Niall Statham, head of physical education at Hartland International School, says moving to Dubai was “one of the best decisions” he has ever made. 

“Like a lot of teachers, I came to Dubai as a newly wed PE teacher with a short-term plan of two years, perhaps three at a push. Ten years later, I have two children (both born in the UAE) and I’m working at my second school on a seconded leadership position.  

“Dubai has given me the opportunity to experience private education, work in all-through school and collaborate with colleagues from around the world. There are multiple curriculum models in the city (UK, IB, CBSE and American to name a few) and with them come opportunities to experience an educational practice that’s markedly different from how you might have studied at university. 

“Amongst my experiences, I had the opportunity to captain the UAE Rugby XV and 7s teams through residency, travelling to China, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka and a host of other beautiful countries I could never have dreamed of visiting. The UAE has quickly become a global travel hub and a gateway to exploring parts of the world that can be just that bit too far from the UK, and many teachers take advantage of this, exploring Asia and beyond.

“If you are considering a move to teach in Dubai or abroad, I would encourage you to grab it with both hands. Working in an international school will almost certainly broaden your perspective on education, and who knows, you might fall in love with it, too.”

Claire Heylin, primary English lead at Deira International School, has a similar view of the city and says she hasn’t looked back since flying to Dubai solo in 2015. 

“I was worried about moving by myself but there were lots of new teachers in the same position and I quickly made life-long friends,” she explains.

“I love teaching in an international school and meeting students from all over the world. I’ve learned a lot about other cultures and I’ve been lucky to visit some amazing destinations. Dubai is a short flight to Sri Lanka, India, Oman and many others.

“My favourite thing about teaching here is the passion displayed by educators. We are a community that spans wider than just your own school. There are numerous CPD opportunities, and teachers strive to keep up to date with the latest pedagogical practices, which can be shared with others.     

“Dubai is also much more than dazzling skyscrapers and city lights. My favourite activities include hiking through mountain wadis and trail running. I’ve been horse riding in the desert for sunset and recently attended a yoga class on top of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.     

“I would encourage all teachers contemplating a move to give it a go. Do not worry about coming alone - you will meet lots of people and make memories and opportunities to last a lifetime.”

Carly Page is a freelance journalist.