The UAE has a dual school system: federal government schools following the Arabic national curriculum, and a large private sector offering British, American, IB, and other international curricula. In Dubai, schools are regulated and inspected by KHDA; in Abu Dhabi, ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) is the regulator. Inspection ratings strongly influence school fee levels and reputation.
Roles and salaries
International school teaching in the UAE is tax-free, with packages typically ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000/month plus housing allowance, flights, and health insurance. This makes it one of the most financially rewarding international teaching destinations. Experienced teachers in shortage subjects (Maths, Sciences, English) attract the strongest packages. Total packages often exceed £50,000/year equivalent.
Working here. What to know
Teachers in the UAE require a residence visa sponsored by their school, which manages the entire process through the Ministry of Interior. The employer also handles the medical check and Emirates ID. The process typically takes four to six weeks. Both single and family residence visas are available. Contracts are usually two-year renewable.
