Teaching in UAE

Teaching in UAE – Asian College of Teachers (ACT)

With Palm Islands, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always been one of the most popular teaching hotspots. With high tax-free salaries, multicultural society and a warm climate, UAE is an excellent choice for TEFLing. There are enough teaching opportunities in the UAE, provided you have all the essential credentials as the UAE has a number of international schools, especially in Dubai.

According to a study by HSBC, the UAE spends closely twice as much on education as countries around the world. Around 80% of the UAE inhabitants is included expatriates from all over the world. Abu Dhabi is believed to have the majority of the oil reserves and Dubai is the financial hub of the UAE. When you will search for a job in the UAE, you will see that most of the openings are for licensed educators in all subject areas and usually, they prefer or need a 2-3 year contract.

Along with your salary, you will mostly get packages including accommodation, flights, health insurance and education grants. Even the teaching nomad also has teaching jobs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and so on.

Curriculum Used in UAE

The UAE government schools generally follow the standard national curriculum. Arabic is the language of instruction and English language is being taught as a second language. However, if you are wondering which curriculum is the most popular choice in Dubai, the answer is The British curriculum.

Various private schools provide diverse prospectuses. These include International Baccalaureate (IB), UAE's Ministry of Education, British, American, French, German, Indian, Pakistani and Filipino syllabuses also. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court launched the ‘Moral Education’ initiative to be involved in syllabuses as a subject in 2016.

Updated Educational Requirements for Educators in UAE

A few years ago, the UAE has introduced a new licensing structure for teachers. To be a teacher in the UAE, you need to –

• Have a minimum prerequisite of a bachelor’s degree or a 4-year university degree or higher in the essential field.
• Have a criminal clearance record.
• Have a medical fitness statement from the UAE.
• Have original educational credentials.
• Have attested records in case the teacher has graduated from a university outside the UAE. Please note the certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the country's embassy in the UAE.
• Past experience can be beneficial in the education sector.
• Have a valid passport and visa.
• If you want to teach English in the UAE, TEFL/TESOL course is needed.

The UAE’s licence is a compulsory condition for teaching professionals in the UAE. You can obtain this by passing the test and if you do not pass it, the government then presents different training courses to achieve the essential result. You will get three chances to apply and if you fail then you retake the test after a gap of six months.

The New Visa Requirements for Educator’s Job Role in UAE

The UAE has applied new visa guidelines that present new sorts of entry visas and residence authorizations, expands the Golden Visa classes and so on. In fact, the country has now introduced about ten types of new entry visas as well as residence permits.

• 30 Days Dubai Tourist Visa - 58 days validity, single entry.
• 30 Days Dubai Tourist Visa (Express) - 58 days validity, single entry.
• 60 Days Dubai Tourist Visa (Single & Multiple Entry)
• 60 Days Dubai Job Seeker Visa - 58 days validity, single entry.
• 14 Days Dubai Tourist Visa - 58 days validity, single entry.
• 14 Days Dubai Tourist Visa (Express) - 58 days validity, single entry.
• 48 Hours Dubai Transit Visa – 30 days validity, single entry.
• 96 Hours Dubai Transit Visa – 30 days validity, single entry.

You can apply for your Dubai travel visa starting from Rs ₦180, 000 and receive it in just 4 working days. You can correspondingly opt for the remote working visa in Dubai to be able to live without a job in the emirate.

The UAE's new green visa will be accessible to people with bachelor’s degrees who earn Dh15,000 ($4,084) or more per month. Furthermore, it also offers five-year stay without the requirement for an employer to be a sponsor. It similarly lets holders bring first-degree families to the country. The long-term 10-year Golden residence will be approved for investors, entrepreneurs, excellent talents, scientists, brilliant students and graduates, and accomplished workers.

For US citizens, if they have a regular passport then they don’t need to have a visa to visit the UAE. The only thing that they need to do is the passport bearing signatures of the holder having a legitimacy of 6 months and if they have a confirmed round-trip airline ticket.

For non-US citizens, it is compulsory to have an original passport with a validity of 6 months with a confirmed round-trip airline ticket. Please note, GCC (Gulf Cooperation Countries) citizens do not require the visa to visit Dubai, only a permit is needed.

It is important to understand, if you have a residence visa, you cannot drive in the UAE on an external license or an International Driving License (IDL). You will need to carry a letter from your country’s embassy verifying your license. If you do not hold a lawful driving license from one of the following countries, you will need to enroll in a driving course and pass a test.

Australia Germany New Zealand South Africa Austria Greece Norway Spain Bahrain Ireland Oman Sweden Belgium Italy Poland Switzerland Canada Japan Portugal Turkey Denmark South Korea Qatar United Kingdom Finland Kuwait Romania United States France Netherlands Saudi Arabia

Education & International Schools in UAE

Did you know there are almost 200 private schools servicing around 300,000 Emirati and emigrant students in Dubai? In Abu Dhabi there are around 296 public schools. The Ministry of Education (MoE) manages the education system at the central level, including K – 12 and higher education. Government schools are free for Emirati students.

Furthermore, for most of the UAE schools, the school year starts in September and ends in June and Indian, Pakistani, and Japanese schools usually start in April and end in March. The UAE education structure is divided into four areas:

• Kindergarten KG 1 and KG 2 4–5 years old
• Primary School Grade 1–6 6–11 years old
• Preparatory Stage Grade 7–9 12–14 years old
• Secondary School Grade 9–12 15–17 years old

Before 2015, the UAE required apprentices to select a technical or literary stream. But, now, the country has executed a new arrangement of four streams - General stream, Professional stream, Advanced stream and Elite stream (Advanced Science Program).

Private International Schools in UAE

The country offers quite high teaching pay (with no income tax), free accommodation with most teaching spots. The contracts are often for two or three years. This is suitable for experienced as well as licensed teachers. If you can teach more than one subject, you will get preference.

Public Schools in UAE

Needless to say, jobs in public schools tend to be the finest paid and come with the greatest benefits. The language of education in public schools is Arabic, whereas English is taught as a second language.

Elementary Schools in UAE

You will be surprised to know that there are also opportunities for elementary school teachers. Teachers in public elementary schools typically work together with an Arabic- speaking teacher.

Foreign Language Schools in UAE

With local Emirati students, if you have strong ESL experience, this can be a good option. You will get both adults and younger students. Here, it is important to remember that language schools are not restricted to English language only.

Vocational Colleges in UAE

Vocational colleges seek teaching professionals who are skilled in practical subjects like business, aviation, and engineering, apart from ESL. Vocational colleges want extremely accomplished teachers from overseas to train the future Emirati workforce.

Private Tutoring in UAE

This is a little bit different sector and the country has an extended royal family! Private recruitment agencies occasionally search for expert English instructors for the UAE's wealthy families along with commonplace Emirati citizens.

Tertiary Education in UAE

The country is well-endowed with tertiary schooling institutes, of which the foremost state- sponsored ones are United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, Zayed University and Higher Colleges of Technology.

Apart from the above-mentioned teaching opportunities, there are lucrative options in Universities too.

Trainer for Business English in UAE

Business professionals are also required in the UAE. Numerous companies need employees to be able to communicate confidently in English to do business with international clients. English trainers for precise business skills and etiquette can be hired by companies These types of positions often provide flexible hours and the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of English.

Online English Tutor in UAE

With the right credentials, you can also teach English online. With online English tutoring, you frequently have the freedom to set your own agenda and work as much or as little as you wish. You need -

• Strong communication skills and a flexible attitude
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject 
• A TEFL/TESOL certification

Training Centres in UAE

Training centres are one of the hot places for new expats. These centres are attended by every age bracket from children to adults for learning English proficiently. The benefit of training centres for TEFL teachers is to secure a job spot here is relatively easier and each centre has its own curriculum. It will minimize your workload and makes your teaching job easy as well.

Perks for Teachers in UAE

Following are the major reasons to consider teaching in the UAE –

• Great salaries that are TAX-FREE!
• Some schools even offer round-trip fares.
• FREE medical insurance and accommodation.
• You will earn a lot of respect.
• Teachers in the UAE have access to professional development workshops too.
• You’ll gain valuable cultural experience.
• You’ll have the flexibility to explore diverse curricula.
• The UAE holiday calendar is quite considerate.
• Job security as contracts lasts for two or three years for expat teachers.
• Stunning locations with warm climates, skyscrapers, shopping malls and sailboats

As Dubai is an international business hub, so you do not need to know Arabic before teaching in the UAE. Certainly, speaking the local language is a major bonus. The simple greeting “Salam wa ‘alaykum” (“peace be upon you”) is a great place to start. The working week in the UAE runs from Sunday to Thursday. Moreover, students in the UAE are usually very tech-savvy.

Best Places to Teach in UAE

The following places are based on livability, lifestyle, safety, salary, and cost of living.

Dubai: With spectacular architectural feats, such as the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai is certainly the top preference for teachers. Usually teachers get a highly competitive salary in Dubai and some even offer housing allowances as well.

Abu Dhabi – The capital offers great opportunities. Educational administration occupations consist of department as well as faculty head roles, vice-principal, and principal positions. Abu Dhabi is the multi-nationality of it all.

Sharjah – Sharjah is mostly known as a cultural centre of the UAE. If you are someone who wants to experience the stunning ancient structures, this is the place. It is safe and affordable. The Sharjah American International School (SAIS) school group usually hires skilled teachers throughout the year.

Ras Al Khaimah – If you want to lead a quieter lifestyle, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect place. Skilled and certified teachers are in high demand in Ras Al Khaimah with viable salaries and a lower cost of living.

Al Ain – Opportunities are ample. It is the fourth-largest city in the UAE and the city’s population is overflowing with emigrants. The place also has a lot of reputable universities. Liwa Education has always been a front-runner in the UAE.

How to Find a Teaching Job in UAE?

Teaching recruitment in the UAE tends to occur in the spring majorly. Interviews are occasionally organized directly by the school and sometimes by a recruiter. Depending on the institute along with your teaching experience, the salary will change. Most teaching jobs come with health care advantages.

Please note, different schools in different emirates have separate credentials requirements. A minimum of two years' experience is generally required for teaching jobs in UAE schools. With a valid teaching license or certificate, you can apply for the vacancies. UAE Government agencies often hire hundreds of emigrant educators to work in state schools across the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and more.

Types of Teaching Jobs in UAE

With the right credentials, you will get opportunities like -

• Learning Resource Specialist
• Teaching Assistant
• English Teacher
• Homeroom Teacher
• Secondary Inclusion Teacher – SEND Specialist
• Middle School Modified Curriculum Teacher
• Elementary Classroom Teacher
• Vocational Teacher
• SEN Teacher
• Head of Primary
• Media Teacher
• Early Childhood Teacher
• School Counselor
• Head of Curriculum
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator
• Teacher of Individual Needs
• Trainers / Instructors
• Librarian
• Deputy School Principal
• Visiting Faculty Position
• Education Lead
• Training Academy Facilitator

And many more…

Teaching in UAE as a Woman

There is a great chance for career advancement as Dubai is one of the most liberal cities in the Middle East area. Before moving to the UAE, it is important to understand the Arab culture. Times are changing and now you will find numerous women in the teaching and other professions.

If you are on your husband’s visa but would like to make a career, it is essential to get a work permit or labor card from your potential employer. You will also require a NOC (No- Objection Letter) from your spouse.

Living in UAE

Because of Sharia law, alcohol is only sold at specific restaurants, hotels, and clubs. Alcohol is firmly restricted to licensed bars and restaurants. Usually, it is served at a business meeting or lunch. Regularity is an appreciated quality in Dubai. Always accept food and drink with the right hand because the left is considered unclean. Mostly, in a business situation, emigrant women are expected to dress in business attire.

While you staying, don’t forget to visit the luxurious and extravagant hotel Emirates Palace. With spectacular craftsmanship, wonderful views and certainly, more gold it’s a real wonder. If you want to capture some perfect Insta moments, Empty Quarter has to be on your list. Remember to bring water and don’t travel alone. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is a must-see for all.

Jebel Hafeet is another place to visit, towers 1,249m above sea level, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Jubail Mangrove Park has quickly become one of the top lures in Abu Dhabi because of it’s stunning greenery. You can enjoy one of the three walkways through the area. Who can forget the iconic massive red exterior Ferrari World, you’ll find the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, and many more amazing things. Louvre Abu Dhabi also has become one of the most widespread tourism destinations. Kayaking is something you should try definitely.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is certainly one of the most stunning buildings in the world. The Founder’s Memorial is also brilliant to visit. The site won the CODA (Collaboration of Design + Art) award last year in the Institutional class. Some of the other must visit places in the UAE are –

• Qasr Al Watan
• Yas Marina Circuit
• Ajman Dhow Building Yard
• Al Zorah Nature Reserve
• Alserkal Avenue
• Atlantis The Palm
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• Dubai Frame
• Dubai Gold Souk
• Dubai Miracle Garden
• Dubai Opera
• Etihad Museum
• The Dubai Mall
• ‘Ghost’ village
• Fossil Rock

And many more…

The standard of overall healthcare across the UAE is quite good. It is free for Emirati citizens, but then again foreign teachers typically receive benefits with their agreements. The foremost religion of the UAE is Islam and its sacred holidays dominate much of the country. The main embassies are - Australian Embassy, British Embassy Abu Dhabi, Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi, Embassy of India, South African Embassy and US Embassy.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) are the two major airports. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have skated in the worldwide rankings for most luxurious cities for expatriates. Ajman is the cheapest emirate. It is vital to understand that the cost of living can change significantly depending on someone’s personal preferences and lifestyle selections. Compared to living expat hubs like Hong Kong, London, New York, and Singapore, Dubai prices far less in terms of cost of living.

The cost of living has reduced due to the UAE's desire to attract top international talent. Places like Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah and Al Barsha have higher rental prices, suburban communities like Dubai Silicon Oasis, Arjan, Reem and Mirdif will help you save your money. Petrol prices in the UAE are relatively lower than in other parts of the world and Dubai is well connected by a system of public buses, taxis, ferries and the Dubai Metro. The affordable house help is a major benefit of living in Dubai.

Covid19 Rules

Vaccinated travellers are not mandatory to present a negative result of RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at the airport of departure. But if you are not vaccinated then you must either present a legal and negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival.