Manager’s guide to offboarding – the complete kit

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global hub for education, attracting teachers from diverse backgrounds.

With its blend of modernity, cultural richness, and economic prosperity, the UAE provides an ideal environment for educators seeking new horizons. Let's delve into why teaching in the UAE is an exciting opportunity.

Variety of teaching positions

Teaching in the UAE offers a diverse range of opportunities for educators looking to broaden their horizons. You can find teaching positions across different educational settings such as:

- Private Schools: These institutions cater to a multicultural student body and often follow international curricula. Teachers in private schools enjoy smaller class sizes and a supportive environment.

- Public Schools: The UAE government has invested significantly in public education. Recent reforms have improved the quality of education, making public schools an attractive option.

-International Schools: These schools offer a global perspective, attracting students from various nationalities. They emphasize holistic development and innovative teaching methods.

- Foreign Language Schools: If you're passionate about language instruction, these schools provide opportunities to teach English, Arabic, or other languages.

Competitive salaries and tax-free income

The UAE offers educators the chance to experience a rich cultural exchange while earning a salary that is often higher than what they would make in their home country. With the cost of living in the UAE being relatively low compared to other countries in the region, teachers can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with the added bonus of generous tax-free income.

In addition to the financial rewards, teaching in the UAE allows educators to gain valuable international experience, develop their teaching skills, and learn more about a different culture. Here's what you can expect:

• The average salary of 13,000 AED (£2800) per month, tax-free.

• Higher-paying schools typically require more overseas teaching experience.

• The absence of income tax means your earnings go directly into your pocket.

First-Rate Education System

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both the public and private education systems are known for their high standards and commitment to excellence. The UAE government has made significant investments in education, leading to state-of-the-art facilities, innovative teaching methods, and a diverse curriculum that prepares students for success in a globalized world. 

Public schools in the UAE offer teachers the opportunity to work in a multicultural environment, with students from various backgrounds and nationalities. This diversity not only enriches the teaching experience but also provides educators with a unique perspective on global education trends and practices.

On the other hand, private schools in the UAE are often known for their smaller class sizes, well-equipped classrooms, and access to innovative technology. Teachers in private schools' benefit from more autonomy in their teaching methods and curriculum design, allowing them to tailor their lessons to meet the individual needs of their students. 

Additionally, private schools in the UAE often offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent in the education sector. This, coupled with professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment, makes teaching in private schools in the UAE an attractive option for educators looking to grow and excel in their careers.

Generous Benefits Packages

Teachers relocating to the UAE are often enticed by the array of exceptional benefits offered by schools in the Middle East. Such perks not only enhance the overall quality of life for teachers but also serve as a significant incentive for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the vibrant educational landscape of the UAE. These benefits typically include:

• Accommodation: Most schools provide free housing or an accommodation allowance. Some even cover housing for your partner and family.

• Healthcare: Comprehensive health coverage is part of the package.

• Flights: Schools cover your flights to and from your home country, including flights for dependents.

• Relocation Allowance: Expect a relocation allowance (around £500) to ease your transition.

• End-of-Year Bonuses: Many schools offer bonuses equivalent to one month's pay.

• Reduced School Fees: Some schools waive or reduce fees for your children.

Cost of Living and Disposable Income

In the United Arab Emirates, the local currency is the dirham (AED), and understanding the cost of living and disposable income is crucial for teachers relocating to the region. While the UAE is known for its tax-free salaries, it is important to consider the expenses associated with living in the country. 

Utility bills, such as electricity, water, and internet, can vary depending on the size of accommodation and personal usage. The average for utilities for a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai, for example, costs around 585 AED (£130), while internet is pricier at 262 AED (£65) per month. Additionally, expenses like groceries will cost you 500 to 750 AED (£110 - £165).

The absence of income tax means that teachers can potentially save a significant portion of their salaries, allowing for a higher disposable income compared to many other countries.

Cultural Immersion and Lifestyle

Living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi provides a unique blend of tradition and modernity:

• Explore vibrant souks, stunning architecture, and pristine beaches.

• Enjoy tax-free shopping, world-class dining, and entertainment.

• Interact with a diverse expatriate community.

Teaching in the UAE offers more than just a job—it's an adventure. Whether you're drawn by the allure of tax-free income, the chance to impact young minds, or the thrill of living in a dynamic city, the UAE awaits you with open arms. So pack your bags, prepare your lesson plans, and embark on a transformative teaching journey in this captivating corner of the Middle East.

Apply to the latest teaching opportunities in the UAE now.

​What do I need to become a teaching assistant in the UAE?

To become a teaching assistant in the UAE, you will typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Some schools may require additional qualifications, such as a teaching assistant certificate or relevant experience in education. It's also important to have a strong command of the English language, as many schools in the UAE use English as the primary language of instruction.

One way to enhance your qualifications as a teaching assistant is to complete a teaching assistant training program. These programs provide valuable insights into the role of a teaching assistant and equip you with the necessary skills to support teachers and students effectively. Additionally, gaining experience through volunteer work or internships in educational settings can help you stand out to potential employers.

What does a teaching assistant do?

First and foremost, it's important to understand the responsibilities of a teaching assistant.

The main role of a Teaching Assistant (also known as TA or Classroom Assistant) is to provide support and assistance to a teacher, making sure students are given all the help they need to get the most out of their education.

The key duties of a TA will usually include, although not be limited to, the following:

• Providing support to children with mathematics, reading and writing on an individual, class or small group basis

• Proving one-on-one help to children who require it

• Giving further attention to children with any other special needs or requirements

• Motivating and encouraging pupils

• Supervising students at lunch, on events or trips and for special activities

• Taking care of various admin tasks, including preparing materials for lessons, photocopying, laminating and marking papers

Is a career as a teaching assistant right for me?

To be successful in this position, having a passion for working with children is essential, as well as a genuine interest in education. You will also need exceptional communication skills and must be able to motivate pupils who may sometimes be unruly or lack confidence.

Other key skills and attributes include:

• A friendly and approachable nature

• Excellent reading, writing, numeracy and listening skills

• Flexibility and versatility

• Ability to build relationships with both staff and students, but also display a good level of discipline when required

• A passion for teaching

• Patience

Career progression

What’s the initial salary for a teaching assistant?

The salary for a teaching assistant starts from AED 3000 and can go up to AED 6000 monthly.

How long to go from a teaching assistant to a teacher?

The eligibility to start teaching depends on existing qualifications and any additional credentials needed. For individuals with a B.Ed., they can commence teaching straight away. Otherwise, obtaining a teaching diploma, such as a PGCE, PGDE, or Cache level, is necessary. The duration of these programs varies, typically spanning from one to at least two years.

What is the average salary for a teacher in Dubai?

Teacher salaries in Dubai are dependent on various factors, including experience, qualifications, school type, and curriculum. On average, a teacher's salary can range from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per month. Please note that these figures are approximate and are subject to change. Additionally, teachers may receive extra benefits, such as accommodation, health insurance, tuition fee concessions, and annual flights to their home country.

How to become a head teacher?

Becoming a head teacher in Dubai involves obtaining a bachelor's degree in education or related fields, followed by optional master's degrees in educational leadership or administration. Accumulating teaching experience and progressing into leadership roles like department head or assistant principal is crucial to demonstrating effective leadership. Meeting certification and licensing requirements is necessary for eligibility. Applying for head teacher roles requires highlighting leadership experience and educational philosophy.

Salary for a head teacher?

Head teacher salaries in Dubai vary based on school type, experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Typically higher than regular teachers, they range from around AED 25,000 to AED 40,000 monthly. Benefits like accommodation, health insurance, tuition fee concession and annual flights home may also be included, affecting the overall compensation package.

If you are looking for the next step in your career or to hire for your school, contact one of our experts today.

​Employee monitoring can help ensure productivity and accountability among employees, as managers can track their work progress and identify areas where improvement is needed. Monitoring enhances data security by detecting and preventing unauthorised access or data breaches and additionally, it enables you to adhere to regulatory and compliance requirements, reducing legal risks. 

The key thing to remember is that workplace surveillance is perfectly acceptable, as long as you can legally justify your reasons, and it is always better to be ‘overt’, not ‘covert’.  

A report shows that despite normality returning to working life post-pandemic, demand for employee surveillance software is 49% above 2019 levels. 

Our eBook, ‘Employee monitoring: a guide to best practices’, provides insight from top experts in the field including:    

Keith Rosser, Director of Group Risk and Reed Screening, Reed 

Hayfa Mohdzaini, Senior Research Adviser, CIPD

 By downloading this eBook, you will discover:   

• What employee monitoring is 

• Whether it's needed for your business

• Considerations for introducing workplace monitoring  

• The benefits and drawbacks  

• Potential impact of surveillance on the workforce 

• Your duties as a responsible employer 

“Monitoring software that employees see as intrusive and unnecessary is more likely to erode mutual trust in the employment relationship. Employers need to show how using monitoring software can benefit employees, while respecting their privacy.” -Hayfa Mohdzaini, Senior Research Adviser, CIPD.