The UAE offers numerous teaching opportunities across its various cities. There is a strong demand in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, especially in international schools.
Here’s a breakdown by city and general information:
Dubai
- High Demand: Dubai is a major hub for international schools. It offers a wide range of teaching positions from early years to secondary. There are even administration roles available.
- Curricula: British, American, and IB curricula are widely adopted.
- Benefits: Competitive and often tax-free salaries range from AED 9,000 to AED 15,000+ per month. Administrative roles may offer higher salaries. Additional benefits include yearly airfare, housing or a housing allowance, health insurance, and generous vacation periods.
- Current Vacancies (as of July 2025): Many schools are actively recruiting for the August 2025 start. Positions include Nursery Teacher, Primary Teacher, English Teacher, Maths Teacher, ICT Teacher, and more. Schools like Brighton College Dubai, The School of Research Science – SRS Dubai, and GEMS Education often have openings.
Abu Dhabi
- Opportunities: As the capital city, Abu Dhabi also has a thriving education sector with many public and private schools.
- Lifestyle: Offers a good quality of life with modern amenities and cultural activities. Al Ain, the second-largest city in Abu Dhabi, provides a more traditional and relaxed environment.
- Curricula: US (Common Core), English National Curriculum, and International Baccalaureate are prevalent.
- Qualifications: Most international schools require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject and teacher training (e.g., PGCE, Masters of Education, Bachelors of Education), along with a teaching license/certification from your home country.
- Current Vacancies (as of July 2025): We are advertising roles. These include Maths Teacher, Elementary Physical Education Teacher, and Primary Teacher. KS1/KS2 Teachers and Secondary Science Teacher positions are also available. ICT Teacher and Psychology Teacher roles are being offered for August 2025 starts. Schools like Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Al Rabeeh Academy, and GEMS American Academy are actively hiring.
Sharjah
- Cultural Hub: Known for its cultural and educational offerings, Sharjah provides a slightly more relaxed pace of life. It also has a potentially lower cost of living compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- Vacancies: Opportunities for various teaching roles. These include Primary Teachers for Grade 2 and Grade 5. There are also positions for English Language Teachers at the IGCSE and A Levels. Math Teachers, Science Teachers, and Kindergarten Teachers are needed as well.
- Schools: Ambassador School and Sharjah English School are examples of institutions hiring in Sharjah.
General Requirements and Tips for Teaching in the UAE:
- Qualifications: A degree in education or your subject, and a teaching license/certificate (e.g., PGCE, B.Ed).
- Experience: Most schools prefer or require at least 2 years of post-qualification teaching experience.
- Curriculum Experience: Experience teaching the specific curriculum (British, American, IB) of the school you’re applying to is often preferred.
- Visa Sponsorship: Many schools offer visa sponsorship to attract qualified international candidates.
- Application Process: Many jobs are advertised for August starts, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. It’s recommended to apply well in advance. Some schools or recruiters may conduct in-person interviews in other countries (e.g., Ireland).
- Online Resources: Websites like Guardian Jobs, SeekTeachers, TeachAway, Tes, NaukriGulf, and Teachanywhere are good starting points for finding vacancies. You can also directly check the career pages of individual schools.
- Ministry of Education (MOE): The MOE also has career opportunities, particularly for those interested in public schools.
When applying, ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the specific job requirements.