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Teach English in the Middle East

With its unbelievable landscapes, religious significance, variance of cultures and sky-high teaching salaries, the Middle East can be a fantastic place to teach English as a foreign language.

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With its sunny climates, fascinating geopolitical history, sites of major religious importance and natural resources beyond compare, the Middle East is a region that simply demands attention. Economically, countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have changed the game, with companies both state owned and private buying into infrastructure projects, sport and cultural projects both domestically and abroad.

All of this forward momentum economically means that English has become increasingly important in the Middle East. English is the lingua franca of business, after all, and nobody is doing business quite like the Middle East. The demand is enormous, from the very top of the socio-economic pyramid, with major companies and organisations needing to boost their proficiency, right down to the schooling level.

It’s not all about petro-states, though. Countries like Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and Kuwait are all trying to compete internationally and boost their level of English proficiency. While the language is spoken more widely in some places than others, the general idea is the same: learning English has real economic, political and social benefits.

In terms of well-salaried teaching jobs, it’s hard to compare with the Middle East, while the facilities and funding within the education system are often top-of-the-range. However, some areas within the larger Middle East are not hospitable for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, while there are some areas with legislation ensuring equal pay for women, it can be harder for female teachers to find teaching jobs in some areas.

Middle East: An overview

There’s nowhere on the planet quite like the Middle East. In many parts of the area, you can experience cutting-edge modernism, in the architecture and economy, while simultaneously being subject to idiosyncratic, historic traditions and laws.

Religion, specifically Islam, is observed with reverence across most of the Middle East. This means two things - common law and customs are extremely important, and there is a frankly staggering amount of historic and religious sightseeing to do around the region. Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem; it’s all there.

This has a great deal of relevance when it comes to teaching English abroad. The education systems of Middle Eastern countries and religion have typically gone hand-in-hand. It’s common for private and public schools to have religious elements. Additionally, wider cultural trends have an impact on education; for example, whether women and girls can attend particular educational institutions.

Though countries vary wildly in terms of proficiency and demand for teaching English, you can expect plenty of interest in your services if you have at least a bachelor’s degree, 120 hours of TEFL certification and a decent level of teaching experience. 

In recent years, civil unrest and regime changes in certain parts of the Middle East, such as Egypt, Libya and Syria, have meant limited travel opportunities. It’s a good idea to check for travel advice from your respective government; if you’re in the UK, the travel safety guide is vital, the USA has its own guide, and so on.

Popular Destinations to Teach English Abroad in the Middle East 

Talking about the Middle East in generalities can be a bit confusing. So, let’s break it down a little, and look at the most popular destinations to teach English abroad in the Middle East!

The United Arab Emirates

Ultra-modern and cosmopolitan, the UAE is a great location for anyone aspiring to test themselves in a competitive TEFL market and earn a considerable wage for doing so. Incredibly diverse and welcoming, you’ll be surprised the variety of people you meet both professionally and outside the classroom. 

If you want to teach English in the Middle East and find the highest salaries in the industry, teaching in the UAE is an obvious choice.

Key cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Average salary: 8,000 – 15,000 dirhams (£1,575 – £3,000 / $2,200 – $4,000) per month

Requirements: A 120-hour TEFL qualification, if not a CELTA. At least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education. 

Bahrain

With a literacy rate of 95%, it should be taken as read that Bahrain puts a massive impetus on public education. With its incredible public teaching infrastructure, schools in Bahrain offer excellent salaries, and with a comparatively low cost of living, Bahrain is an excellent option for ESL teachers who want to want to teach English in the Middle East. 

Bahrain is swelteringly hot; around 40 degrees celsius in the summer. Don’t let the heat make you late, though: Bahrainians expect punctuality from ESL teachers. That said, it’s still more liberal than other Arab nations. Bahrain is friendlier to female teachers, and friendly small-talk between colleagues is hugely encouraged. 

Key cities: Manama, Riffa

Average salary: 1,000 - 2,000 BHD (£1,925 – £3,850 / $2,660 – $5,320) per month

Requirements: Degree, 120 hour TEFL certificate, native speakers only

Saudi Arabia

Perhaps the most famous of the Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia has been all over the global news in recent years. An economic powerhouse with unbelievable natural resources, Saudi Arabian investments have made huge waves, with their Public Investment Fund buying shares in everything from Uber to Newcastle United Football Club.

With massive economic outlays comes a need to learn English. The language is commonly spoken in business circles, but the next generation of Saudi leaders needs to be learning English from an early age. Certainly, the Saudi government thinks that way, and so ESL teachers are compensated enormously well for their efforts. If you're looking for testing teaching jobs with high salaries, cities in Saudi Arabia are well worth a look.

Key cities: Riyadh, Jeddah

Average salary: 8,600 – 11,300 riyals (£1,600 – £2,000 /$2,300 – $3,000) per month

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, at least 120 hours of TEFL certification, experience preferred

Requirements 

Though we’re covering a multitude of different countries, from Qatar to Israel, Jordan to Kuwait and Lebanon, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that requirements for teaching jobs in the Middle East are largely the same.

Though visa requirements for casual and short-term visitors have been massively relaxed, it’s a different story for TEFL teachers hoping to come in and work permanently. The fact is that requirements are strict; Middle Eastern nations are big on qualifications and experience when it comes to their teachers.

Let’s take a closer look at the requirements for teaching English abroad in the Middle East.

TEFL Certificate 

Wherever you go in the Middle East, a 120-hour TEFL qualification from an accredited, reputable provider is the minimum. Accreditation is hugely important, as it makes employers sure that your certificate is from a rigorously examined course provider.

To really stand out in what is an extremely competitive market, some job markets might require a CELTA or a Level 5 Diploma. Some English teaching jobs even require a teaching license, but in most locations, a high-quality TEFL certification like any of those mentioned will help you secure English teaching jobs.

Without a TEFL certificate of any description, you’re unlikely to ever find meaningful work teaching English in the Middle East. A qualification from a Groupon course or the like will not cut it if you want a job teaching English.

Degree/no-degree 

Again, it’s hard not to speak in generalities, but when it comes to English teaching jobs in the Middle East at large, there’s a major emphasis on qualifications. A bachelor’s degree is needed to even meet visa requirements for Middle Eastern countries. Some jobs, particularly the well-paid and prestigious jobs in international schools and universities will require a master’s degree, if not a PhD in an education-related subject.

As a rule: the more specific the degree, the better. ESL teachers will generally find more luck finding English teaching jobs if they have a degree in the educational field.

Experience 

Now, this is where we see a bit more of a divergence in terms of requirements to teach English in the Middle East. Do you need prior teaching experience to be a TEFL teacher in the Middle East? The short answer is: it depends.

In terms of gaining a visa, a subject we’ll cover in more depth shortly, qualifications - specifically a TEFL qualification and a degree - are the most important factors. Previous experience is undoubtedly preferred, no matter where you go, but it’s not always a dealbreaker. As far as individual jobs go, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a mega-salaried job in Bahrain, for example, without experience. However, entry-level positions in countries like Kuwait, Lebanon and Israel, for example, won’t always require teaching experience.

If you have at least two years of previous experience alongside the necessary qualifications, you’ll likely find a highly-paid job with more security much faster. If you don’t, then worry not: there are plenty of schools within the wider Middle East that’ll take you on if you have the qualifications.

Visa 

Again, it’s important to speak in generalities and with the caveat that things can change rapidly from country to country. However, there are some commonalities when it comes to securing a visa as a TEFL teacher.

If you’re an English teacher with at least 120 hours of TEFL certification, at least a master’s degree and, preferably, some experience, then the chances are you won’t have major issues securing a visa and going on to teach English in the Middle East. This goes for pretty much anywhere in the Middle East, from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. 

Across the region, visa rules regarding short stays have relaxed significantly. The Middle East en masse is looking outward, and allowing talent from all over the world to enjoy its unique culture and earning potential. So, as always, check with an individual embassy to learn more about specific visa application processes. If you meet the basic requirements to teach English as a foreign language, you’ll very likely be fine.

Download our teaching English in The Middle East guide

Salary and cost of living 

Some of the salaries on offer for teaching jobs in the Middle East are eye-watering, especially in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. However, like anywhere, the salary you can expect depends on a range of variables, including experience, qualifications and performance.

The cost of living in the Middle East, however, can be spoken about in general terms. No matter where you are, from Qatar to Lebanon, your typical monthly outgoings are likely to be significantly below your wage if you’re earning the national average. Typically, rents are far, far cheaper than in the west, while most consumer goods, utilities and transport are significantly less expensive than Europe, East Asia or North America.

Let’s get into more detail.

Cost of living 

Similarly, the cost of living in the Middle East can vary wildly depending on where you are, so it’s probably easier to compare some of the biggest cities in the region with western metropolises like New York and London.

So, let's say you work in Dubai, for example. According to Numbeo, rent is nearly 26% lower than London, and consumer prices are a staggering 35% lower than New York. Dubai is an internationally-renowned travel location for the wealthy, with luxury brands and mega hotels in abundance.

Meanwhile, take a city like Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Rent is about ¾ cheaper than in London. In terms of consumer prices, including rent, Beirut is 64% cheaper to live in. You can save money in a significant way across multiple countries in the Middle East.

Factor in that in many Middle Eastern states, there’s little to no income tax. That makes monthly outgoings considerably cheaper from the off when you're teaching English.

Salary 

What kind of salary can you expect from teaching English abroad in the Middle East? Well, it depends on where you teach abroad in the Middle East.

A full-time English teaching job in the UAE will make you anywhere between £1,600 to  £4,000 ($2,040 - $5,110) a month. Unsurprisingly, Qatar and Saudi Arabia aren’t far behind, salary-wise, for teaching jobs: Saudi Arabia offers an average wage of £1,600-£3,200 ($2,040/$4,090), while Qatar’s average wages go up as far as £2,800 ($3,575). 

On the other end of the scale, Lebanon’s typical full-time English teaching wage is 1,356,000 – 2,260,000 LBP (£650 – £1,090 / $900 – $1,500) per month. In Israel, you can expect NIS 8,474 a month to teach English, equivalent to about £1,900/$2,270. So, even countries with far lower wages still offer a very good living indeed, especially contrasted with everyday costs and monthly outgoings.

Where are the best salaries? Typically, international schools and public schools will offer very competitive wages, while universities require the most qualified teachers.

Jobs

Where can an intrepid TEFL teacher find jobs in the Middle East?

Well, everywhere. Let’s explore:

Public schools

Like everywhere else, the first port of call for many a TEFL teacher in the Middle East is the various public education systems that exist across the region. Typically, English proficiency is voraciously pursued, and state education puts enormous emphasis into an overall improvement in English language skills.

Let’s be clear - international and private schools are going to offer better salaries, better incentives and improved facilities for those who teach English abroad in the Middle East. However, countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have excellent state educational infrastructure. 

As a minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and be TEFL certified, and experience is typically required.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. How much does a English teacher make in the Middle East?

    An English teacher’s salary in the Middle East depends very much on where they are, the qualifications they have and the institution they work at. Depending on location and other factors, teachers can anywhere from £650-£4,000/$830-$5,110 per month in the Middle East.

  • Q. What country pays the most to teach English abroad?

    The United Arab Emirates has the highest wages for English teachers working abroad. A full-time English teaching job in the UAE will make you anywhere between £1,600 to £4,000 ($2,040 - $5,110) a month, depending on institution, qualifications and experience.

  • Q. How much do English teachers get paid in Dubai?

    Full-time English teachers can expect wages of £1,600 to £4,000 ($2,040 - $5,110) a month working in Dubai.