Hundreds of jobs are on offer at private schools in the UAE, with the new academic year to start in August.
There are about 700 roles advertised in Dubai, more than 130 in Abu Dhabi, and dozens of vacancies in the Northern Emirates, according to Tes, formerly known as The Times Educational Supplement. Major UAE school developers such as Gems and Taaleem are on the lookout for teachers.
How are UAE schools recruiting amid a global shortage?
School operators are looking farther afield than they have in the past to search for skilled professionals amid a global teacher shortage. Unesco’s global report on teachers in 2024 revealed an urgent need for 44 million primary and secondary teachers by 2030. Global attrition rates, which measure employees' departures, among primary school teachers have practically doubled from 4.62 per cent in 2015 to 9.06 per cent in 2022.
Gems Education is looking for trained teachers through recruitment initiatives in so-called feeder countries, such as Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. Dave Coakley, senior vice president of human resources at Gems Education, said the group aimed to finish recruiting staff by June, in time for the new academic year.
“We recruit from every corner of the planet and in recent years have expanded our search for great teaching talent to new and emerging markets and increased our presence in places like Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as New Zealand and Australia going forward," said Mr Coakley.
"India has long been a major recruitment country for us, plus the UK, US and Canada. We use the latest technology to find our way as quickly as possible to top talent.
“We hold regular visits to the feeder countries to hold face-to-face meetings with our shortlisted candidates from overseas and have found this still the most effective way of ensuring we find the right teachers for our schools.”
Taaleem, a major school developer in the Emirates, has launched its 2025 recruitment campaign, which includes hosting and attending international recruitment fairs, such as recent events in the United States for US curriculum teachers, and an upcoming fair in London for UK-trained educators.
Taaleem also organises an annual UAE Recruitment Fair, where school leaders meet prospective candidates.
“In response to the global teacher shortage, the group has taken a proactive, global approach, recruiting talent from various regions and across multiple curriculums [US, British and International Baccalaureate]," said Maryam Ali, head of human resources at school operations at Taaleem.
“Taaleem also focuses on supporting teacher well-being and professional growth to retain high-calibre staff, recognising that retention is just as crucial as recruitment in addressing workforce shortages. In light of the global teacher shortage, Taaleem regularly conducts market analyses to maintain highly competitive compensation packages.
"While exact salary figures remain confidential, Taaleem’s benefits typically include professional development and career advancement opportunities, wellness programmes, education allowances, as well as furnished accommodation and travel allowances for overseas hire. This comprehensive approach aims to both attract and retain talented educators in an increasingly competitive global market.”
What kind of jobs are on offer?
There are openings for vacancies across the country for teachers specialising in sciences, maths and languages. For a majority of openings, applications are due by the end of January and work will start in August.
Typically, requirements for a new teacher include an internationally recognised teaching qualification (such as a bachelor’s degree in education, PGCE, or an equivalent certification) and relevant subject or curriculum expertise. Specific criteria vary by position and curriculum, but schools expect teachers to have a strong subject knowledge, effective classroom management skills, and a commitment to professional development.
What salaries can teachers expect?
Some major private school groups have reassessed teacher’s salaries and benefits to keep up with an increased cost of living.
"Taaleem have been really responsive to the changing sort of picture of Dubai in terms of the cost of living rise and have recalibrated their package offering in terms of the housing benefits for all teachers, not just for new teachers, but all teachers over the last couple of years, which has been really great, I think, to make sure that we remain competitive in the market," said Amy Falhi, founding principal at Dubai British School Mira, which will open this year.
"I think that already sets us in good stead for applicants coming in. For teachers, the salary is really important, but I think it's also really important for teachers to know that they're working somewhere where they feel valued and they're going to be developed as practitioners as well."
At private schools, salaries vary but typically teachers can expect to make between Dh9,000 and Dh14,000 ($2,450 to $3,812) a month, depending on experience and qualifications. Top-end private schools tend to pay between Dh16,000 to Dh17,000 a month, plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000.
Entry-level public school teachers can expect a salary of Dh4,000 to Dh13,500, which can go up to about Dh23,000 for experienced teachers. They also get housing allowances.
Head of school reveals challenges of hiring staff
Ms Falhi said her school needed to hire 40 to 50 staff members in the next few months. "We've had around 3,000 applications for those roles, which has been quite good, but the quality of the candidates has been strongest from within the UAE," she said. "Most of the people that we're interviewing are actually from within the UAE, rather than globally."
In its first year, the school will open from foundation stage one to year six. "Our biggest challenge right now is finding high quality specialist teachers," she added. "So art, music and languages are more limited in terms of the number of applications that come in through and then the number of quality applications that are coming through as well, versus a typical primary classroom teacher, where the field is much stronger."
She said Taaleem would organise a recruitment fair in London in January, with another to take place in the UAE, which would present opportunities for school officials to meet candidates.
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie
Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)
Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More by Adrian Harte
Jawbone Press
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Healthcare spending to double to $2.2 trillion rupees
Launched a 641billion-rupee federal health scheme
Allotted 200 billion rupees for the recapitalisation of state-run banks
Around 1.75 trillion rupees allotted for privatisation and stake sales in state-owned assets
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sav%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Purvi%20Munot%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24750%2C000%20as%20of%20March%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
yallacompare profile
Date of launch: 2014
Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer
Based: Media City, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: 120 employees
Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)
Teams in the EHL
White Bears, Al Ain Theebs, Dubai Mighty Camels, Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Scorpions and Vipers
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Company%C2%A0profile
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E299hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E420Nm%20at%202%2C750rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12.4L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh157%2C395%20(XLS)%3B%20Dh199%2C395%20(Limited)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
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WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Looming%20global%20slowdown%20and%20recession%20in%20key%20economies%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Russia-Ukraine%20war%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Interest%20rate%20hikes%20and%20the%20rising%20cost%20of%20debt%20servicing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Oil%20price%20volatility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Persisting%20inflationary%20pressures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Exchange%20rate%20fluctuations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shortage%20of%20labour%2Fskills%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20A%20resurgence%20of%20Covid%3F%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
