What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in the United Arab Emirates?

With year-round hot weather, great salary and benefit packages, and plenty of unique travel opportunities, the United Arab Emirates has become one of the most sought-after locations for teaching abroad. Dubai and Abu Dhabi teaching jobs can range from ESL teaching in language academies to licensed teaching jobs in all subjects in public or private schools.

Here are some important expense and salary facts to keep in mind if you’re interested in teaching English in the UAE, along with some tips on how to get more bang for your dirham.

Teachers in the UAE can expect to make between $2,500-$5,500 USD a month. However, salaries will vary depending on the position, your experience and credentials, and location. Jobs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi pay more than in smaller cities.

Where you teach will depend on your qualifications. For teachers with a background in ESL teaching, there are opportunities at language schools or vocational colleges. Licensed teachers can look into openings at private or international schools, as well as within the public school system. With the increase in vocational colleges and high schools, teachers with other types of experience may be able to find employment teaching courses such as business, aviation, or technical drawing.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the different types of teaching positions in the UAE.

💰 Average monthly salary: $2,500-$4,500
⏰ Teaching hours a week: 20-30, most evenings and weekends
✏️ You’ll be teaching: adults, children and teens taking after-school lessons

Though not as common as in other countries, language schools in the UAE are a possibility for TEFL-certified teachers. You will see well-known language school chains represented in the Emirates, as well as local language schools and chains of schools unique to the Gulf Region.

To teach English at a language school in the UAE, you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, and some teaching experience.

💰 Average monthly salary: $3,000-$4,000 USD
⏰ Teaching hours a week: 20-25
✏️ You’ll be teaching: high school graduates, young adults, career changers

The UAE’s economy is intertwined with resource development projects, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In the past, the workforce running these projects has largely been from abroad. With the recent push to hire more Emirati citizens the need for educated local students increases every year. Vocational schools and colleges provide the skills and education necessary for students to take on these types of development roles.

In addition to teaching English, if you have skills in aviation, engineering, and AutoCAD you’ll be highly in demand.

💰 Average monthly salary: $2,500-$5,000 USD
⏰ Teaching hours a week: 35-40
✏️ You’ll be teaching: K-12 students from around the world

With so many people of different nationalities living in the UAE, the range of international and private schools is reflective of the diversity of the population. Private and international schools in the UAE may be accredited through the board of education of another country or the international baccalaureate (IB) program. Students are generally taught in English or a language other than Arabic.

To find jobs working in primary or secondary education in private schools in UAE, recruiters like Footprints Recruiting can help.

💰Average monthly salary: $3,500-$5,500 USD
⏰Teaching hours a week: 35-40
✏️You’ll be teaching: mostly local K-12 Emirati students

Jobs teaching primary (elementary) and secondary (middle and high school) students are possible to get in the public school system, even if you aren’t from the UAE. The public school system -- run by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (or ADEC) -- is still undergoing a massive overhaul. The recruitment of teachers from abroad to assist local public school teachers in carrying out the aims of the education reform project has become one of the largest recruitment initiatives in the region.

With over 300 schools across Abu Dhabi, there are a lot of openings, and a lot of variables in regards to placement location, school environment, and student profile. Teach Away has been working in partnership with the education reform and the Abu Dhabi Education Council since 2009.

To teach English in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you’ll generally need the following:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree (preferred for some private schools and universities)
• Teaching license
• TEFL certificate
• At least 2 years of teaching experience

Requirements will likely be less strict for language academies and tutoring positions. For public and private schools though, a teaching license and degree are usually non-negotiable.

Living costs are an important factor in choosing where you want to move (and teach!) abroad. Since Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the cities with the highest cost of living, we’ve based our estimates on prices there. Keep in mind that most employers at K-12 schools usually include a housing allowance in your monthly salary.

Monthly cost of living

• Rent: $1,500-$2,500 USD
• Utilities: $100-$250 USD
• Groceries: $300- $400 USD
• Internet: $70-$85 USD
• Entertainment and travel: $200-$400 USD
• Potential savings: $1,000-$2,000 USD

Of course, you'll also have additional expenses based on your lifestyle habits and should budget accordingly. A meal at a cheap restaurant will run about $10-$15, whereas a mid-range restaurant will be closer to $20-$30 per person. Costs in the UAE have risen in recent years so take that into account when determining how much you can save.

Finding the right teaching job in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or the rest of the UAE isn’t as simple as just going online. It’s important to find a program or employer that you can trust. Start your search here on GO on our teach abroad job board or explore program providers who can help guide you through the process. If you want to search for specific openings, like primary teaching jobs in Dubai, program providers will do the legwork to find available opportunities that match your criteria.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are cosmopolitan cities that attract people from all over the world. With an international community comes a demand for English teachers both for children in schools and adults at academies. There are also jobs available outside of the major cities if you prefer a slower pace of life.

You'll need the right credentials and experience before you can apply for most teaching jobs in the UAE. Once you’re qualified for jobs, however, the pay and benefits are definitely worth it. Many teachers will stay in the UAE after their contracts are completed, either renewing with their school or moving on to another position.

Teaching and administrative experience in the UAE is an asset for anyone wishing to further their international teaching career, especially if you plan to stay in the Gulf region. Many schools will look for Gulf teaching experience in particular when recruiting teachers for the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

If you are looking for somewhere to teach during a gap year or are just getting started in your career, China is a great place to consider.

In the UAE, you’ll find eager students, a new and exciting culture to learn about, and great opportunities to save money. If you’re a new teacher but have your eye on teaching in a city like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, start gaining some experience and make a plan for an exciting future!