Schools across the UAE are actively recruiting more than 700 teachers in preparation for the upcoming academic year starting at the end of August, as reported by The National. The majority of these vacancies are in Dubai, with a significant number also in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. According to Tes, formerly The Times Educational Supplement, Dubai leads with nearly 500 roles, followed by over 150 in Abu Dhabi, and several dozen in Sharjah.
Prominent educational groups like Gems Education, Taaleem, Bloom Education, and Aldar are seeking to fill a wide range of positions. Specific roles include a music teacher and head teacher at Dubai British School Emirates Hills, a head of creative arts at Sunmarke School, and a director of performing arts and sport at Gems Wellington International School. Arcadia Global School and Al Rabeeh Academy are also on the lookout for assistant heads and a head of maths, respectively. The deadline for many of these applications is set for the end of January.
A particular challenge noted by Talat Goldie, HR director at Taaleem, is the scarcity of maths and science teachers, a sector where demand significantly exceeds supply. Many graduates in these fields opt for more lucrative careers, leaving a gap in the education sector. Some schools are offering higher salaries, up to Dh3,000 a month more, to attract qualified staff for these subjects.
Despite the challenges, there’s a growing interest among teachers worldwide to relocate to the UAE. Taaleem alone aims to hire between 450 and 500 teachers, with plans to hold recruitment fairs in both the UK and the UAE. According to Ms. Goldie, the allure of the UAE, competitive salary packages, and the current global cost-of-living issues contribute to the heightened interest.
For prospective teachers considering the move, managing expectations is crucial. The role demands dedication and hard work, with long hours extending beyond the school day. However, the rewards, including tax-free competitive salaries, housing allowances, and other benefits, make the UAE an attractive destination for educators globally. Salaries vary, with top-end schools offering up to Dh17,000 per month, plus housing allowances, whereas teachers in some Indian schools might earn around Dh3,000 a month.