UAE jobs: more than 400 teaching jobs on offer in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ahead of new year

Majority of roles have a May deadline for applicants and an August start date

Aldar Education is on the lookout for a principal for a school in the Northern Emirates. Photo: Aldar Education

Dwight School Dubai is looking for a new head of mathematics with extensive knowledge of the subject and the International Baccalaureate programme. Photo: Dwight School Dubai 

RAK Academy in Ras Al Khaimah is looking for an assistant head of English. A bachelor's degree in English language or literature and a qualified teacher status are essential. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National

Pupils at Cranleigh School in Abu Dhabi debate Brexit. The school has an opening for a physical education teacher. Reem Mohammed / The National

Kindergarten pupils at North London Collegiate School Dubai. The school is looking for an English teacher, ideally with experience in teaching the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Christopher Pike / The National

More than 400 teaching jobs are on offer in the Emirates ahead of the new academic year.

Jobs have been advertised for several positions, including classroom teachers, music tutors, subject specialists, those focusing on special education needs, as well as leadership roles.

While close to 250 jobs are located in Dubai, there are more than 100 vacancies in Abu Dhabi and close to a dozen in Sharjah. There are some in the Northern Emirates, too.

Most of the jobs have a May deadline for applications and an August start date.

Most schools begin the new academic year on August 29 or 30.

The vacancies are being advertised on Tes, formerly the Times Educational Supplement.

What jobs are on offer?

North London Collegiate School Dubai is looking for an English teacher, ideally with experience in teaching the International Baccalaureate diploma curriculum.

Dwight School Dubai requires a new head of mathematics with extensive knowledge of the subject and the IB Programme.

The school is also looking for someone to head their science department.

Nord Anglia International School Dubai has advertised a position for a mathematics teacher, while Citizens School in Dubai is looking for a leader of inclusion and wellbeing.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi has an opening for a physical education teacher, while Amity International School in the capital is looking for a head of computing, and Al Rabeeh Academy is advertising for a head of early years.

RAK Academy in Ras Al Khaimah is looking for an assistant head of English. A bachelor's degree in English language or literature and a qualified teacher status are essential.

Aldar Education is on the lookout for a principal for a school in the Northern Emirates.

UAE Salary guide 2022 - in pictures

Is it tougher to recruit teachers now?

In April, headteachers told The National schools in the UAE were dealing with a worldwide shortage of well-qualified teachers.

They spoke about going through 400 to 500 CVs to find a handful of candidates.

The shortage is more severe in subjects such as mathematics and science.

There are several openings for maths teachers and those working in the special education needs department.

Brighton College Abu Dhabi has an opening for a senior school maths teacher.

West Yas Academy in Abu Dhabi has a vacancy for a secondary school mathematics teacher.

Education experts said teachers in the UAE are in a position to negotiate higher pay and a better package, amid the global shortage of skilled educators.

Recruitment experts have noticed schools offering more flexibility this year. Teachers can earn Dh500 ($136) to Dh1,000 a month more if they negotiate — particularly in subjects such as maths and science.

What is the salary range?

Salaries have not been advertised but, on average, teachers in the UAE can expect starting salaries between Dh9,000 and Dh15,000 a month.

The salary depends on the teacher's qualifications and where they completed their education.

Schools also have different pay scales depending on their fee structure, curriculum and how established the institution is.

In British and US curriculum schools, a typical salary for graduates with up to two years’ experience can be between Dh9,000 and Dh11,000 per month, plus an accommodation allowance.

Maths and science teachers are the most in-demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their skills.

Headteachers' salary range is Dh25,000 to Dh40,000 a month, with additional benefits of accommodation, an annual flight home, and, in some cases, transport.

Salaries of learning assistants range between Dh3,500 and Dh7,500 per month.

Top-end schools that follow the British or American curriculum and have been rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', pay higher salaries.

Government school teachers can hope for monthly salaries starting at around Dh16,000.