Finding Your Perfect Teaching Job in the Middle East

Where teaching opens doors to adventure

Teaching in the Middle East isn't just a job—it's your gateway to a life-changing journey. Imagine exploring ancient souks after school, planning weekend desert adventures, or jetting off to the Maldives during breaks.

With tax-free salaries and a vibrant international community, you'll grow both as an educator and explorer. Here, your classroom becomes your launchpad, and Dubai becomes your home.

85% of our teachers rate their work-life balance as "exceptional"
Average working days per year: 180
7 hours flight home... or to Thailand

Finding Your Perfect Role

International schools here offer a range of curricula including British, American, and IB programs. From early years to secondary positions, you'll find modern facilities and motivated students eager to learn.

Working alongside talented and dedicated colleagues from across the world will prove to be an invaluable experience.

English teaching positions abound in language centres and universities, while early years educators are in high demand across the region. Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) teachers are also in great demand in International schools.Their particular skill set is valued and considered to be essential for creating an inclusive learning environment.

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Qualification Requirements

To teach in the Middle East, you'll typically need:

Bachelor's degree in your subject area
Teaching qualification (PGCE, B.Ed, or equivalent)
Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience
Clean police clearance certificate
TEFL certification (for English teaching positions)

All documents require attestation, but don't worry – we'll guide you through this process step by step.

Locations & Schools

Each destination offers its own unique charm:

Dubai: The region's most cosmopolitan city, perfect for first-time international teachers
Abu Dhabi: Slightly more traditional, with excellent benefits and work-life balance
Qatar: Rising educational hub with world-class facilities
Saudi Arabia: Rapidly modernizing with some of the highest tax-free salaries
Bahrain: Smaller, friendly expatriate community with a more relaxed pace

What to Expect

Remember each school will be different and every package will be unique depending on the role and location. However, typical package includes:

Tax-free salary (£26,000-£75,000 equivalent)
Furnished accommodation or housing allowance
Annual flights home
Comprehensive health insurance
End-of-service bonus gratuity

Working hours usually run from 7:00am-3:30pm, with smaller class sizes than you might be used to. You'll have access to modern teaching resources and strong professional development opportunities.

Life in the Middle East

Forget what you've heard – life here is probably different from what you imagine.

Modern apartments, international restaurants, and world-class shopping are the norm. Weekends might include desert safaris, beach clubs, or brunches with fellow teachers from around the world.

The weather? Yes, it's hot in summer, but you'll be teaching in air-conditioned comfort. Many teachers actually prefer the winter months here to compared to the summer!

Success Stories

"We planned 2 years. 8 years later..."

We moved to Qatar in 2015 not really knowing what to expect. 8 years and 2 kids later we love the lifestyle and ability to travel to new places. We also have been teaching the IB curriculum which has opened our eyes to other curriculums and ways of teaching. We'd highly recommend this to anyone considering it.

- Mike and Sarah Beatty

"Better work life balance"

Since moving to Qatar in 2021 I've had a far better work life balance. As a Science teacher, work in the UK can be quite intense. But I've found that I can get most of my school work done whilst at work in Qatar and I've finally got my weekends back to spend time with my family.

- Jubair Miah

"We've travelled to 30+ countries in 7 years"

My wife and I moved to Dubai as a PE teacher and SEN teacher in 2017. Since teaching there we have travelled to dozens of new countries in 5 continents. This was simply not possible as teachers in the UK and we're so grateful we took the leap.

- Matt and Elisa Stephens-Heil

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Getting Started

The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail:

Document preparation (degree, teaching qualification, police clearance)
Document attestation
Visa application
Medical check
Housing arrangement
Flight booking

We'll support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition. Every school we recommend has a great onboarding process and makes this transition seamless.

The schools have someone to help translate any issues when going through this process to help on the other side too.

Next Steps

Ready to take the leap? Here's your action plan:

Update your CV, highlighting relevant experience
Prepare digital copies of all qualifications
Research schools and locations that interest you
Check out the teaching jobs we have available on our website
Connect with current teachers in your target location
Start the attestation process for key documents

Interview Tips

Research the school's curriculum and values
Prepare examples of differentiation strategies
Show enthusiasm for international education
Ask about professional development opportunities
Demonstrate cultural awareness

Remember, schools aren't just looking for great teachers – they want adaptable, positive individuals who'll thrive in an international environment.

Teaching in the Middle East isn't just a job change – it's a lifestyle upgrade. You'll develop professionally, save significantly, and create memories that last a lifetime. The hardest part? Taking that first step. But from our experience, most teachers only wish they'd done it sooner.

Ready to start your Middle East teaching adventure?

Get in touch, and let's explore your options together.

FAQ's

What qualifications do I need to teach abroad in the Middle East?

Most schools require teacher qualified status, a PGCE degree, (some require TEFL/TESOL certification), and teaching experience, though specific requirements vary by country.

Is teaching abroad in the Middle East safe?

Many Middle Eastern countries are safe for expats. Research local conditions and follow travel advisories for peace of mind.

Do I need to speak Arabic to teach in the Middle East?

Absolutely not. Arabic is not required for most international schools. Many schools use English as the primary language and most people speak English, but basic Arabic knowledge can be helpful when in government buildings.

What is the salary like for teaching abroad in the Middle East?

Salaries vary, but many offer competitive pay, often including housing, airfare, and health insurance, making it a lucrative option. The tax free element makes a huge difference.

Can I practice my religion if it’s not Islam?

World religions are tolerated and have their own places of worship.

What are the living conditions like for teachers in the Middle East?

Living conditions vary by country. Most expat teachers enjoy comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Can I bring my family with me to teach abroad in the Middle East?

Yes, many schools offer family packages that include housing, schooling for children, and health benefits for dependents.

How long are teaching contracts?

Many contracts are 2 years, with summer breaks and public holidays aligned with international school calendars. However, it is possible to get permanent rolling positions or even 1 year contracts.

Is healthcare provided for teachers in the Middle East?

Many schools offer comprehensive health insurance for teachers, including coverage for medical emergencies, doctor visits, and sometimes dental or vision care.

Can I use social media whilst living in the Middle East?

Yes you can use most common platforms, including Instagram, Tiktok and X and they are widely used. However, there might be some content restrictions in some countries.