How much can you earn teaching English in the UAE?

If you’re looking for a TEFL destination with sky-high salaries, try the UAE. One of the most desirable destinations in the Middle East , the UAE is a fantastic place to live and work as a TEFL teacher. You’ll already know the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi - they’re world-famous destinations, with skyscrapers and vast international business opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to those two, though. Emirates like Sharjah and Fujairah have loads to explore, excellent schools, and equally high living standards.

Can any TEFL teacher touch down in any of the UAE’s nine airports and instantly make a generous living? Well, not quite - though there’s a significant demand for English teachers in the UAE, standards are high, and the requirements can be extensive. That’s especially true of jobs in private or international schools, where salaries are at their highest. That said, even newer teachers with degrees can find tax-free entry-level wages that are still highly competitive.

Here, we’ll explore how much you can earn as an English teacher in the UAE, what you’ll need on your CV, and the different kinds of jobs available to TEFL teachers.

What do I need to teach English in the UAE?

As promised, we’ll cover the types of teaching salaries you can earn in the UAE. Before we do that, though, you need to know what to have on your CV/resume .

You’ll need:

• A degree : A bachelor’s degree is necessary for teaching jobs in state schools and language centres. Private schools, universities, and international schools will require a master’s degree and sometimes even a PhD!
• A TEFL certificate : A TEFL course lasting 120 hours is the industry standard. To land more specialised roles with higher salaries, it pays to have advanced TEFL certification in Business English or English for Academic Purposes .

Experience and a teaching licence - such as a QTS in Britain, or a state teaching licence in the USA - may be necessary for specific jobs. You don’t need to be a native English speaker, though some employers prefer to hire applicants from English-speaking countries. Some basic Arabic can be valuable, but fluency is very rarely required.

What do TEFL teachers earn in the UAE?

So, what do TEFL teachers in the UAE typically earn?

On average, a full-time salary for an English teacher in the UAE is around AED 14,378 - 14,625 (£3,025 - £3,076 / $3,914 - $3,981) . Private tutoring can earn teachers an additional AED 150–300 per hour (£31 - £62 / $41 - $82) , with significant demand in major metropolitan areas like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

An important note: salaries can differ by region. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have far more international schools than other parts of the UAE, with Al-Ain a distant third. Equally, the UAE’s universities are more commonly found in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The cost of living is also higher in these major metropolitan areas, so wages are typically higher.

Which jobs pay the most?

Like any other TEFL destination, the UAE can offer teachers differing salaries based on where they teach. Let’s examine the options and see what salaries and benefits are available.

Public schools

In the UAE, English is taught as a second language from a very young age. Teachers can find opportunities working with young learners from pre-school age to the end of secondary education.

Jobs in the UAE’s public school system typically offer a salary of around AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per month (£2,052 - £4,105 / $2,722 - $5,445), as well as benefits including flights, assistance with visa fees, accommodation and bonuses.

Private schools

Independently run schools are widespread across the UAE. Teachers with qualifications including a master’s degree (preferably in English or a related subject), TEFL certification , and previous teaching experience can earn highly lucrative salaries.

A typical salary for a full-time English teacher in one of the UAE’s many private schools is slightly higher than that of state schools, ranging from around AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 (£2,463 - £5,131 / $3,267 - $6,806) per month.

International schools

International schools offer the highest teaching salaries outside of top university positions. The typical starting salary in an Emirati international school is around AED 18,000 - 26,000 (£3,695 - £5,337 / $4,900 - $7,078).  

To earn a living at an international school in the UAE, you’ll usually require a master’s degree, one or more forms of TEFL certification, and prior teaching experience. There are a considerable number of international schools in the UAE , where pupils from all over the world learn in English.

Language centres

TEFL-certified teachers without significant experience can find well-paid work in the UAE’s language centres . English is the most popular foreign language in the United Arab Emirates, which is good news for TEFL teachers who earn an average of AED 8,000 to AED 18,000 (£1,642 - £3,695 / $2,178 - $4,900) . 

These salaries vary more than with other teaching roles, as each language centre is an independent business. TEFL teachers with more qualifications and experience will likely earn a higher salary.

Universities and Colleges

University and college teaching jobs in the UAE offer excellent salaries. A typical salary for an English lecturer in the UAE is between AED 15,000 and AED 25,000 monthly (£3,088 - £5,147 / $4,084 - $6,806) . University and college roles for TEFL teachers are diverse, including helping with curriculum design, supporting students with academic English , and other types of student support.

Private tutoring and freelancing

A standard hourly rate for TEFL tutoring is about AED 150 to AED 300 (£31 – £62 / $41 – $82) , depending on your qualifications, experience, and the students you work with.

There's a strong demand for one-on-one English lessons, especially from professionals looking to learn Business English , students , and families looking for extra TEFL teaching. A TEFL certificate is necessary, while advanced TEFL certification in specific learning areas will help you find students more easily.

Benefits and total compensation packages in the UAE 

Teaching abroad in the UAE can pay well, but it doesn’t end there. Teachers with TEFL certification, experience and a degree can receive excellent benefits. There’s no income tax in the UAE, which is a huge boost, but Emirati employers use other incentives to entice teaching talent.

Here are some of the benefits for English teachers across the UAE:

• Accommodation: It’s normal for TEFL teachers in the UAE to receive either partially or fully furnished accommodation upon arrival. 
• Flight reimbursement: Many schools cover your airfare when moving to the UAE and may include a flight home for holidays.
• Performance bonuses: Private schools and international institutions sometimes offer bonuses for strong classroom results. Exam season is the best time for this.
• Medical insurance: Most schools include a health insurance package in their contracts. Non-nationals must pay for health insurance ; arranging it will usually be part of the visa process. 
• Annual bonuses: Depending on the institution, you may qualify for a yearly bonus.
• School for dependents: Some independent schools offer free or discounted tuition for your children.

How much does it cost to live in the UAE?

By international standards, the cost of living in the UAE is rather high, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, locations geared towards high-end travel and luxury. However, as we’ve covered, tax-free salaries in the UAE more than match living costs.

What’s the cost of living in Abu Dhabi ? A one-bedroom apartment costs about £1,044 / $1,380 per month . If you venture outside the most popular renting areas, you can expect to spend about £777 / £1,027 monthly . The cheapest rent we could find in Abu Dhabi was around AED 4,200 (£862 / $1,142) monthly .

Monthly bills cost, on average, around £109 / $144 . The UAE also has fast, reliable internet . That’s ideal if you plan to supplement your income through teaching English online. Internet bills cost about £79 / $104 , depending on your provider.

How to maximise your salary in the UAE

Want to boost your income while teaching in the UAE? Here’s how:

Advanced qualifications

Advanced TEFL certification is a great way to earn more as an English teacher. Specifically, TEFL certification in Exam Preparation and Business English can lead to more opportunities.

Networking is everything

In the UAE, relationships are crucial. Networking can help you build a community and potentially lead to higher-paying jobs. 

TEFL forums on Reddit , TEFL conferences , LinkedIn , Facebook - you can use plenty of in-person and online tools. Salaries are fantastic in the UAE, but word of mouth is still the most valuable currency for TEFL teachers.

Is the UAE on your TEFL bucket list?

If you meet the requirements and are enticed by the salaries and benefits, the UAE might just be perfect for you.

There’s desert heat , a fine educational infrastructure, plenty of work opportunities and tax-free salaries for qualified, confident teachers. If you’re keen on building a sizeable savings pot and living in one of the world’s most emergent economies, the UAE is crying out for your talents!

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