The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), formerly known as Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), is in charge of developing and executing new and up-to-date educational strategies, policies, and agendas that aspire to improve schooling in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The government office also bears the responsibility of supporting educational institutions and faculty members in a way that helps carry out the aims and aspirations of national development. Foreign teachers can look forward to working with teachers from diverse regions including not only Emirati nationals but Western and Arabic migrant teachers as well. The faculty in any known Abu Dhabi public school is comprised of approximately 15 - 40% foreign teachers.
Requirements for Teaching in Abu Dhabi
Teachers who are looking forward to work in Abu Dhabi must be accredited or licensed to teach in their region or state. All candidates applying to the public school program must present a criminal background check at the time of their in-person interview. Teaching credentials are necessary to be taken into consideration for a teaching job in Abu Dhabi. Teachers with an undergraduate degree alone and no teaching credentials will not be considered for a teaching position. Despite the fact that a certificate for Teaching English as a Second Language is helpful in a second language learning environment, it cannot be substituted for a teaching license.
Salary for Teachers in Abu Dhabi
Teachers in Abu Dhabi approximately earn between 12,000 to 20,000 AED, which depends on their experience and qualifications. That’s roughly $3,350-$5,500 USD per month. Teachers also enjoy a tax-free salary as one of the benefits of teaching in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Flight & Accommodation in Abu Dhabi
Apart from attractive salary, teachers in Abu Dhabi also enjoy a yearly round-trip fare and accommodation allowance. This is sometimes applicable for their spouse and children under 18 years of age. Most teachers are provided with accommodations within 45 minutes travel time to their school.
Holidays in Abu Dhabi
One of the benefits of being a teacher is the ample vacation time they have. School breaks are usually from July to August each year. Moreover, national holidays and Islamic holidays are also time-off for teachers in Abu Dhabi.
Structure of Classes in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi schools are split into four levels of education with the first level being kindergarten. The second level termed as “Cycle 1” consists of classes between grades 1-5. The third level “Cycle 2” is composed of classes between grades 6-9. Finally, the fourth level “Cycle 3" caters to students in grades 10-12. A class in Abu Dhabi will typically have around 20 – 30 students.
Teaching Subjects in Abu Dhabi
The subjects taught in Abu Dhabi public schools vary across the four levels of education. Teaching is independent through Cycles 1-3 of education. However, for a kindergarten class, a teacher normally works along with an Arabic co-teacher.
| Level | Subjects Taught |
| Kindergarten | English, math, and science |
| Cycle 1 (Grade 1-5) | English, math, and science |
| Cycle 2 (Grade 6-9) | ONE of the following: English, math, or science |
| Cycle 3 (Grade 10-12) | ONE of the following: English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology |
Quick Facts
Spread across 972.45 km2 of land, Abu Dhabi is home to a population of 921,000 making it the second most populous emirate of the UAE. The predominant environment surrounding Abu Dhabi is a hot desert climate.
The Capital Gate tower in Abu Dhabi is the world’s furthermost inclining man-made tower, leaning at 18 degrees which is four times greater than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Below is a comprehensive list of all teaching jobs in Abu Dhabi, including vacancies for english teacher, math teacher, music teacher, arabic teacher, arts teacher, chemistry teacher, elementary teacher, french teacher, ICT teacher, KG teacher, lecturer, nursery teacher, PE teacher, physics teacher, primary teacher, science teacher, principal, professor, librarian.