What Are the Pros and Cons of Teaching in Dubai?

Accepting a teaching position in Dubai can be one of the most significant career moves that you make. Dubai, one of the biggest populations in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most unique and eye-catching locations in the whole world. It is generally regarded as a place of high-luxury living. That being said, teaching abroad can be a big life change to commit to. So what are some of the pros and cons of teaching in Dubai?

There are numerous pros to teaching abroad in Dubai. These include a healthy salary, tax breaks, and other various benefits to consider. Some of the cons people should consider when teaching in Dubai is the climate, trouble communicating and socializing, and other various downsides to teaching abroad.

This detailed guide will break down many of the pros and cons that are associated with teaching in Dubai. Teaching abroad offers some unique challenges to educators but can be very fulfilling, allowing people to see parts of the world they might not have otherwise.

Pro: Good Salary and Disposable Income

Teachers in Dubai, especially those from abroad, typically make around $3200 to upwards of 5250 a month. This will be paid in Dubai currency of course. This is enough to live very well, as the cost of living in Dubai is not as high as in some parts of the United States for the same type of housing situation.

The United Arab Emirates is the country that pays its teachers from abroad the most. The possibility of disposable income and a healthy living is one of the biggest draws for teachers from abroad to pursue a career in Dubai.

Pro: Housing Benefits

It is not uncommon for those teaching abroad in Dubai to be provided with additional accommodations paid for by their institutions. These can include free housing, free flights, and many other perks that are often compounded on to the already healthy salary.

Free housing and flights could help you keep more of your money to spend on whatever you like. It might be strange to think of no longer having rent payments, but a career teaching abroad in Dubai could make that possible.

Pro: No Income Taxes

One of the most significant changes that teachers abroad will immediately notice, is that they are no longer required to pay large parts of their paychecks towards income tax. Dubai does not collect income tax, which can help you save a substantial amount of money compared to a job in the United States.

Pro: Accommodates a Life of Luxury

Dubai is home to some of the most innovative architecture on the planet. Living in Dubai can be an extremely fulfilling experience as you take in the sights of the skyline day after day. There is a rich culture in Dubai that can be very rewarding to take part in.

One thing you will notice while living in Dubai is that it is the shopping center of the Middle East. With plenty of income at your disposal, this can be a great matchup if you are the type of person who loves to shop.

Pro: Warm Climate

If you are the type of person who enjoys warmer temperatures, then you will likely enjoy yourself in Dubai. It generally stays warm year long in Dubai, providing great weather to enjoy the many beaches in the country.

Con: Warm Climate

This has made both the pros and cons list because some might find the temperature in Dubai quite unpleasant if they are not used to hot weather. Temperatures in Dubai can sometimes reach as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This is something to keep in mind if you do not handle high heat well.

Con: Socializing and Integrating With Locals

Like anyone abroad, it can be hard to transition from feeling like an outsider to someone who lives there. This transition can be especially difficult for those who have just recently learned the language or moved to the area.

Typically, you will not see people from abroad mixing with the locals too much. Much of the population of Dubai is made up of foreigners, around 85 percent total. This is an extremely large part of the population, so experiencing any genuine integration with the locals might be unlikely

Con: Social Disparity

As a teacher abroad, you will be able to live exceedingly well compared to some of the locals that you might see. There is a great social divide between the different working classes in Dubai. You might become disheartened as you see some of the conditions that people are having to live in.

Con: Hard to Gain Respect in the Classroom

Many teachers abroad in Dubai have reported that some schools are not particularly managed very well. This institutional chaos can lead to a classroom that does not respect you or problems within the organization. Gaining the respect of a classroom can be hard under any conditions, but with the added element of being from abroad, it can be even more difficult.

Con: The Treatment of Women in Dubai

This is probably the most important thing to consider, as the treatment of women in Dubai can be a major culture shock if coming from the United States. If you are a woman teaching in Dubai, you will be subject to all of the laws regarding gender roles that they have set in place.

These laws include women being covered up appropriately and living the life of a devoted wife. While there is no direct punishment for pursuing a career over a family in Dubai, you still run the risk of being disrespected and looked down upon simply for your gender.

That is not to say that you are guaranteed to have an experience like this, but you must keep in mind that the culture in Dubai is heavily influenced by the Muslim faith. This influence can affect your experience in Dubai if you are a woman.

Con: Expensive Areas of Living

While you will often be able to find a decent place to live for an affordable price somewhere out from the major city area, the closer you get to the heart of Dubai, the living expenses begin to skyrocket.

If you are interested in finding a place close to the city to live in, you should expect to pay some pretty hefty expenses to make that possible. Dubai is one of the most expensive cities to live in, depending on how close to the city you wish to be located.

That being said, with your teaching salary, you would likely be able to afford a place closer to the city, but with less disposable income than you would have otherwise. Consider your expenses when determining where to live carefully.

What Qualifications Are Necessary to Teach in Dubai

The standard teaching credentials are required to teach in Dubai. This includes a valid teaching license in the country that you are currently living in. Some institutions require that you have some previous teaching experience in the subject you are interested in teaching.

How Much Do Teachers In Dubai Make?

You can expect to earn a salary between $3200 – $5250 a month teaching abroad in Dubai. This income will be paid to you tax-free. How much you get paid will depend on your credentials, experience, and the type of institution in which you are employed.

What Is the Appropriate Dress for a Teacher in Dubai?

You will generally not be required to be covered up if you are a woman teaching abroad. The business attire for both sexes trends towards business casual. Outfits that involve jeans, t-shirts, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Is It Safe to Teach Abroad in Dubai?

It can be scary moving to a new place, especially one with a culture and society that may differ from your own significantly. Rest assured that Dubai is one of the safest cities in the Middle East and is very accommodating to foreigners.

This is a stark contrast to some of the neighboring countries in the Middle East, but Dubai has such a mix of different nationalities living there that no one should feel particularly singled out.

Final Thoughts

Teaching in Dubai can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. If you are an educator considering teaching abroad, use this guide to help you consider all of the possible pros and cons associated with the job.

Only you can decide if teaching abroad in Dubai is right for you, but most agree that the high salary and benefits outweigh any potential cons. If you are the type of person who likes to travel and wants to see different parts of the world and how they live, then teaching abroad could be a great opportunity.

If you are someone who will have trouble adjusting to new cultures and living situations, then this might not be the job for you. This guide has provided you will all of the knowledge you need to make an educated decision regarding teaching in Dubai.