TEACH ENGLISH IN THE UAE

About Teaching English in the UAE

To teach English in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree, preferably in education. Native English proficiency is expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in the UAE is about $1,800 - $5,000 USD per month.

ITA's UAE Insights

• The UAE is ranked #71 by the EF English Proficiency Index out of 113 countries. 
• While Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is now one of the official languages, and speaking English is a highly sought-after skill, especially as the UAE has become a global financial power. 
• According to the British Council, over 8 million Emiratis speak English at a conversational level - roughly 90% of the population.

Known as a world center of trade and commerce with world-class shopping, dining, and infrastructure, the UAE is one of the most sought after destinations for English teachers in the world. Teachers are drawn not only by the fantastic lifestyle and travel opportunities, but also by excellent salaries that enable them to save $1,500 a month or more(much more in some cases), and enjoy benefits like free airfare, housing, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Because the UAE is a small nation (population just under 10 million) and a coveted destination for foreign teachers, the job market is extremely competitive.  Beginning TEFL teachers may find it difficult to be hired here, as most jobs will go to experienced teachers with advanced credentials. Those with lesser credentials should consider applying for positions in less well-known emirates like Sharjah.

English teachers primarily work in either private language schools, international schools, or language institutes catering to adults. It's typical to teach about 20-25 hours per week and then expect an additional 10-12 hours on average for lesson planning and grading.  With frequent holidays and paid time off in the summer in most cases, teachers have ample opportunities to enjoy travel opportunities throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and India as well.

How to Teach English in Dubai & the UAE: Requirements

TEFL Certification

A TEFL certification is typically required to teach English in the UAE, and it's common for schools to prefer applicants with advanced credentials or extensive teaching experience.

Interviews are typically conducted in advance from your home country. Because of this, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

Schools in the UAE prefer to hire native English speakers - this means teachers with citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. There are, however, some exceptions so be sure to get in touch with your ITA Admissions Advisor to discuss this in further detail.

Degree Requirements

At a minimum, English teachers will need to possess a bachelor’s degree in addition to their TEFL certification. With that said, many schools in the UAE will require teachers to possess a degree specifically in education or a master’s degree (often in any field). Many will strongly prefer candidates to have previous teaching experience and/or a teaching license from a country like the U.S. or the U.K.

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Dubai & the UAE

TEFL Jobs in the UAE

The most common teaching jobs in Dubai & in the UAE consist of:

• Teaching adults, business professionals, or children in private language schools and occasionally in vocational colleges.
• Teaching children and teenagers in International schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL UAE: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in the UAE can expect to find jobs year-round. Interviews are typically conducted via video chat in advance from your home country.

In addition, it is standard practice for English teachers in the UAE to receive a sponsored work visa via their employer.

Teaching in Dubai & UAE: Hours

English language schools in the UAE typically offer 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore.

Teaching Emirati Students

There are a variety of teaching opportunities in the UAE with all different demographics. It is most common that your students will be adults and business professionals, but it's also possible to teach elementary and high school-aged children.

Teaching in Dubai & the UAE Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,500 - $2,500 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in the UAE until you receive your first paycheck, things like meals and transportation. This doesn't include costs for housing because it's typically provided by your employer. 

English Teacher Salary in Dubai & the UAE

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in the UAE and save each month after expenses. Teachers can expect to earn $1,800 - $5,000 USD per month and save 800+ per month. 

On top of generous pay, it's common for employers to pay for teacher's housing and sometimes even provide reimbursement for flight costs. 

Read more: How Much Do English Teachers Make in the UAE?

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $1,000-$1,500 USD per month.

English teachers in the UAE can expect to save money each month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, and also save money at the end of the month.