Teaching Jobs in Dubai

Teaching in Dubai: A Rewarding Opportunity for Qualified Teachers

Teaching in Dubai is an increasingly popular choice among educators seeking excellent career prospects, world-class schools, and generous employment packages. The benefits typically offered to teachers in Dubai include:

• A tax-free, competitive salary
• Furnished accommodation or a housing allowance
• Private healthcare for you and your family
• (In some cases) free or discounted school places for your children
• Annual return flights between the UK and Dubai
• End-of-contract bonus, usually equivalent to one month’s salary per year completed

It’s worth noting that fewer schools now provide completely free education for dependants. While many schools still offer partial fee discounts or a single school place, some newer or lower-band schools no longer include this benefit as part of their standard package.

Teacher Salaries in Dubai

Unlike the UK, there is no fixed national pay scale for teachers in Dubai. Salaries vary widely between schools because each institution falls into a banding system determined by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). These bands cap the tuition fees a school can charge, which directly affects how much it can afford to pay its staff.

As a result, teacher salaries in Dubai can differ significantly — even among schools offering the same British curriculum. High-band, premium international schools tend to offer excellent salaries and benefits, while lower-band schools, including some newer or smaller institutions, may pay considerably less.

As a general guide:

Primary teachers: AED 12,000–16,000 per month (around £2,500–£3,500)

Secondary teachers: AED 14,000–21,000 per month (around £3,000–£4,500)

Leadership roles: AED 18,000–30,000+ per month (equivalent to £3,900–£6,500+)

However, some schools — particularly those in lower KHDA fee bands — may offer salaries as low as AED 8,000–10,000 per month, especially for less experienced teachers or smaller institutions.

Crucially, all these salaries are tax-free, meaning teachers take home their full earnings. Many contracts also include housing or an allowance, private healthcare, annual flights, and end-of-contract bonuses, making the overall compensation highly attractive even at mid-range levels.

Some educators also choose to rent out their UK properties while abroad, using the income to pay off mortgages or build additional savings.

Finding Teaching Jobs in Dubai

There are a variety of opportunities for UK-qualified teachers across Dubai. The most popular option is working in one of the 100+ British-curriculum international schools in the emirate. These schools teach in English and follow familiar UK curricula — EYFS and Primary (Key Stages 1 & 2) and Secondary Teaching Key Stage 3-5) — including GCSE, A Level and in some cases the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The student body typically includes UK expatriates, local Emirati families, and international students whose parents prefer a British-style education. Teaching staff often come from the UK, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.

Another option is to work in Dubai’s state schools, overseen by the Ministry of Education. While these schools primarily teach in Arabic, a growing bilingual initiative has increased demand for English-speaking teachers. Note that UAE state schools are gender-segregated, with separate institutions for boys and girls.

Vacancies exist across primary and secondary levels, and positions with additional responsibilities — such as SENCO, curriculum leader, or senior leadership roles — are occasionally advertised.

There’s also strong demand for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) instructors, as many adults in Dubai are eager to learn English.

Qualifications Required

Schools in Dubai seek qualified and experienced educators, much like those in the UK. To teach in Dubai, you’ll generally need:

• A relevant degree
• A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• 2–3 years of successful teaching experience in an English-speaking school

Applicants for leadership roles (e.g., vice-principal or principal) will typically need a recognised leadership qualification, such as the NPQH, and in some cases, an M.Ed. or Ph.D.

Those interested in TEFL positions should be native or fluent English speakers, hold a degree, and possess a recognised TEFL qualification.

Living as a Teacher in Dubai

Dubai is a city like no other — a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub offering luxury, adventure, and cultural richness. As one of the major cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is known for its safety, hospitality, and close ties with the UK. Over 1.5 million UK visitors travel to Dubai each year.

While it is a modern and international destination, it’s important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, and visitors are expected to respect its customs, laws, and traditions.

Lifestyle and Attractions

Dubai’s skyline is iconic — home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world — and its architecture is both breathtaking and futuristic. The city is also famous for its shopping, from luxury malls to traditional souks, and its world-class dining scene, which reflects its diverse, global population.

For adventure seekers, Dubai offers a wealth of activities: skydiving, desert safaris, sailing, dune bashing, diving, motorsports, golf, and more — all supported by exceptional facilities.

Culturally, Dubai offers much to explore, from museums and art galleries to historical districts that tell the story of its transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis.

With most teacher contracts lasting two years, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Dubai’s incredible lifestyle, travel opportunities, and cultural experiences.