Teaching in Dubai: Salaries, Schools, and How to Get Hired

Dubai has over 200 private schools following British, American, IB, Indian, and a dozen other curricula, and the majority recruit internationally. For qualified teachers, it represents one of the most attractive overseas postings in the world when the full package is considered. Salaries for experienced teachers typically range from 12,000 to 20,000 AED per month, tax-free, with housing either provided or an allowance added. Many schools include return flights home annually, medical insurance, and — critically for teachers with children — free or subsidised places at the school. This effectively makes school fees, one of Dubai's largest expenses for families, a non-issue. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai licenses all private schools and publishes annual inspection reports that rate each school from Outstanding to Very Weak. These reports are publicly available and essential reading for any teacher evaluating job offers. Top-rated schools include GEMS schools, Repton, Jumeirah English Speaking School, and Dubai College. The hiring season runs from October to March for positions starting the following September. TES, Search Associates, and direct school websites are the main recruitment channels. You will need a recognised teaching qualification, degree, minimum two years of post-qualification experience for most schools, a clean police record from your home country, and verified degree certificates. The interview process typically includes a demo lesson.