If you start to think about teaching in Dubai, it could be a great option for you to consider pursuing as your next career. This is because Dubai is a remarkably modern city with a diverse culture. Not to mention, Dubai's educational sector also has a great system since it has developed highly.
Dubai has opened its opportunity for an international teacher who wants to widen their wings to teaching in Dubai. It's not only that, but the modern Middle Eastern city also offers a high salary with many benefits. So, what else are you looking for? Let’s learn and go through this article!
Is teaching in Dubai worth it?
Dubai has a high demand for teachers in private schools, as well as universities. Nevertheless, to become a professional teacher who wants to teach in Dubai, you need to have at least 1-3 years of experience. However, if you're a native English teacher with TEFL certification, you'll pass it even if you don't have many years of teaching experience.
It definitely can be worthwhile, especially because of the numerous benefits you will get and the advanced career opportunities you will have in the future. As long as you can adapt quickly, there’s nothing you have to worry about while teaching in Dubai. That's why this path is something you need to consider when you have a plan to teach abroad.
Benefits and drawbacks of teaching in Dubai
Wherever the places you work, there are definitely benefits and drawbacks you will face. That’s why you need to know this detail for your consideration. Here is the list we’re gonna unpack for you to know about teaching in Dubai. So, you’ll have a helicopter view and can decide wisely:
Benefits
1. Tax-free salary
The tax-free income is one of the main reasons many expatriates choose to teach in Dubai. Generally, teachers can take their full salary without worrying about tax. This one is a good financial advantage for everyone; compared to other countries that usually have higher taxes for international workers, Dubai is the best option.
2. Competitive to high salary
The salary for teaching in Dubai is generously high. Especially when the teacher is eligible to relocate to the city. For example, teaching in private schools has a higher salary than in public schools. It's because the private school offers a salary package that includes incentives, health insurance, housing allowance, and even flight benefits.
3. Generous benefits
Now, let's break down the generous benefits teachers may get for teaching in Dubai, first of all regarding the housing allowance. We all know that renting a house in Dubai is expensive, so many schools offer housing allowances to attract international teachers to teach in their schools.
The second is health insurance, which covers not only the teacher but also the entire family, such as the children and their spouses. Last but not least are the annual flight benefits, so teachers can travel back and forth to their homes safely with less money in their pockets.
4. Professional development opportunities
Who doesn't want to have a higher career and networking? Teaching in Dubai can afford that. Teachers may have a number of opportunities to network with other professional teachers with many backgrounds. Moreover, teachers may also have professional workshops and seminars for their growth. In Dubai, they are also encouraged to pursue higher education, or at least attend the educational conference.
5. High quality of life
You will enjoy living in Dubai as the city has a low crime rate and a high quality of life. Dubai is also a modern city that has a high standard of living, aesthetic architecture, and world-class shopping. Its central location in the Middle East also makes it easy to travel to other countries, like Oman and Bahrain. So, you won’t get bored living there.
Drawbacks
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High living cost
Teaching in Dubai will give you high salaries, but it also means high living costs, especially renting a house in Dubai. Not only the rent but also the utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, are also given a high cost, which you need to consider. This situation will come when you live independently, while many schools offer accommodation to their teacher.
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Pressure and workload
Schools in Dubai that follow curricula like the IB or British system can have a high workload. This might need to be considered because the pressure often has high expectations, including academic targets and extracurricular activities, as well as the school events you need to take care of.
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Temporary contract
Long-term teaching in Dubai may be difficult for you to expect. This is because many teaching contracts are temporary for at least 1-2 years. So, when the contract is over, you need to renew it to stay longer because it might change policy and law. The city also doesn’t have pension schemes for expats. So, you need to consider this wisely.
How much do teachers get paid in Dubai?
Teaching in Dubai offers various salaries, starting from £2,200 to £5,500 per month. Some schools also offer relocation costs and housing allowance, making it a higher salary for you to take home. Dubai especially doesn't have a salary tax, so the entire salary is all yours.
For instance, if you’re an entry-level teacher, your first salary may be in the range of £2,200 to £2,640. The middle level may have a higher salary, around £2,860 to £3,960. While the senior level is highest, you’ll have a salary package starting from £3,960 - £5,500. Those numbers will also increase each year because of inflation.
Teaching English in Dubai
Teaching English in Dubai is in high demand due to modernisation and its central location as an international hub. You need to have at least a Bachelor's Degree in English, especially in Education. It’s also a plus point if you have TEFL/TESOL Certification and/or 1-3 years of teaching experience in English for teaching in Dubai.
Not only for schools, but many businesses in Dubai also hire English teachers and trainers for their employees. Don't forget that you need a working visa to teach in Dubai, but mostly are arranged by the school or company. You may also have a medical test first before joining their institution to obtain a work permit.
How to get a teaching license in Dubai?
Dubai has the standard teaching license for international teachers who want to teach in their country. Like many other countries, you'll need some documents to provide, such as a job offer from a Dubai-based school and your working visa. You also need a zero criminal record from your home country. Moreover, here is the detail:
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Basic qualifications: For teaching in Dubai, you need your bachelor's degree certificate to pursue a teaching license. Some schools in Dubai also often require a master's degree for a specific teacher they need. So, note to choose wisely which of the schools meets your qualifications to pass their requirements.
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Apply for Teacher Licensing System: Dubai has a Teacher Licensing System that is regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). You need to apply your documents in this system, like education certificates, recent photographs, and so on. You also need to pass the exam and complete the specific pedagogical, including teaching assessments.
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Working visa: Teaching in Dubai requires a working visa for you to work as a teacher legally. Furthermore, you don’t need to worry because the school will basically sponsor your work visa. However, keep in mind that you need to pass the health screening and background check before your work visa can be issued.
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Teacher accreditation for International schools: If you're going to teach in an international school, you'll need a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) for a British school and State Teacher Certification or equivalent qualification for an American school. Moreover, you still have chances to work in other private or public schools.
Conclusion
Teaching in Dubai offers a rewarding opportunity for teachers who want to teach abroad. It provides competitively high salaries, especially when it comes to tax-free income; you’ll be delighted with it. Some institutions also provide gratuity payment based on the length of your teaching performance at the end of the contract.
On the other hand, this work requires you to consider the living cost and work expectations that may have high workload and pressure. Because you’re far from home, that will make you homesick even more. But if you want to have a unique and distinctive career experience, teaching in Dubai is a great option for you.
That's why the College of Contract Management is a great place for you to boost your career, from personal development to management. These courses will help you enhance your skills. By choosing the course that meets your needs, it will follow your career goal in the future. Join us now to unlock your best potential!
