Teach in the UAE: a guide for UK teachers
Thinking about teaching in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? You're in good company. Lots of UK teachers make the move for the sunshine, the tax free salary and the chance to try something new, while still teaching a curriculum they know.
We'll help you work out whether it's right for you, introduce you to schools that suit you and talk you through each step. Our team looks after our UAE teachers. It's free: we never charge candidates a fee.
Contact the UK team
Is the UAE right for you?
It tends to suit teachers who:
- hold a degree and a recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE or B.Ed with QTS
- have a few years in the classroom (many schools ask for at least two)
- like the idea of living somewhere new, with a big international community
- are happy to plan ahead, because the paperwork takes time
It's worth being honest with yourself too. Summers are very hot, you'll be a long way from family and friends, and schools can be demanding. We'd much rather talk that through now than after you've packed.
What UAE international schools look for
Every school sets its own requirements, but most ask for:
- a bachelor's degree, ideally in the subject you'll teach if it's a secondary post
- a recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE or B.Ed, with QTS or an equivalent
- classroom experience in the UK, often at least two years
- for British curriculum schools, experience of the English National Curriculum
- for leadership posts, experience of leading people in a school
- for SEN and inclusion posts, experience in inclusion or specialist provision
- clear police checks and good references, usually including one from your current head
Newly qualified, or did you train by a different route? Talk to us anyway. Each school decides what it will accept, and the regulator has the final say, but it's always worth a conversation.
Private schools in Dubai come under KHDA, and those in Abu Dhabi come under ADEK. You can read more on our Dubai schools and Abu Dhabi schools pages.
Why teachers choose the UAE
Every school is different, so treat this as the general picture.
No income tax on your salary
The UAE doesn't have income tax on salaries or wages, as both GOV.UK and the UAE government confirm. UK tax residency depends on your circumstances, so check with HMRC or an adviser.
A package, not just a salary
Schools often offer competitive tax free salaries, and packages at many international schools typically include housing or a housing allowance, annual flights, medical insurance and an end of service gratuity. Some schools also offer reduced or free places for teachers' children. Packages vary by school.
GOV.UK notes that employers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are legally required to provide health insurance, and that you may be eligible for end of service benefits after working in the UAE.
Teaching you already know
At a British curriculum school you'll be teaching a curriculum you know well, often alongside colleagues from all over the world. There can be good routes into leadership too, depending on the school.
Life outside school
Teachers talk a lot about the sunshine, the beaches and how easy it is to travel in the holidays. Read the latest FCDO travel advice before you go, and check visa arrangements with your school.
Every school's offer is different. We will talk you through each package before you decide.
What the move involves
None of this is complicated, but it does take time, so it helps to know what's coming.
- Attesting your documents. Schools usually need your degree and teaching certificate attested. For UK documents that normally means the FCDO and then the UAE Embassy. It can take several weeks, so lots of teachers start early.
- Checks. Expect a police check from the UK, usually an ACRO certificate, and from anywhere else you've lived recently, plus references.
- Approval to teach. Your school applies for your approval with the regulator, KHDA in Dubai or ADEK in Abu Dhabi, and some roles also involve the UAE teacher licence. Your school will tell you exactly what's needed.
- Your visa. Your school usually sponsors your work and residence visa. You'll have a medical and get your Emirates ID once you're there.
Rules can change, so always confirm the details with your school or the relevant authority before you make firm plans.
When to start looking
Most UAE schools start their year in August, and many begin recruiting the autumn before, carrying on into the spring. Roles come up at other times too, so it's never a bad time to get in touch. The earlier we talk, the more choice you'll have.
How it works with us
Register your interest.
Fill in the contact form with your phase, your subject and whether you'd prefer Dubai, Abu Dhabi or either.
A proper conversation.
We'll get to know you: your qualification, your experience and the kind of school you'd love to work in. Ask us anything.
Introductions.
When a school has a role that suits you, we'll tell you about it, including the school's name, and introduce you if you're keen.
Interviews and checks.
The school interviews you and carries out its own checks. We stay in touch throughout.
Your offer.
We'll go through the package with you. Before you make firm plans, confirm visa, tax and licensing steps with the school and the relevant authorities.
It's free at every stage. We never charge candidates a fee.
We'll help you polish your CV and prepare for school interviews, at no cost to you.
FAQs
What do UAE international schools look for?
Usually a degree, a recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE or B.Ed with QTS or an equivalent, and classroom experience in the UK. Secondary posts need a matching subject, leadership posts need experience of leading staff, and SEN and inclusion posts need relevant experience. Each school sets its own requirements.
Do I pay a fee to register or to be placed?
No, never. We don't charge candidates a fee to register, to be introduced or to be placed.
How much will I earn?
It depends on the school, the role and your experience, so we don't quote figures here. Salaries are free of UAE income tax, and packages often include housing or a housing allowance and flights. We'll go through every offer with you in detail.
Can I bring my family?
Many teachers do. Some schools offer reduced or free places for staff children, but family arrangements vary by school and contract, so it's worth asking early. We'll make sure the right questions get asked.
When should I start looking?
Most schools start in August and many recruit from the autumn before, so the earlier the better. Roles do come up at other times of year too.
Will you explain visa and tax rules?
We'll share the general picture and point you to official sources such as GOV.UK. Your UK tax position depends on your own circumstances, so check with HMRC or an adviser. If you're offered a post, the school will confirm visa and licensing details.
How do I register my interest?
Use the contact form and say you're a teacher looking for a role in the UAE. Tell us your phase, your subject and where you'd like to be. You can also email office@gac.education or call +44 151 404 9965 or +44 113 460 1938.
Register your interest in teaching in the UAE
Tell us your phase, your subject and where you'd like to be, and we'll be in touch for a friendly chat. No pressure, and no fees, ever.