Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to TripAdvisor, Dubai was the most popular travel destination in 2022! What makes Dubai such a famous place to travel? Well, it has the infamous historical and spiritual symbol, Grand Mosque. Also, people love to visit the Arabian Desert safari, Dubai museum, Dubai Marina, and AL Fahidi Historical neighbourhood. And, of course, there is the Dubai Mall, where everyone goes shopping at one of the world’s largest malls! It’s a mall but also has many attractions. Teaching English in Dubai, you can easily visit these places!
If you are considering teaching abroad, then teaching English in Dubai should definitely be on the list of countries to consider. UAE is one of the places that have the highest-paying TEFL jobs. You will have a chance to live in one of the most popular places around the world while teaching English and also traveling around. If this sounds like what you would like to do, continue reading to learn about the English teaching job opportunities in Dubai, UAE.
Teaching English in Dubai
Teach English in Dubai
Dubai is a very livable place, and if you wanted, you could even have a luxurious lifestyle. As teaching abroad is once in a lifetime experience, teaching English in Dubai is a great idea if you want to experience Middle East culture. You can easily travel to other 6 emirates, including Abu Dhabi, and it is fairly easy to travel to other Middle East countries like Egypt, Kuwait, and Qatar. There are many pros to teaching ESL in Dubai. For example, salary is tax-free, and many jobs offer free accommodation along with more benefits.
Requirements to Teach ESL in Dubai
Because the perks of English teaching jobs in Dubai are awesome, the job market is quite competitive. Also, there are strict job requirements. If you are looking for a less competitive ESL job market, try looking for teach abroad jobs in Asia.
Below are the minimum requirements for teaching English in Dubai:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL certificate
- Teaching experience
- Background check
- Native English speakers are preferred
If you aren’t from one of the native English-speaking countries, don’t set yourself back. Your experience and fluency are really what matter more! Also, some ESL teachers with college degrees are also able to find ESL jobs in Dubai. The list of required qualifications can be flexible depending on the employer.
English Teaching Jobs in Dubai
Types of English Teaching Jobs in Dubai
There are a few different types of places you can find an English teaching job in Dubai.
Language School
It is important to note that private tutoring is illegal in UAE. However, language schools will offer private lessons. So, work for a language school instead of finding tutoring jobs on your own. Also, language schools often offer the highest salaries. You will be able to make around 3,300 – 5,500 USD per month. The exact number will depend on your experience. The range of students at language schools varies a lot. There are adult students seeking to learn business English and younger students who are willing to take after-school English lessons.
Vocational School and College
Do you have a background in a certain area, like applied science, English, tourism, math, or engineering? Then vocational schools or colleges will be easier to secure a teaching job for you. Students at these types of institutions will focus on a specific vocation when learning English. On average, teachers at vocational schools or colleges in Dubai make around 3,000 USD per month.
Public School
If you teach at a public school, your students may range from pre-schools to 12th graders. The monthly average salary for teaching at a public school in Dubai is somewhere between 300-5,000 USD. In order to teach at a public school, you will need a lot of past teaching experience and a teaching license. The UAE’s public school system is run by the government and provides free education through primary and secondary school. Additional to the minimum qualifications, you might be required to know at least a little bit of Arabic.
International School
Interestingly, private schools and private international schools make up 90% of all the schools in Dubai. Most of the schools will look for someone with a teaching license. There are a few types of international schools; it depends on the curricula each follows. Most often, you will see IB international schools. On average, the salary is between 2,400 – 4,000 USD per month in these schools.
How to Teach English in Dubai
Things to Know about Teaching English in Dubai
As mentioned earlier, private tutoring lessons are illegal unless you work at a language school. Also, if you work at public schools, you will find out that classes are divided for girls and boys. Therefore, you will only be able to teach same-gender students as you.
The following list includes possible benefits and bonuses you can receive when teaching at private schools in Dubai.
- Flight
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Allowances for relocation
- Paperwork is often done by the employer
Although the cost of living isn’t extremely low in Dubai, it is still lower than in the major cities in North America. Plus, if you consider housing costs being covered by your employer, you’ll be able to save some money.
FAQ About Teaching English in Dubai
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about teaching English in Dubai, UAE. Check out the answers!
How much do English teachers make in Dubai?
On average, English teachers in Dubai make between 2,400 to 4,000 USD (tax-free) per month.
Is teaching English in Dubai worth it?
It is worth teaching English in Dubai because you can make at least $2,400 (USD), your employer covers your housing costs, you get additional benefits, you can live a comfortable life in one of the most popular places in the world, and you will also be able to travel around a lot!
Do I need to know Arabic to teach English in Dubai?
Generally speaking, you don’t need to know Arabic to teach ESL in Dubai. However, some public schools might ask teachers to know at least a little bit of the Arabic language. It will make your communication with students easier. Also, learning a new language is a great way to understand a new culture.
Are ESL teachers in demand in UAE?
The UAE, and especially Dubai, places great emphasis on education. Therefore, many schools look for qualified teachers. There are lots of English teaching jobs available throughout the UAE. However, the job market can be quite competitive as the perks are awesome.
What qualifications do I need to teach English in Dubai?
The minimum qualifications to teach English in Dubai include a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate, teaching experience, and background check. Native English speakers are preferred, but if you are a qualified teacher, it won’t be a huge problem.
Which country pays the most for English teachers?
Some of the most well-paying countries for ESL teachers include the UAE, China, Japan, and Taiwan.
Teaching English in Dubai: Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on teaching ESL in this amazing place in the UAE? Do you think it would be a good opportunity for you? Or are you considering teaching abroad in other places of the world, like Central America or Southeast Asia? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to share the post with other teachers who might be interested in learning about teaching abroad in Dubai!
