Science Teaching Jobs in Dubai

Salary for science teachers in Dubai

A science teacher’s salary in Dubai averages out at around 92,000 AED per annum, which equates to around £20,000. Senior roles, or teachers with more experience, may be able to receive more, with salaries heading north of £30,000, especially in private international schools, complemented by more generous benefit packages. It is also worth taking into consideration the fact that there is no income tax payable by workers in Dubai, meaning the money advertised as part of the job role is also the final amount of money you will take home each month.

Teaching experience and qualifications required

Depending on the role being advertised, chemistry, physics and biology teachers may need to meet a range of criteria in order to be eligible for the role. For example, not only may the school ask that you have a science related degree, but that you also have a couple of year’s classroom experience. In addition to this, the school may require you to have either PGCE or B.Ed qualifications. Science teachers who have not long qualified can also find opportunities in Dubai, with some roles only asking that you are an NTQ, although the salary and packages offered will understandably reflect this.

Legal requirements

Upon arriving in Dubai you will be required to organise a work visa as priority. However, in many cases the school you will be working for will be able to organise this on your behalf, making it easier for you to settle into the country. You will also have to undergo blood tests for HIV and hepatitis as part of this process, along with fingerprinting, which takes around two weeks to finalise.

The school will likely ask you to present original documentation of your education certificates to verify your experience and qualifications for the role. There are companies that can do this for you online, with the cost ranging between £100-£200.

STEM teaching in the UAE

The importance of STEM teaching in schools cannot be overstated as the opportunity to inspire the next generation’s science community begins in the classroom. STEM education in Dubai is slowly starting to appear in more public and private schools, with organisations like the Global Indian International School (GIIS) and Al Ebdaa Model School both introducing innovative teaching tools. These are supported by the Atlab STEM Academy who provide multi-tool activity kits include LEGO, videos, ICT, text and real-world learning activities to teach children from kindergarten age upwards.

Science education investment

Almost 15% of the UAE’s federal budget is allocated to the education sector, reflecting the importance of academic success in Dubai and the country as a whole (as a comparison the UK government spends around 4-5% of national income on education). This can be seen in many science classrooms across Dubai and beyond, giving children of all ages access to vital tools that will aid their learning, development and post-education careers. Prestige schools with larger budgets will be able to invest in more diverse and innovative learning tools, but most schools in Dubai can be relied on to provide access to good scientific laboratories and equipment. Schools often have a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) requirement alongside powerful WiFi designed to ensure that UAE schools are comparable to others around the world. This can mean you can create science lessons utilising technology which you may not have been able to do back in the UK.

Classroom culture in Dubai

Many schools in Dubai believe that education extends beyond the classroom. The aim is to build strong communities and networks that nurture children’s full range of abilities and learning potential. Teachers are typically expected to participate in some form, offering extra curricular activities for children to take up during and after school has finished. This is an integral part of Dubai teaching culture and while different from expectations in the UK, it can be very rewarding and also reflect well on your character and career opportunities. For science teachers, this could come in the form of a robotics class or astrology lesson, this will of course depend on what the school allows and encourages.

One thing teachers need to be aware of in Dubai is that a large portion of the population is transient meaning that many students may not see through the entire year. This can be challenging when planning your full year, but you should seek the necessary advice from your school on this issue.