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Teach English in the UAE

TEFL teachers worldwide are moving to teach English in the UAE, and with its incentives for English teachers, it’s not hard to see why.

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The UAE is one of the truly powerful modern economies, and TEFL teachers from all over are moving to teach there. The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a monarchy comprising a federation of seven emirates (or principalities). Each one has its own ruler, which is a hereditary position. Out of the seven emirates, you’ve probably only heard of the capital, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Still, Sharjah, Fujairah and the other emirates are more than worth your time if you want to teach English in the UAE and fully immerse yourself in the culture. 

Arabic is the official language, but as the area was occupied by the British until 1971, English is used as a lingua franca and is often required for local jobs, making it a good prospect for TEFL teachers looking to teach abroad. The demand for English is considerable, and there’s already a relatively decent level of proficiency in the language across the United Arab Emirates. However, it’s an area the Emirati authorities are keen to improve rapidly.

With a mix of local ethnic groups and a growing international population, you’ll find an exciting variety of faces both in your classroom and your private life. TEFL jobs in the UAE can pay extremely well. Admittedly, the cost of living is high in comparison to other popular TEFL destinations. Still, so is your pay packet, and with added bonuses such as free accommodation and return flights, it’s easy to put away some savings while teaching in the UAE.

So, how do you become an English teacher in the UAE? Where are the best jobs, are the teaching salaries really as high as everyone says, and what kind of requirements do you need to meet as a teacher? Let’s take a look.

Teaching English in the UAE: an overview

While the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ranked 70th out of 116 nations for English proficiency by EF, the UAE's English abilities vary by region. For example, Dubai's proficiency score significantly exceeds that of other Emirates, such as Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

This strong demand for English teachers in the UAE can be attributed to its rapid economic growth and position as a global hub for business, tourism, and trade. The UAE boasts a diverse and vibrant culture, attracting visitors and residents from around the world.

While Dubai is the most popular of the Emirates, renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah, the UAE offers many cultural and historical experiences. Explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, or delve into the rich heritage of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This cosmopolitan environment necessitates strong English language proficiency across various sectors. Schools, universities, and vocational training centres actively seek qualified English teachers to equip students with the communication skills essential for success in the globalised economy.

Financial opportunities

The United Arab Emirates' substantial tourism industry helps explain why there are ample opportunities for English teaching positions. Another key part of explaining the number of well-salaried English teaching jobs is the economic heft of the United Arab Emirates. Rich in natural resources and a growing hub for international business, there are chances to earn a very handsome monthly salary through English teaching positions in any of the seven Emirates.

With some of the most competitive salaries anywhere in the world, teaching English in the Middle East can be a very lucrative pursuit for ESL teachers. You can find teaching jobs with a tax-free salary, housing allowances, comprehensive medical insurance, and other considerable benefits. Many teachers enjoy saving substantially while experiencing life in a vibrant and culturally diverse region.

Limitations

However, not all educators can work in the UAE. While women can work, own property, and are entitled to equal pay in the UAE, certain important rights are not extended to women. Additionally, LGBTQ+ rights in the UAE are non-existent. Educators interested in teaching English in the UAE should carefully research and understand the cultural and legal landscape to ensure a smooth transition and successful experience.

Types of teaching jobs in the UAE

What school types are there in the United Arab Emirates? Where are most job opportunities, and what teaching qualifications do you need to teach English abroad in the UAE? Let's take a closer look at international schools, state schools, private tutoring, and other forms of English teaching in this fascinating part of the world.

State schools

State schools in UAE teach English from an early age, and English teachers are very much in demand. It’s helpful if you can teach maths, science, art, music or any other subject, and if you have previous teaching experience in any of these subjects, all the better. As is the case across the board, you'll need a degree, a TEFL certificate and experience teaching children. An advanced TEFL certificate in teaching young learners will help if you want to teach in an elementary/primary school in the United Arab Emirates.

Qualifications and requirements

What requirements must you meet to secure teaching jobs in the UAE? ESL teachers aiming to work in Dubai need excellent teaching qualifications and, generally, substantial teaching experience.

At a minimum, TEFL certification with over 120 hours of study and a bachelor's degree, ideally in education, is necessary. Although 120 hours of TEFL certification is the industry standard for teaching English abroad, many schools throughout the United Arab Emirates will require a Level 5 qualification or higher. Typically, you'll also need a teaching license from your home country to secure teaching jobs in Dubai.

Native English speaker-level proficiency is essential for teaching English in the United Arab Emirates, so native English speakers are often favoured. However, schools in Dubai will consider non-native ESL teachers for teaching positions if they can demonstrate fluency. A bachelor's degree from an English-speaking institution and an IELTS or TOEFL certificate can assist non-native English teachers in finding teaching jobs in Dubai.

Having at least some basic Arabic is highly beneficial for living and teaching English in the Arabian Gulf. Although not all employers consider this a crucial skill, it certainly offers an advantage and can open up more teaching opportunities.

Finding teaching opportunities

As always, the TEFL Org Jobs Centre is an excellent place to find teaching jobs in the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East more broadly, and anywhere else in the world or online.

TES is a valuable resource for job openings in Dubai, as is Serious Teachers, a job portal popular with TEFL teachers.

Seek Teachers actively seek - as the name suggests - teachers for jobs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Similarly, Edarabia assists EFL teachers in finding roles from the nursery level through to universities.

We recommend trying Naukri Gulf for opportunities at schools and private companies. This site is especially useful for finding roles at international schools. The same is true of Edvectus, which advertises opportunities in international schools and private schools for highly qualified English teachers in the UAE.

Job search strategies

Alongside the usual job boards, it’s worth trying some other means to secure teaching work in the United Arab Emirates. These include:

Networking

Networking is a crucial part of teaching English abroad nowadays. Whether it’s online, through websites like LinkedIn or Facebook, or through word of mouth and via TEFL conferences, being seen and heard by employers and fellow teachers is particularly important. In the UAE, word of mouth can help you land those particularly well-salaried jobs, as a good reference is worth its weight in gold.

Recruitment agencies

Applying for lots of jobs can be extremely time-consuming, and you could be using that time to speak to other professionals or teaching English online. Therefore, using recruitment agencies specific to the United Arab Emirates can be prudent. Ensure the agency you’re using has excellent credentials and plenty of reviews before signing up.

Key hiring periods

With the school year lasting from September to the following July, the summer months are the best times to find work as an English teacher in the United Arab Emirates. Visas, job applications, finding accommodation and other factors involved with moving abroad can be time-consuming, so we’d recommend applying for jobs from April onwards in order to be ready for the summer, when the bulk of hiring takes place.

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Salary & common benefits 

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions
Teach in UAE £1,600 - £4,000 GBP
($2,000 - $5,000 USD)		 August under 65

What kind of salary can you expect from teaching English abroad in the United Arab Emirates? A full-time English teaching job in the UAE will make you an average of about 14,378 Dirham (£3,025/$3,914) per month. You can earn slightly more in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where salaries are typically higher due to a slightly raised cost of living.

As for common benefits? Alongside the high average salary for teachers in the UAE, you'll usually find considerable help with your work visa before you head over, as well as accommodation assistance, health insurance, flight reimbursement, Arabic lessons, performance bonuses and other incentives, depending on the employer.

Cost of living

So, what’s the cost of living in an Emirate like Dubai, perhaps the most popular of the United Arab Emirates? Given the salaries on offer, it’s easy to assume that a place like Dubai is incredibly expensive. Well, not really. There’s no income tax on earnings, and with a cost of living that compares well with salaries, you can teach and save.

Looking more closely at the cost of living in Dubai, it’s important to look at rent first - that is if you aren’t provided accommodation from your teaching job. A month’s rent for a normal, one-bedroom apartment in central Dubai costs about £1,806/$2,204 per month, while if you’re out of the main metropolitan area, the cost falls to about £1,198/$1,462.

Basic utilities will cost about £186/$226 on average, while wifi comes to another £82/$100 monthly. That's useful to know if you plan to teach English online as a side hustle. Dubai’s wifi is famously reliable, in fairness, so you’re likely paying for a good service.

If you’re eager to try out the food and drink in Dubai, but fear the cost, don’t worry. If you can drag yourself away from the Michelin star restaurants, you’ll find it’s relatively cost-effective. A typical sit-down lunch in a cafe will cost about £10/$12, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-priced restaurant will typically cost about £58/$70.

Challenges and how to overcome them

Wherever you go in the UAE - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or wherever you choose - you’ll have to adapt to vast cultural differences. There are a lot of customs and traditions in the UAE that you’ll need to get used to, and quickly, but the best remedy for this is simply doing your research before you head over. Learning about Emirati etiquette will go a long way, and it’ll mean that there aren’t any unpleasant surprises when you get there.

The language barrier can initially be hard to overcome. Arabic can be one of the harder languages to learn, so it pays to try to learn at least basic phrases and greetings before you head over. Then, when you’ve arrived in the UAE, try to immerse yourself in the language and take some lessons. Most schools will provide Arabic lessons if you ask. If you want to teach abroad, chances are you’ll be interested in learning other languages. See it as an opportunity to learn rather than a considerable obstacle to overcome.

The expectations placed on teachers in the UAE can be lofty. With high salaries come high standards, so make sure you can meet those demands. Achieving a work/life balance as a TEFL teacher is crucial, as well as working on your organisational skills and ability to look after yourself. The better you feel, the more likely you are to excel as a teacher.

Popular locations in the UAE for TEFL jobs 

While there are loads of incredible locations within the UAE, three particular landing spots stand out for TEFL teachers.

Dubai 

Dubai, home to about 4 million people, has a diverse population drawn from across the globe. This multicultural metropolis is packed with universities, language schools, international schools and a robust state education system, so there are jobs to be had.

The city provides ample personal and professional growth opportunities and everything from world-class dining and entertainment to stunning beaches and desert adventures.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers many of the same delights as Dubai, but it’s very much its own place. Home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi is a growing hub of international business and culture, with its own Louvre, stunning malls and gorgeous beach views.

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has a massive audience for English teaching, with a gigantic economy and lots of interest from business professionals from all over the world. 

Sharjah

Self-described as a “thriving space for entrepreneurs”, Sharjah is the third most populous place in the UAE, and an ever-growing area for business, as well as a respected, historical part of the United Arab Emirates. With more international business comes more demand for English, and though there’s still a sizeable population, the pace of life in Sharjah is slower than Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. What qualifications do I need to teach English in the UAE?

    To teach English in the UAE, you’ll need native-level English proficiency, a degree in any subject and a TEFL certificate.

  • Q. Do I need to know Arabic to teach English in the UAE?

    You don’t necessarily need a qualification in Arabic, but knowing at least the basics is incredibly helpful.

  • Q. Are work visas provided for English teachers in the UAE?

    Are work visas provided for English teachers in the UAE?

    Generally speaking, employers will help with work visa applications for English teachers coming to the UAE. Employers also often provide health insurance, flight reimbursement and other benefits.